A New Semester
Our team gathered this morning for a first and a last.
It was the first real staff meeting of the semester. It was also the last time our team, in its current format, will meet this year. Dan and Rachel are heading back to the U.S. for a few months as they wait for the birth of their next child, affectionately and temporarily named "Blueberry". They get back in mid-May, but Kim leaves for furlough in early May. So, as crazy as this sounds, this is the last time all of us will be around for a staff meeting this year.
Despite the nostalgia of "one last time together" we were able to hammer out some plans for the semester and I'm really excited about them. Whether you are a student involved in our English clubs or one of the several people who pray for us, or just some stranger that stumbled upon this blog I'm excited to share the plans we have for the Spring Semester.
English Clubs
We're going to continue with our English Clubs. It was a hit last semester and we want to grow in depth and breadth this semester. We brainstormed some topics to touch on and came up with some really exciting ideas. We hope to talk about things like authentic masculinity; romantic relationships and marriage; developing a career; what is right, wrong and just different; justice and maybe more. We also hope to bring in some guest speakers and recruit a few students to take up the mantle of leadership this semester. Like I said, we're excited to see it grow.
Civic Assistance
Personally, my favorite thing we did last semester was partner with a local non-profit called Civic Assistance http://www.refugee.ru/ and http://kids.refugee.ru/ (it's all in Russian, but google has a widget that can translate for you). We wanted to connect the students we were working with at the English club to the refugee children who receive tutoring from the volunteers at Civic Assistance. We hosted two different events, one focused on nutrition and healthy-food choices, the other on self-esteem and who we are as individuals. The third event was a New Year's Party that was pretty hectic and crazy, but still fun. One of the big goals in every event we did is that we don't want to patronize the kids, we want to empower them.
This is derived from the very way that Jesus served us. He didn't pity us and just give a handout then walk away. No, he got his hands dirty and entered into relationships with people, giving of himself rather than giving spare change. Sure, material things are needed sometimes, but that doesn't affect a life in the long-run, only relationships provide the avenue for life-change. That's what we're hoping for. We want to empower, not entertain; restore dignity, not enable. I think the kids we worked with were responding to that. At least I hope so. It's still in its infancy stage, it's a trial run, so we'll see how we develop it this semester. I'm also really excited about seeing where God takes us in this relationship this semester.
Projects
We are also hosting a couple special projects this spring and summer. A group of students from the University of Utah are coming in March and a larger group from all over the US are coming for a month in June. These always take a lot of work on our part in set-up, visa applications, housing, etc. But, they are a lot of fun once they get going. The students bring a fresh perspective and refreshing energy with them that is always well-received. We're currently thinking of ways to best use their talents and time when they come. It should be great.
Personally
We've lived in Moscow for three years and have hardly taken advantage of the theatrical offerings the city holds. It is one of my hopes for the semester that I make time to go see the play "Uncle Vanya" by Chekov. I've read it in English and liked it, but it seems like it's a classic play that I need to see. So that's on the list. I'd also like to take in a ballet showing this spring if we can afford it and maybe even a hockey game.
Of course, we both want to deepen our relationships with our friends here and the students we work with. That's a major focus for the semester: investing in people, building relationships, loving others like God loves us.
On a final note
As alluded to in our latest newsletter, we know that change is coming for us. Over the last several years I (Dave) have gravitated more towards mercy ministries and administrative roles. I've found that I can exercise more of my spiritual gifts (mercy, administration, teaching) and strengths (arranging, significance, activator) when serving in those capacities. What that change is exactly (in terms of a new role) we're not sure and where that might take us in the long-run we don't really know yet. We are open to whatever the Lord might have for us and are praying about it. We want to invite you into this and pray through this with us. We do know that our "calling" hasn't changed. That calling is to love God and love people by living intentionally and building God's Kingdom using all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. That's not changing. We are asking God what changes He might want to bring our way this new year. We'll see where we go from here.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying!
Our team gathered this morning for a first and a last.
