Prestoncrest Missions

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Because of your expressions of concern for Ann and Elise, and their recent health problems, I am placing our family news first in this issue. We thank every one of you who have phoned, sent cards, and who continue to pray about these matters.

FAMILY NEWS
Just as the last newsletter was about to be sent out, Ann was diagnosed as having a Melanoma on the left side of her face. She had not suffered in the least with it, and only thought it was a normal age spot. Elise, our daughter, kept urging her to have it seen by a specialist, and we are so thankful she did. After the area was removed, she spent a week with an open wound about the size of a silver dollar, waiting for the results of the biopsy. She could not go out much at all, but thankfully, both the scan and biopsy showed no spreading of the Melanoma. At the end of October, the area was closed and stitched, with a bit of plastic surgery as well to prevent long term scarring. Last week, the stitches were removed and Ann continues to have regular checkups, both with the specialist, and with the Oncologist, who is also a member of the Church where
we worship.

Elise was in hospital for three days with a cyst and the related infection. Her abdomen was inflamed, and she was in severe pain when she went to the emergency room. After being pumped full of antibiotics in the hospital, and taking a course of them when after she was released, she seems to be getting back to her usual effervescent self. Later this month, she must have another ultrasound to see if the cyst is completely dissolved.

On 5 September, Ann had a car crash, when a woman knocked her into the oncoming lane. Thankfully, she was not injured. As the police did not fault either party, we have been dealing with insurance claims and deductibles, both for this and for the above mentioned health care needs. After six weeks of repairs, we finally got the car back! If it is God’s will, we pray that our lives will be more “normal” for some time to come. God’s people really shine during a crisis, and we thank Him for each of you who have shown concern for our family. Please continue to pray for us and of course, for this ministry as well.

MINISTRY NEWS
Following the state level Bible camp in south India, which God allows us to fund, six people were baptized into Christ. I mentioned this in the last letter, but also want to let you know that two more are about to put on Christ, and several more are studying God’s Word. All of these new Christians worship in various congregations of the Church, and continue to grow in our Lord. We pray for another harvest of souls during both the district and state level Bible camps for the blind, scheduled before the end of this year.

A brother in Ghana has written, asking for English Bibles on cassette, and as I write this, we have seven boxes ready to send to him. He is beginning a work with blind people in that nation.

Surely one of the highlights of the year for me, was the World Mission Workshop; this year it was held at Oklahoma Christian University (OCU). Students from the US, Canada, plus several other nations, gathered to explore the countless mission possibilities and needs in our world. These events are certainly among my favorite, as I have the opportunity to learn about various mission fields, and to tell others about this ministry to the blind! Several people came to chat after I spoke to a class on 26 October. One lady is a Christian from Uzbekistan. We are in touch and I am exploring the possibility with her of getting the scriptures to blind people in that Ex Soviet Republic, which is largely nominally Moslem. Another lady who has blind parents also came to discuss this outreach. Because I can’t see, I tend to minimize the value of pictures. Sadly, I did not get any photos of this wonderful mission weekend, but I plan to begin carrying a digital camera in my laptop case, so others can take pictures for the newsletter for me.

Since I last wrote to you, I have become involved in a prayer meeting and Bible group on the internet, with several blind people. We use the program called Skype, which allows up to ten people to meet at one time. Please ask God to bring results from these meetings. I have already sent out four electronic, talking bibles, and have three more to send out this week. God’s providence is working through this method of teaching.

With all the above mentioned health problems, I have not been to see as many of you as I would have liked, but Ann and I thank each of you for the wonderful warmth and hospitality you have shown us wherever we did go. Your kindness is surely a memorial to your Faith.

FINANCIAL NEWS
As I mentioned in the last letter, we are scheduled to lose our health insurance in May 2010, and are looking for a source or sources to help us continue it. At this time in particular, it is urgent that we not let it lapse. If you know of any congregations or individuals who may be able to help with this need, please let me know. I am beginning to look for help now, so that we can find someone before the date gets too near.

After December of this year, we are to lose $150 of support from two families, who are no longer able to continue helping. We thank God for all they have done, and we ask Him to help us recover this loss. An expanding ministry, family needs, and ever increasing prices in all areas make it necessary for us to constantly look for new sources of support. Although I absolutely detest asking for funds, for the sake of this ministry and our ability to carry it out, we would be most grateful for any of God’s people who remember this outreach to the blind when doing estate planning.

