tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205161932024-03-18T22:58:12.677-05:00Hamm Prayer PointsA weekly bulletin of prayer requests, answered prayers, latest news and Russian trivia. Available online or by email.Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-7770536771247281052008-05-22T08:20:00.002-05:002008-05-22T08:42:10.840-05:00Hamm Prayer Points – Nina’s Miraculous Journey – 22|05|08<span xmlns=""><h2>God is so very good!
</h2><p>It has been almost seven months since Lena left to bring her mother Nina to Canada for a six-month visit. There were of course many highlights to Nina's visit, but there was no time more memorable than her past eight weeks. When Nina was admitted to hospital on March 16, we couldn't have imagined what would come next. After Nina's life-saving emergency triple by-pass we quickly recognized God's hand in leading Nina here, in having her extend her stay (she had been scheduled to return in early March) and in surrounding her with a community of His people.
</p><p>God provided for Nina's needs in miraculous ways. Through the incredible donation of the surgeons (providing all their services at no charge), through the generous reduction in fees from the hospital and through the overflowing kindness of friends, family & strangers (correction: brothers & sisters in Christ whom we simply have yet to meet!).
</p><p>We are thrilled to share with you that we have received <em>over 99% of the needed funds for Nina!!!</em> Here are the actual figures:
</p><p style="margin-left: 36pt;">Total Expenses: <strong>$14,582.44</strong>
Gifts Received: <strong>$14,480.00
</strong></p><p>Nina's expenses grew somewhat from the time of her surgery due to follow-up examinations and tests. While we do not anticipate many more expenses in her remaining two weeks, there may be a few minor ones. Regardless, we want everyone to know that Nina's expenses have now been covered and that any additional monetary gifts received will be used for Nina's future care.
</p><p>On Monday, June 2 at 12:20 in the afternoon, Nina will depart from Winnipeg and head for her home in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lena will accompany her and then return the following Monday. Before that, I will leave on a nine-day trip to Missouri for the A.C.E. International Student Convention. Our family would covet your prayers for the next 12 days as we prepare for our journeys, travel and cope with each other's absences.
</p><p>We have one final related note to share with you. It was just over five years ago that we put out the call for people to invest in an apartment for Nina. Many of you will recall that Nina had been living by herself in Omsk while we, her only family, resided in distant St. Petersburg. As a family we did not have sufficient funds to obtain a home for Nina, so we asked for people to help. More than two dozen families & individuals answered the call and provided enough money for us to bring Nina to St. Petersburg. Now, five years later, their investment has grown substantially. We are happy to report that Nina's apartment is worth approximately 2.5 times the 2003 purchase price! We will be contacting our "investors" very shortly to share specific details about the apartment investment.
</p><p>For all that God has done for Nina (and her family) through you, His wonderfully kind people, we offer our heartfelt thanks!
</p><p>Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya, Deena & Nina</p></span>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-22914213315328217032008-04-20T00:15:00.003-05:002008-04-20T08:31:46.956-05:00Hamm Prayer Points – Nina Update #2<span xmlns=""><p>April 16, 2008: Greetings, Friends! Thank you for your prayers over the past while. Three weeks to the day Nina left the hospital, she's back…
</p><p>Here's the latest news:
</p><ul><li>Nina has been resting & recovering at our home in Portage la Prairie for the past three weeks.
</li><li>For the past week Nina had experienced increasing pain in her lungs, resulting in coughing fits and shortness of breath. She also had a low-grade fever during this time.
</li><li>Yesterday (April 15) Nina was blessed by the visit of her Russian nurse from St. Boniface hospital. Svetlana (who hails from St. Petersburg!) called Nina several times over the past weeks. Svetlana drove from Winnipeg to Portage la Prairie to give Nina an unofficial "check-up". After listening to Nina's lungs, Svetlana urged us to take Nina for an x-ray as soon as possible.
</li><li>This morning (April 16) we consulted with a number of knowledgeable people and decided that it would be wisest to take Nina directly to Emergency at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, where she had the bypass operation on March 19th.
</li></ul><p>So here we are at St. Boniface again! We will update you on the situation as soon as we are able. <em>Later...</em>after spending nine and a half hours in the Emergency room, Lena & Nina finally left with some good and not-so-good news. It turned out that Nina's nurse was correct—fluid was building up in her left lung, causing it to collapse. The doctor on duty prescribed medicine that should alleviate Nina's condition within two weeks (it's a pity that the doctor in Portage who examined her last week didn't notice it then). Thankfully, Nina's blood work & AKG revealed that she is otherwise fine.
