Our first winter youth camp at Transformation Christian Center (TCC) was from January 1-5. The reports I got were very positive with the exception of having limited space, which meant having to turn people away.  Since only the first floor is heated, 50 people made use of every available space while the dining hall quadrupled its functional use. The new sewer line got its first test and everything worked.

The weather wonderfully allowed ice skating, sledding, building snow sculptures and various games, with temperatures right around the freezing mark. There were 10 people at camp who either trusted Christ for salvation or rededicated their lives to Christ. On the last evening, 20-25 kids stood in front of everyone else and solemnly vowed to serve Christ. Please thank the Lord for His work during winter camp and pray for the teenagers who made life-changing decisions. 

The teenagers who went to winter camp also attend weekly HiBA (High School Born-Againers) Clubs in their churches.  Here, they are being challenged to live for God and for others, and not for themselves.  Many of them are having a daily quiet time with Bible reading and prayer, and also overcoming the fear of being identified with Christ in front of their friends.  There is a meeting planned for the Tambov HiBA Club leaders on Saturday (2/4) to equip them with materials for their groups this month, to train them, encourage them, and to provide fellowship with each other. Pray for these HiBA Club leaders to effectively bring their youth to a deeper relationship with the Lord.

-Rick Kirschman

This week, SEND US appointed six new missionaries to serve in six different SEND fields.

Stacey Lovett – going to Japan to serve in campus ministry and church planting.
Tim and Meaghan Hartman – becoming USO Mobilizers to recruit more people to join missions work.
Steve Schneider – going to Ukraine to serve in theological education.

Three other missionaries are preparing to serve in Albanian ministries, China and villages in Alaska.
 
Please join us in thanking God for more missionaries. And pray that they would be able to raise the necessary support so they can get to the field soon.

January 23 marked the start of chunjie or Spring Festival for our Chinese friends. This is the equivalent of Christmas to us and runs for 1-2 weeks. The atmosphere here is really very festive as all around we can see red lanterns and bright lights. Most shops are packed with people buying all sorts of things to bring to their loved ones back home. They would clean their houses and for those who have money will buy new furniture and clothes. They believe this act will bring good luck to them and drive out evil spirits. On the eve of the 22nd , each family will gather together for a big meal and then children/students or those who aren’t yet working are given hongbao or red envelope which contains money.

The biggest problem facing them right now is how to get home as most train stations, bus stations and even airports are packed with people all wanting to go home to be with their family. There were reports that some people even spent more than 30 hours in the train station only to be told that all tickets were sold out. This is really sad as most of these people have not seen their families back home in the village for more than a year.

Please help me remember them especially the ones who may not be able to come home at all, that the Father will comfort them and continue to open their hearts. For those who have gone home or are traveling, that His traveling mercies be upon them and that they will be able to enjoy their time with their family.

The DPB House Winter Retreat was snowless, but the energy coming from the house was AMAZING! My dad and I arrived on the last day of the retreat to pick up my son Joseph and his friend from school. I was blown away to see campers singing choreographed songs proclaiming, "only the Lord is God," reciting Bible verses that they had learned, and having a wonderful time together. Thank you for your prayers for the volunteer staff that did a fantastic job communicating the love of Jesus through their words and actions! Thank you for praying for the campers whose lives were impacted by God's word and this experience as they share: 

• "I liked everything about this retreat! The leaders are great, especially Mike.  The Bible stories inspired me. This place is really amazing and I would love to return!"
• "I loved the camp! It was awesome! ... I loved the games and the Bible study groups. The songs were great! I've learned a lot, a lot about courage. This is one of the best camps I've been to (at Severin)! It was a great experience."
• "This camp really awakened in me a longing for God and Jesus! I'm also thankful that I met new friends."

Please continue to pray for the campers, that they would put into action the things they learned.

SENDmedia has launched a new video series, Vision 119. “In America you’ll dial 911 but in Taiwan, if there’s an emergency, you’ll dial 119.” Vision 119 is an emergency call for more workers to help reach the lost of Taiwan by planting 60 churches in the least-reached areas.
 
This video series will take you on an exciting, high-definition tour of Taiwan, the Beautiful Island. You’ll meet people rescued from idol worship and watch the vision unfold as workers from around the world partner to reach the least-reached.

Watch the 50 second trailer now!