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is here again. Over Christmas, we hope to have our family, plus dear friends from Ireland with us. Ann and I wish each of you a super and safe holiday season; one which you can celebrate with family, friends, and other brothers and sisters in Christ! We continue to thank our Lord daily for your kindness and generosity, and we pray that God will also lead you to others, so that you can teach them of His marvelous salvation.

With love and thanks in Christ,
Glynn, Ann, Andre and Elise Langston

Clyde & Gwen Antwine
2600 Shady Tree Lane
Edmond, OK 73013
(405) 478-3614
December 12, 2007

Dear Supporters and Co-Workers,

What an amazing 12 months we have experienced! Shortly after the beginning of the New Year our first great-grandchild, Ethan, made his entrance into the world …and truly he is great! His sweet smile would melt the coldest heart. God has also blessed us with various travel opportunities to visit supporters, to encourage workers, and to be personally involved in “hands on” mission work – teaching and preaching.

Ohio

In mid-April we visited two congregations in Ohio who have partnered with us in the German-speaking work in Europe for many years. Sunday morning, April 15, Clyde spoke at the Harmar Hill congregation in Marietta. That evening he spoke at another fine congregation in Groveport (a suburb of Columbus). We always look forward to our annual visit to the “Buckeye State” and visiting with these fine brethren.

Caracas, Venezuela

The first of May we flew to Caracas, Venezuela, to visit with our H.I.M. Worker, Jonathan Hanegan. Because of his dedication to God and his unusual Spanish language skills, we were not at all surprised to observe how useful he is, not only in Caracas, but also in other congregations in Venezuela, as well as other Spanish speaking countries such as Columbia and Bolivia.

What we did not expect was deeply bonding with the Christians in a short 5-day visit – this, in spite of our inability to personally converse in their language with them. We were warmly received, and felt so welcome in their assembly. Sunday morning, Clyde preached and Jonathan translated. And then, almost on the spur of the moment before we left the States, we were asked to do a Sunday afternoon marriage seminar. We were told that in Venezuelan culture, being married 50 years to the same spouse is almost unheard of – even among believers. The seminar went over well, and some stayed around afterwards to ask questions.

In August, a sister from Caracas visited us. Upon her arrival at the airport, one of the first things she said was, “When can you two come back and do a longer marriage seminar?” Who knows? Perhaps another trip to Venezuela just might be on our itinerary in the not too distant future.

Dresden, Germany

The end of May we left to begin our month-long stay in Dresden, Germany. We do not like to be negative, but in all of our almost 50 years of travel, we have never experienced so many flight delays, resulting in missing flight connections. In many other ways, Murphy’s Law was running rampant – both going and coming.

In spite of the nightmare travel experiences, the time in Dresden was both pleasant and profitable. Clyde taught the midweek Bible class and preached 3 of the 4 Sundays we were there. We also visited with contacts made in past years. We also spent time with the two missionary families – Randy & Brianna Carroll and Steve & Kristi Martin. And yes, we did a lot of loving on their sweet children. That may not seem to be such “a big thing,” but remember, missionary kids don’t usually have many opportunities to enjoy “Grandma and Grandpa loving attention” – and they need that! However, the parents of Kristi Martin were also in Dresden to help welcome their 2nd grandchild into the world and give some extra loving attention to their 5-1/2 year old granddaughter. If all goes as scheduled, Lord willing, we will spend a month in Dresden again next year assisting in the work..

Pan European Lectureship, Berlin, Germany

The end of July we returned to Germany, this time to Berlin to attend the Pan European Lectures. Clyde was asked to speak on the topic: “Developing Churches.” Renewing fellowship with Christians, some of whom we have known since we first arrived in Switzerland 48 years ago, was just wonderful. For us, the icing on the cake was getting to spend an afternoon with a wonderful couple from Dresden we met four years ago with whom we have been having Bible study through e-mail, and have developed a close friendship, They made a special effort, along with their grandson, to visit us one afternoon in Berlin. These two wonderful people certainly defy the stereotyped concept of Germans as cold, and hard to get to know. It was Gwen who initiated the first meeting with them, and we seemed to “click.” Our relationship has now taken on spiritual dimensions. Respecting their privacy, we will not mention them by name. We just ask that you pray for them.