It was the first real staff meeting of the semester. It was also the last time our team, in its current format, will meet this year. Dan and Rachel are heading back to the U.S. for a few months as they wait for the birth of their next child, affectionately and temporarily named "Blueberry". They get back in mid-May, but Kim leaves for furlough in early May. So, as crazy as this sounds, this is the last time all of us will be around for a staff meeting this year.
Despite the nostalgia of "one last time together" we were able to hammer out some plans for the semester and I'm really excited about them. Whether you are a student involved in our English clubs or one of the several people who pray for us, or just some stranger that stumbled upon this blog I'm excited to share the plans we have for the Spring Semester.
English Clubs
We're going to continue with our English Clubs. It was a hit last semester and we want to grow in depth and breadth this semester. We brainstormed some topics to touch on and came up with some really exciting ideas. We hope to talk about things like authentic masculinity; romantic relationships and marriage; developing a career; what is right, wrong and just different; justice and maybe more. We also hope to bring in some guest speakers and recruit a few students to take up the mantle of leadership this semester. Like I said, we're excited to see it grow.
 |
| Dan talking about the Christmas story during our latest English Club |
Civic Assistance
Personally, my favorite thing we did last semester was partner with a local non-profit called Civic Assistance http://www.refugee.ru/ and http://kids.refugee.ru/ (it's all in Russian, but google has a widget that can translate for you). We wanted to connect the students we were working with at the English club to the refugee children who receive tutoring from the volunteers at Civic Assistance. We hosted two different events, one focused on nutrition and healthy-food choices, the other on self-esteem and who we are as individuals. The third event was a New Year's Party that was pretty hectic and crazy, but still fun. One of the big goals in every event we did is that we don't want to patronize the kids, we want to empower them.
 |
| One of our students dressed as "Ded Moroz" at the New Year's party |
This is derived from the very way that Jesus served us. He didn't pity us and just give a handout then walk away. No, he got his hands dirty and entered into relationships with people, giving of himself rather than giving spare change. Sure, material things are needed sometimes, but that doesn't affect a life in the long-run, only relationships provide the avenue for life-change. That's what we're hoping for. We want to empower, not entertain; restore dignity, not enable. I think the kids we worked with were responding to that. At least I hope so. It's still in its infancy stage, it's a trial run, so we'll see how we develop it this semester. I'm also really excited about seeing where God takes us in this relationship this semester.
Projects
We are also hosting a couple special projects this spring and summer. A group of students from the University of Utah are coming in March and a larger group from all over the US are coming for a month in June. These always take a lot of work on our part in set-up, visa applications, housing, etc. But, they are a lot of fun once they get going. The students bring a fresh perspective and refreshing energy with them that is always well-received. We're currently thinking of ways to best use their talents and time when they come. It should be great.
 |
| The Coats family during a Christmas party |
We've lived in Moscow for three years and have hardly taken advantage of the theatrical offerings the city holds. It is one of my hopes for the semester that I make time to go see the play "Uncle Vanya" by Chekov. I've read it in English and liked it, but it seems like it's a classic play that I need to see. So that's on the list. I'd also like to take in a ballet showing this spring if we can afford it and maybe even a hockey game.
Of course, we both want to deepen our relationships with our friends here and the students we work with. That's a major focus for the semester: investing in people, building relationships, loving others like God loves us.
On a final note
As alluded to in our latest newsletter, we know that change is coming for us. Over the last several years I (Dave) have gravitated more towards mercy ministries and administrative roles. I've found that I can exercise more of my spiritual gifts (mercy, administration, teaching) and strengths (arranging, significance, activator) when serving in those capacities. What that change is exactly (in terms of a new role) we're not sure and where that might take us in the long-run we don't really know yet. We are open to whatever the Lord might have for us and are praying about it. We want to invite you into this and pray through this with us. We do know that our "calling" hasn't changed. That calling is to love God and love people by living intentionally and building God's Kingdom using all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. That's not changing. We are asking God what changes He might want to bring our way this new year. We'll see where we go from here.
Thanks for reading and thanks for praying!
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