January 2016

Dear ,

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. Thank you for your prayers and messages. We treasure your support and partnership in missions.

Love

Tom and Claudia

European FINISH Conference

In September, Claudia and I attended the European FINISH Challenge Conference in Budapest, hosted by Dr. Tim Hill and the World Missions Department. Other speakers included Mitch Corder (TN), John Morgan (FL), and Michael McDermott (MD).

The timing of the conference coincided with the flood of Syrian refugees entering the EU via Hungary. prompting the European leaders to craft a plan to address the mass migrant and refugee crisis that is currently facing Europe. A report can be read here.

Moscow Seminary Update

The Eurasian Theological Seminary in Moscow began its fall semester in September. We had expected a full cohort for the coming semester in the residential program, but the economic sanctions have impact and we had some last minute no-shows. But we still had 15 new students in the profession/mission program. Plus we have increased the number of one-week (undergraduate) intensives this semester, having six seminars. The second year of the joint-venture program with Word of Life school continues. And we have begun a new Master's program with 20 students.

Ukrainian / Russian Conferences

At the Ukraine National Assembly which was held in Nova Kakhovka, Tom was joined by representatives of the German Church of God and its benevolence work, Samaritan Ministries. Also on the trip was a former schoolmate of mine - retired Navy Chaplain John Gordy. Because of the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine, we have seen several new developments: chaplaincy opportunities in the military (in which the Church of God is playing a major leadership role), a front-line missionary school, and the increased need for humanitarian aid throughout the region.

One of the major highlights was the credentialing ceremony in which more than 40 individuals celebrated their advancement in ministry. Also Bishop Alexei Demidovich was reelected to serve as the national overseer. After the conference, Tom stayed for in Nova Kakhovka for the weekend to speak at a local conference and service in the local church.

Two weeks later, the Russian Assembly was held at the seminary in Moscow. This was the first major event hosted at the seminary in its new chapel. Tom also spoke as one of the evening speakers. One highlight was the welcoming of new ministers/churches into the Russian COG, in particular from the Crimean peninsula.

Siberia Mission

In November, Tom went to Siberia (where it was only - 20F/-29C, see picture to the right) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church in Minusinsk. Also during the trip, Tom visited a drug rehab center where we have about 10 men enrolled in the program, shared with the district pastors, and spoke at a church in Abakan among Khakass believers (which is still considered an unreached people group).

In December I wrote an article about the finding lost people groups in Russia. Originally it was posted here, but an abbreviated version of it can also be found in the current issue of the Evangel.

Family News and Prayer Requests

By far the biggest news effecting our family was the sudden death of Claudia's father, Robert Schäfer, on December 20. Complaining of chest pains, he drove himself to the local hospital that quickly diagnosed his heart attack and was transferred to the CCU. Three days later he had a second heart attack and died shortly after emergency surgery. The funeral took place on December 29. Claudia and I are grateful for the many condolences that came from family and friends in the States.

Thank you also for keeping our children in your prayers. Kevin has joined the army and is currently serving in Donaueschingen and Karlsruhe. Colin is fulfilling a one-year FSJ (frei soziales Jahr) at a local Christian private school. Once completing this, he'll be eligible for college. Brianna is doing great in the 9th grade in the local school here in Rudersberg. She continues to love Royal Rangers and singing.

Prayer Requests

First, our children's spiritual development. Our kids face the same peer pressures and other issues like other teenagers. Please pray with us for their continued spiritual growth and good Christian peers. The individual needs are too great to list here, but each child is facing his/her own challenges.

Second, our eternal project in Moscow is recruiting students and finances. Please pray for spiritual development of the current cohort as wll the right crop of new students for the coming year.

Third, please pray for peace in eastern Ukraine. Although there is technically a cease-fire in place, there have been deadly firefights consistently throughout the region. Fortunately, our church has been able to train chaplains and short-term front-line missionaries.

Tom and Claudia Rosson

are missionaries with the Church of God. Should you wish to support them please use their missionary account number (061-0004) when making your contribution, either through your church or directly through

Church of God World Missions

PO Box 8016

Cleveland, TN 37320

Or call toll-free 1 (800) 345-7492.

Or through a secure online donation by clicking this link to

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Rosson

In This Issue

European FINISH Conference

Moscow Seminary

Ukraine Russia Conferences

Siberia Mission

Family News and Prayer Request

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Budget Update

During the past year, we have been mostly steady in receipts, thanks to a strong spring. But this late fall/early winter, our donations have gone down significantly. Currently we have less than two months in reserves with World Missions.

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