</p><p>We have some news to share about Nina's financial situation as well. So far (and the bills will continue to grow after today) Nina's & our combined expenses are just over $14,000. This is a far cry from what it could have been! Thanks to the kindness of Drs. Warrian & Peters, and the mercy shown by St. Boniface General Hospital, the money owed by Nina is far less than it could have been. We praise God for His blessings! Of course, $14,000 is still a lot of money for anyone, especially for a foreigner whose pension is barely $125/month.
</p><p>Many of you have asked how you can help, and many have helped already! Several families provided meals during our first week back home, many visited & brought cards & flowers, and a number of people have given money to cover expenses. Nina's most immediate need is money to cover the medical bills. As of this writing, another $13,500 is required. Some have asked about receiving a donation receipt for monetary gifts, but that is impossible for us to provide since we are private citizens. We are deeply grateful to all who offered or provided assistance to date. Please continue to pray for God's provision to meet this financial need, whether through the giving of God's people or through other means. As well, we covet your prayers for Nina's continued health improvement in both body & spirit!
</p><p>Thank you for standing with us,
</p><p>Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya, Deena & Nina
</p></span>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-61625927957166894202008-03-25T23:04:00.000-05:002008-03-25T23:05:02.525-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 25|03|08 [Nina Update]<h3>God is so very good!</h3> <p>Thank you all for your faithful & fervent prayers over the past week. We just arrived home and Nina is settled in her new “home” in our living room. Here is a recap of the past week (and a bit) and how your prayers impacted Nina’s life:</p> <p><strong>Sunday, March 16: </strong>After two days of increasing pain and discomfort, Nina asked us to take her to the emergency ward at Portage District General Hospital here in Portage la Prairie. After numerous tests and time spent under observation, an angiogram was scheduled for Nina in Winnipeg.</p> <p><strong>Tuesday, March 18: </strong>After waking up feeling quite ill, Lena received a call from the hospital that Nina was set to depart for Winnipeg by ambulance at 9 a.m. Lena quickly prepared for the trip and accompanied Nina to St. Boniface General Hospital. After waiting until the afternoon for the angiogram, the test finally revealed that Nina’s heart was in desperate shape.</p> <p><strong>Wednesday, March 19: </strong>By noon, doctors at St. Boniface had met and decided that an emergency bypass operation was the only recourse for Nina. Her heart could not survive any further delay. Surgery was scheduled for the evening. I joined Lena in Winnipeg after taking Maya & Deena to my parent’s home. Lena & I arrived at the hospital at 10 p.m., but the surgery went later than expected. Shortly after eleven one of the nurses met with us to assure us that the triple-bypass operation was going well. Just before midnight the surgeon arrived and gave us the complete details. The surgery had gone very well and Lena was able to see her mom just after one a.m. We returned to my uncle & aunt’s home by 1:30 for some much-needed rest.</p> <p><strong>Thursday, March 20: </strong>Lena had to return to the hospital before 9 a.m. so that the nurses could communicate with Nina. We spent much of the day at the hospital, but in the evening we were thrilled to discover that a Russian-speaking nurse would be taking care of Nina for the next 12 hours. Lena & I enjoyed our first restful night in a long while!</p> <p><strong>Good Friday: </strong>Lena seemed to be getting sicker instead of better, so after checking in with Nina, Lena spent the rest of the morning waiting in the emergency room, trying to see a doctor. By lunch time Lena had been given some medical attention and was headed for an afternoon rest (once again a Russian-speaking nurse was caring for Nina). After the rest, my Dad & Mom brought Maya & Deena to visit us. Lena hadn’t seen the girls in three days, so it was a happy reunion for all.</p> <p><strong>Saturday, March 21: </strong>Another day at the hospital, with word received that Nina may be discharged as early as Monday.</p> <p><strong>Easter Sunday: </strong>Lena & I were able to attend the early service at Fort Garry M.B. Church before being summoned to the hospital so that Lena could interpret for the physiotherapist. Lena had to spend the afternoon & evening with Nina, but was able to come downstairs for a short while when our girls (this time including Sonia) came for a visit and supper.</p> <p><strong>Monday, March 22: </strong>Another full day at the hospital, but the end was near—Nina would be released the next day if all went according to plan.