Kigali, Rwanda

During part of October we spent eight days in Kigali, Rwanda, our first time to visit the continent of Africa. The primary reason for this extra long trip was to counsel with our two HIM workers, Caleb & Jenny Beck. Since their arrival in late April they have been diligent in learning “Kinjarwanda” – the official language of Rwanda, and surfacing contacts. We were amazed at the number of friends they have made in the short time they have been there, and doors continue to open for them.

We were very impressed with the people of Rwanda – they were so friendly to us. Due to the 1994 genocide, the average age, we were told, is between 30-35. This means that Gwen, with her beautiful silver hair, and Clyde, with his “lack” of hair, were celebrities. Seriously, there is an evident respect for age, and this was instrumental in engaging several in conversation.

One of the young Christians in Kigali, Charles Kabeza, has developed a way to reach out to orphans this Christmas providing gifts they otherwise would not receive. Charles, himself an orphan from the genocide, has a deep passion for orphans, and is hopeful of making this an ongoing ministry. For more information go to his website: http://xtramiles.org/

Teaching

During the spring semester at Oklahoma Christian, Clyde taught one course – The Local Church and Missions. In the fall semester, which just concluded, he taught: Biblical Mission Methods. Since the classes were small, he especially enjoyed personal interaction with the students. From this semester, one of his students, and her husband, have been recruited to serve two years with the HIM Program (Helpers in Missions) in Honduras.

HIM Program

Most of Clyde’s time now is spent directing the Helpers in Missions Program. This involves recruiting, interviewing and training those accepted into the program. It also involves keeping close contact with those on the field, including on-site visits – all of which is very time consuming. At this writing five have been accepted into this year’s group scheduled to go out next summer and that number could possibly increase. It should also be mentioned that Gwen does a lot of volunteer, behind-the-scenes secretarial work, which contributes to the program functioning more smoothly than it otherwise would.

And so, we continue to plug along. We are constantly amazed at how God continually opens doors of service in our lives. But, without support and prayers of many, we could not go through these doors. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel.

Gwen and I wish you a very “Merry Christmas” and God’s richest blessing throughout the New Year.

clyde.antwine@oc.edu
gwen.antwine@oc.edu

Clyde and Gwen Antwine

Dear Friends,

GOOD NEWS
This is just a short note to let you know that my colonoscopy was CLEAN. God is good! I am very thankful not to have to deal with more serious illness just now. My stomach seems to be doing better, too, and I am on a disciplined eating regiment that is likely to fatten me back up considerably! Thank you very much for you prayers and encouragement.

ETM
Several of you have asked again for a way to help financially with the continuation of the ETM training program. Thank you so much for wanting to help. The Lake Orion church in Michigan has set up a fund for that purpose and their elders will oversee the use of the funds. Checks marked “ETM-Germany” can be sent to the
Lake Orion Church of Christ
1080 Hemingway Road
Lake Orion, Michigan 48360.
Thank you.

MORE GOOD NEWS
In the last letter I failed to mention SIMONE. She is a delightful woman of about 40, a co-worker of RUDI, who through his influence has begun trying to find the Lord. She has been reading the whole Bible through and in September accepted Rudi’s invitation to come to our worship assembly for the first time. Actually, Jim’s death was her very first “church” experience. Since she lives about 1 ½ hours south of here by train, she thought she would try to come once a month, but after a couple of visits, she started coming weekly. One Sunday I asked her if she had questions and that led to a telephone Bible study which has now become a Monday evening appointment. I believe Simone is not at all far from the Kingdom. Please pray for her. Getting to share the Gospel with someone who wants to hear it is certainly the very best therapy for me, too!

Thanks again for your prayers and your caring. Gott mit euch!

Your fellow servant,
Elsa

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. You continue to be a great encouragement to me.  It seems like so long since I have written, though it has only been a few weeks. 

