Greetings and Happy New Year again!!!

Well, I hope that some of you have reviewed 2005 and have decided (with God’s help) to change something’s in your life for 2006. So, how are those resolutions going? Still trying to stay healthy…pray more, or give more time in service to the Lord/His Church? I pray so – and really, I mean that – I am praying over my decision for change in 2006 and yours. You know, it’s like going to the Dentist and he says, “oh, you only have to brush the teeth that you want to keep” – same with your resolutions – “you only have to pray everyday for the ones you want to actually happen” (quote from Pastor Brian from Hidden Valley Church).

Now, I have added some pictures from a State Orphanage Christmas Project – this Orphanage is for children whose parents (or only parent) are in Prison. I worked with a local church (Grace Evangelical Church) here who has an outreach to that specific prison. They visit every week to do a Bible Study for their parents and want to reach out to the children as well. So, this youth group (the same one I am working with to help develop their leaders) prepared and did a wonderful presentation of the Gospel, with games, prizes – and of course – USED YOUR GIFTS AS THE WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR!!! Now, they are going to try to go to this Orphanage every week as well – and welcome more presentations of the Gospel…stories, skits, or whatever to entertain the kids there.

Afterwards, Lloyd and I treated the Youth Group to a nice meal for fellowship and they really enjoyed that – since they so rarely get to do that as a youth group, etc. (So you can see those pictures too).

Blessings,

Rick Schwendinger

PS – so far - $350.00 has been donated to my Car fund – please note that this orphanage is over 70 km out of Kiev, and wouldn’t have been possible without Lloyd driving his car which he is trying to sell – So, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for these gifts – we plan to go to help another State Orphanage with this Church – again about 30 km out of Kiev – renting a vehicle is just not practical or cost effective. So – please continue to pray for God’s provision in this area of ministry – and thanks for your gifts!!!