</p> <p><strong>Today: </strong>Shortly after 9 a.m. Lena & I met with the hospital administration to find out what Nina’s bill would be. As an out-of-country patient, Nina was expected to pay a substantial fee for her week at St. Boniface, <em style="">plus</em> whatever the doctor & anaesthesiologist would charge. After asking if there was any way for the amount to be reduced, we were asked to detail our & Nina’s situation. After we explained, the gentleman in charge looked thoughtful and said that it may be possible to reduce the amount by 40-odd percent, providing we could put the details of our situation into a letter for the hospital. We happily assured him that we would, and thanked God for apparently providing a way to reduce the huge bill. As we waited for Nina’s surgeon to meet with us before the release, we wondered what the rest of the bills might be like. After the doctor had given his okay for Nina to go home and had answered all of her questions, Lena asked him if he would be willing to see Nina once more before she left for Russia. The surgeon asked Lena to follow him to the consultation room, closed the door and told her, “I understand that your mother has no medical insurance and that you will have to pay for all of her expenses.” Lena nodded. He continued, “I talked with [the anaesthesiologist], and we decided that we would not charge you anything.” Lena was speechless! Finally she thanked him and told him that this was an answer to the prayers of many friends and family. It truly is! Shortly after that Nina was on her way to Portage la Prairie. We have so much to thank God for! Here are some of the answers to prayer that we have received this week:</p> <h3>Blessings</h3> <ul><li>My Dad & Mom—they took care of Maya & Deena during our time in Winnipeg and also brought the girls to visit us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.</li><li>My Uncle Hank & Aunt Lynn—they provided a home for Lena & I during the time Nina was in St. Boniface.</li><li>Pastor Ramsy—he visited several times with us at the hospital and prayed with Nina.</li><li>The nurses & staff at St. Boniface who cared for Nina.</li><li>The doctors, nurses & staff at the Portage hospital who cared for Nina.</li><li>The surgeon & anaesthesiologist who <em style="">donated 100% of their effort to giving Nina new life.</em></li><li>The willingness of the administration at St. Boniface to consider reducing the amount owing for Nina’s care.</li><li>All who prayed, visited, sent cards and helped in tangible ways!</li></ul> <h3>Petitions</h3> <ul><li>That Nina’s body will continue to heal as it should.</li><li>That we will be able to extend Nina’s Canadian visa so that she will have time to recover before flying home.</li><li>That the remaining medical bills (ambulance & Portage hospital bills) will not be too high.</li><li>That God will continue to provide for our financial & material needs.</li></ul> <p>What’s next? While we wait for the final medical bills to come in, we need to ask to have Nina’s visa extended, reschedule her flight back to Russia and likely book another flight so that someone may accompany Nina back to Russia. We will update you further once we have more details.</p> <p>Thank you all once again for your faithful prayers during this time. We have felt so blessed and covered by God’s grace & mercy. Nina was so thankful for all who visited and made contact with her—even when there was no one to translate for her she understood the love that can only come from God’s people! I’m certain that when she is able, she will express her gratitude to you in her own words.</p> <p>May God bless you all for the love you’ve shown to our family!</p> <p>Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya, Deena & Nina</p>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-78129857408870610532008-03-19T17:40:00.001-05:002008-03-25T23:04:03.634-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 19|03|08 [Kevin & Lena ask for prayer!]<h3><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Nina's Heart</span></h3> <span style="font-family:Tahoma;">As most of you know, Lena's mother Nina is visiting us from Russia. She arrived in November and plans to return to St. Petersburg in mid-April. This past Sunday (March 16th) she was taken to the local hospital here in Portage la Prairie after complaining of shortness of breath and heart pain. She spent two nights in intensive care before being taken by ambulance to St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg for an angiogram (Lena accompanied her to Winnipeg). The tests revealed that Nina has severely-blocked arteries and is in need of emergency bypass surgery. The doctors deemed it necessary to proceed with all speed, so as of this writing Wednesday afternoon she is being prepped for surgery and will undergo the operation shortly.
</span> <ul><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> <li>Please pray for Nina as she is quite anxious about what has transpired in the past few days. As nice as Canadian health services and staff are, Nina cannot understand what they are saying so it is a bit frightening to her.</li> <li>Pray also for Lena as she has had to remain by Nina's side most of the time to translate for Nina. Lena has been suffering from a bad cold during this time, further complicating matters.</li> <li>Pray for the surgeons and nurses as they perform the operation.</li> <li>Pray for Maya & Deena who have been sick since Sunday, and are a bit distressed by the absence of family members during this time.</li> </span></ul> <span style="font-family:Tahoma;">After I finish this letter I will head to Winnipeg to be with Lena & Nina. Maya & Deena will be staying with my parents during our absence. We will all appreciate your prayers during this time!