Since the funeral I have had a lot of bureaucratic things to take care of but most of that is now behind me. I’ve also had a number of health tests to avoid a surprise like we experienced with Jim. My blood work was really good, but the stomach test showed irregularities that even made my doctor nervous. Believe me, during the six days I waited for the pathological report I was a basket case.  I simply couldn’t keep my thoughts and feelings under control, and with the help of several of the Christians here, I spent those days crying my way through a soup of emotions that I wasn’t even aware were in me. Some of the thoughts were so silly, that I had to laugh even as I was expressing them, but there was no holding them back, and as draining as the whole thing was, I am in much better shape since than I was before.  Tomorrow I will be having a colonoscopy, but I think that the stomach experience will help me wait more calmly for the results -at least I hope so.  God continues to be very good to me but still I forget sometimes that He is in control regardless.

Bremen

The church is doing well. The men are taking turns preaching and teaching and are taking care to make decisions together and carefully.  Fortunately they already had experience in doing that and the general attitude in the church here is one of mutual respect even when opinions differ.  Though none has the Bible knowledge at hand that Jim had acquired over the years, they are dedicated to finding their answers in God’s Word and are trying to help each other in doing so.  Two of the men, Rudi and Florian, have arranged with their employers to reduce the number of hours they work so that they can do concentrated Bible study.  Rudi has already begun with a Bible class online, and in January, Florian will start studying one morning a week via Skype (internet) with the preacher in the city of Kiel where he comes from.  Florian and Rudi complement each other very well and together will be great assets to the church. 

ETM

I promised in the last letter to keep you informed about continuing ETM.  After some brainstorming via Skype and telephone conference calls, Larry, Stephan and I, who have been the ETM mentors up till now, along with our daughter Karin and her husband Christoph have scheduled the next ETM Basic Course for April 2008.  Larry will teach it and though we sent out the information only last week, we already have three people signed up and five more who are hoping to do so. Of course, there are a lot of things still to work out, but we are encouraged.  We have also invited all the past ETM-ers to a fellowship weekend in April at the close of the Basic Course to share with us and each other how ETM has affected their lives and serving, and to help us in the planning of future advanced courses.  I am very thankful that there are five of us to share the organizational load. All our different talents will be needed to make it work.

Sara and Frank

In the PrayerChain before we found out that Jim was sick, we mentioned Sara (40), who had been diagnosed with Leukemia, and Frank Z. in the church here who started taking an experimental treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.  I’m pleased to tell you that Frank is doing extremely well and uses only a fraction of the cortisone he used to take. 

Sara is still in the hospital and will be for several more months but has been responding well to treatment. I just found out, however, that she has developed pneumonia. Please pray again for her.

All in all, things are going along well for me except that I can never anticipate how a situation (or a subject I am talking about) will affect me. Even that is slowly improving, though, and I am actually able to concentrate on something other than myself sometimes now which gives me hope. Thank you again for your continued prayers and your words of encouragement.  You are of great comfort.  Gott mit euch!

Your fellow servant,
Elsa Springer

Sending the Light to Ukraine
Newsletter
December, 2007  

Atchisons in Ukraine Website

Please Check Out Our Web Site and Blog

The intent of this monthly newsletter is to inform you, our friends, family and supporters
of the major things going on at the Transitional Living Center. On our blog, we have
more personal stories about our individual activities, dealings with the kids, and things
that touch our heart a little more closely. To learn more about the goings on in our little
corner of Ukraine, please check out our web site often at
www.atchisonsinukraine.com.

Our Contact Info

Email:
Lance latchison@gmail.com
Debra debatchison@gmail.com

Internet Phone (A Dallas number, that calls our computer in Ukraine)
469.454.2166

Shipping Address (packages)
Kievsky Lane #4
Mariupol-2
Donetsk Oblast
Ukraine
87502

Mailing Address (letters)
P.O. Box 2101
Mariupol - 2
Donetsk Oblast
Ukraine
87502

More Technical Issues

We are once again experiencing technical issues with
out web site. This time, however, it is our fault.
Deb’s modem cable was accidentally stepped on and
pulled out of her computer. Therefore, we are not
able to update the web site until we get to a wireless
connection. More than likely, it will be the middle of
December before we can get somewhere with a wireless
connection or get the modem fixed.

TLC Kid Spotlight

Nina Agarkova
Nickname: Ninichska
Age: 18
Studying: Plastering
Birthday: July 23
Future Plans: Attend university and study accounting.

Two TLC Teens Get Baptized

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38

Vanya Becomes a Christian

Vanya had been thinking about becoming a Christian for two years. He had been wanting to do this for quite some time and felt the time was right. Before making this decision, he spoke with Sasha, the preacher at the local church. We are so proud of his decision to become a Christian and begin his walk with the Lord.

Natasha, A New Sister in Christ

Natasha had been thinking about becoming a Christian for about two months. She knows this is a very serious decision. She wants to live with Jesus Christ in a Christian family because she knows this makes her better. Praise God for her decision!

Thanksgiving Dinner

We May Get Dressed Up Occasionally, But We’re Still One Crazy Family

We celebrated our first major holiday as a married couple! How many people can say that they celebrated their first married holiday with their 11 children? We invited many folks to gather with us and celebrate the many gifts and blessings God has given us this past year. We had almost 50 people in attendance, including our large family, Lance’s Mom (known to the kids at Babushka.), Aunt Jerri, Friends, Betty Gildon and Dee Parker, several of the previous kids and graduates from the TLC, friends of our children, co-workers and guests from church. We cooked all day to share with our Ukrainian friends the traditional Thanksgiving foods. It was great to go around the room and hear about the many blessings that each person had to be thankful for. We were so thankful to be able to share this first holiday as husband and wife with such a wonderful group of friends and family. Once we get where we can update the web site, we will have several photos from this great evening online to share with you. It isn’t right to talk about Thanksgiving and not mention how thankful we are for each of you and your support so we can do the work which God has called us here to do. Thank you so much for your love, support, emails, calls and words of encouragement and support. You have richly blessed our lives!

A Much Welcomed & Needed Visit From Family & Friends

There are many things about home that we often miss and family and friends are what we miss the most. We were recently blessed with Diane Atchison (Lance’s Mom), Jerri Davis (Lance’s Aunt), Betty Gildon and Dee Parker (both longtime friends of the Atchisons) for about a week. We were so excited to see them as were the kids. We often share stories of our families from back home and pictures. So, the kids were looking forward to their visit as well. Before Aunt Jerri could barely get her coat off, we had her in the kitchen helping with a pancake problem. Betty was immediately known as “Crazy Betty” and gave many reasons for the kids calling her that including eating cat food that the kids had convinced her was “very tasty”. Of course, they were eating it as well. We promise we feed them three meals a day! It was requested of Dee that she make one of her famous cakes, which thankfully she did…with real icing! Diane was called Babushka (Grand-ma) and spoiled the kids as most grandmothers tend to do. For the two of us, we were just relieved that family and friends were here and could see what we do and go through here in Mariupol.

These four ladies came to us with card decks in hand. They love to play “Hand & Foot” when they are together. So, they taught us how to play and hopefully some day soon we can teach the kids. We did play “Mexican Train” - a domino game we were given as a wedding present, and taught a few of the kids how to play it. As is customary, we had Friday Family Fun Night while the ladies were here. They jumped right in and played with us all. We played a Ukrainian game called “Panas”. We have played it many times, but I don’t think any of the previous times comes close to the fun we had this night. In the game one person is blindfolded and calls out two numbers of people in the circle. Those two people switch places without being caught by the blindfolded person. It became quite comical as Babushka made several attempts to catch the kids. I can’t wait until we have web access so that we can upload the videos we took. Babushka has warned us that the videos need not appear on the web site, so you know they are going to be good. I’m so thankful that the kids we have now and the ones we will adopt in the future have a Grandmother (and friends) that are not afraid to get down on the floor and act silly with them. What a true blessing.

“Sew” Beautiful!

Each and everyone of our kids were given a quilt that the ladies hand-made. They were so shocked when the ladies walked out with 11 huge bags for them, even though they didn’t know what was in them. One by one they got to open their bags and find their quilt. They were so excited to find out what theirs looked like. They could hardly wait as they were anticipating what theirs would be. It is amazing to me that all the quilts really matched the personalities of the kids. The more outgoing kids got the bright colored quilts, the calm, patient ones got the calmer tones. After they opened their quilts, they were told that much love, hard work and long hours went into the making of each one. And, while they were being made, each child was thought about and prayed over! “Sew” amazing! Thank you ladies for such a wonderful blessing to each of our kids. They love their quilts and would probably wrap up in them to go to school if we would let them! Thank you for doing without a lot of different clothes on your cruise, so the kids could have their quilts. We know it was a lot to pack 11 quilts, but the smiles on their faces and the bright new colors on their beds makes it all worth it, in our opinion. We love you!

DINO & DEBBIE ROUSSOS
P.O. Box 70127 Glyfada, Greece 16610
Tel : 011 (30) 6944 344167
Fax : 011 (30) 210 8974405
E-mail : DinoRoussos@gmail.com

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today, in the town of David , a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

December 2007

Dear loved ones,

This is the time of year set aside for remembering our savior’s birth, a magnificent event that changed the world and history forever. He brought light and hope to a dark and lost world.

We will be spending Christmas in Greece this year. We will miss being with our children and grandchildren in the States, but it will be great to have Stephen with us for the holidays. We’ve been so blessed to have been able to have two consecutive Christmases with our whole family together. That takes some real coordination these days. Our little grandson, Jackson, was 1 ½ last Christmas, so it was so much fun watching him open gifts and see the delight on his face—especially when he saw his Elmo chair and, with wide eyes, he said (under his breath), “Melmo”.

Melody and Andy moved to the Dallas area this time last year and bought a home there. Since Dallas is where we base ourselves when in the States, it’s wonderful to have them there. Melody still works for Sprint/Nextel and telecommutes from home and Andy is the General Manager for a Pot Belly’s restaurant.

On May 7 (our wedding anniversary!) Melody gave birth to a baby girl, Zoe Brooklyn Feekes. Debbie was there in time for her birth and stayed for a couple of months to help out and enjoy the grandchildren. Melody and Andy are excellent parents and are raising their children to know and love God.

Dino was asked to perform a wedding in Dallas in June for a couple whom we have had a long friendship with. It was the first wedding he had performed in the U.S. , and it was an honor to be asked to take part. The timing of the wedding also gave him the opportunity to see the newborn baby.

Nikki and Matt still live in Atlanta , Georgia . Nikki is teaching first grade at Greater Atlanta Christian School and Matt is, currently, working for a Greek restaurant. They spent six weeks in Greece this summer. It was a combined pleasure and working holiday. They were looking at youth camps in Greece as a possible future ministry. We enjoyed having them with us for such a nice long time. They are both kindhearted and have such a desire to serve God and people.

While Nikki and Matt were visiting in Greece , they learned the very exciting news that they are expecting a baby! Nikki is six months pregnant now, with a baby girl. Debbie can’t wait to go in February to be present for the birth of this newest addition to the family.

Stephen is in his senior year at Abilene Christian University . He is planning to graduate by the end of the summer. He will need to take full loads both semesters and in the summer in order to accomplish that goal. He is now looking at graduate schools where he may continue his education in herpetology or environmental studies. He has become quite an advocate of the environment and Christian stewardship of the earth.

Stephen went to Ecuador for one month in the summer as part of a team under his ACU Biology professor. They were high in the Rain Forest of the Andes doing research on the small mammals of Ecuador . It was a great experience for him.

In September Dino and Debbie traveled back to the States to attend the Eastern European Missions Summit where Dino was one of the speakers. Fortunately, it was held in Dallas so we got to spend a little more time with Stephen and Melody, Andy, Jackson and Zoe. We were sorry Matt and Nikki were unable to come and join us there.

Last month, we went to Donetsk , Ukraine for one week. Dino was invited there to teach a course at the Ukrainian Bible Institute. Donetsk is a beautiful city, although very cold. There are many orphans in the Ukraine , so we took the opportunity to visit one of the state run orphanages. We also enjoyed seeing a performance of the “Nutcracker Suite” by a Russian ballet.

We keep in our prayers the American soldiers that are separated from their families during this happiest of all seasons while serving our country in dangerous places far away. We pray that God will protect them and bring them safely home and restore peace on Earth.

Merry Christmas to all of you and may God’s richest blessings be upon you.

Love,

Dino and Debbie