Thank you & God bless,
Kevin, on behalf of Lena, Sonia, Maya, Deena & Nina</span>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-86859280169198884322007-10-09T22:30:00.000-05:002007-10-10T22:40:04.056-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 09|10|07<hr /><h3>HAPPY THANKSGIVING!</h3><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/1503075964/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 640px; height: 314px; float: left;" title="LCS 2007-08" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/DSC_5519.JPG" alt="" /></a>
</h3>
<p>We trust that our Canadian friends had a blessed time of thanksgiving with family.</p><p>September has been a busy, exciting month for our family. We had just a few weeks to unpack and get settled in our new house before Sonia moved to Brandon to begin university, Lena began working at Reflections Café and I started my new job at Lighthouse Christian School. All in all it has been a great month, even considering all the completely new experiences for us all.
</p><p>As you know, we are continuing to transition out of our ministry with Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International (MBMSI). Beginning in September, we are no longer serving full-time with MBMSI. Instead, from now until the end of this year, we will be representing MBMSI at various mission events and church services (details following). As we fulfill our ministry responsibilities and as we complete the changeover to life in Canada, there will be some ministry expenses. MBMSI will cover our entire September-December ministry expenses as well as provide us with some additional funds to help cover the shortfall that we experienced in our final year of service in Russia.
</p><p>We want our donors to know that MBMSI will continue to accept donations on our behalf until December 31, 2007. Those of you who have your donations withdrawn automatically will see withdrawals cease at the end of the year. We would like to assure you that your donations will continue to be used to support our ministry. Of course, since we are no longer full-time with MBMSI, some of you may wish to reduce or discontinue your support at this time. If that is the case, please feel free to contact us or MBMSI direct at 1-866-964-7627. For those of you would like to see your support continue until the end of the year, you need not contact anyone—MBMSI will no longer accept donations with our project code attached after December 31.
</p><p>Thank you for your continued prayers, and please feel free to <a href="http://krhamm.com/contact.html" rel="me">contact us</a> about any questions you may have!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>FAMILY UPDATES</h3><p>Here's a brief summary of what we've been doing over the past weeks:</p><ul><li><strong>Sonia</strong> has been studying hard in the Fine Arts program at Brandon University. While it has been a blessing living with friends, there is considerable distance for Sonia to travel each week, and with many evening classes it's been a challenge to get around by bus. Sonia is also looking for a part-time job to help pay for transportation and room & board.</li><li><strong>Maya</strong> is enjoying grade one at Lighthouse Christian School and was excited to be able to go on her first field trip of the year. Maya was also thrilled to be able to begin ballet lessons here in Portage la Prairie!
</li><li><strong>Deena</strong> has been attending dance lessons as well, and has also been participating in the "Family Literacy" program at the local library. Deena is happy to have both "dance school" and library school" to attend.</li><li><strong>Lena</strong> is now working two days a week (full-time on Mondays and part-time on Fridays) at Reflections Café here in Portage. In addition to caring for Deena, the remainder of her week is spent working on making our home (even more) beautiful and working on the Graphic Bible translation project.</li><li><strong>Kevin</strong> is enjoying school! My new job as the Vice-Principal/Senior Learning Centre Supervisor at Lighthouse Christian School is going very well. It's wonderful how God has provided exactly the right job for me at this time!</li></ul><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3>BLESSINGS
</h3><ul><li>We thank God His provision and blessings in our lives. It has been an amazing year for our family—one filled with uncertainties, change and blessing upon blessing!
</li><li>We are very thankful for our faithful supporters who have helped us through this time of transition.</li><li>Our apartment sold in St. Petersburg for a very fair price. Even better, the money was transferred safely (and promptly) to Canada!</li></ul><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><ul><li>Please pray for Sonia as she continues to adjust to university life. Pray that she will be able to find a job & good friends!
</li><li>Please remember Nina in your prayers. Lena's mom has applied for a temporary resident's (tourist) visa to Canada. Please pray that the decision-makers in the Canadian Embassy in Moscow permit her to visit us in Canada this autumn/winter.
</li></ul><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...
</h3><ul><li>...that Lena & Deena are going back to Russia? It's true! They plan to fly on October 24th to St. Petersburg to be reunited with mother/babushka Nina. Lord willing, they will return in about a week's time with Nina by their side. This trip is no small deal, but is necessary to help Nina and also to allow us to bring more of our stored belongings to Canada. Please pray that it will work out well!!!
</li></ul><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are former missionaries with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting with <a rel="co-worker" target="_blank" href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> as they are able.
</p><ul><li>A <a href="http://krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.</li><li>Visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.</li><li>For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.</li><li>You can help! Please visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.</li><li>Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (<a rel="child" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank">Sonia's pictures</a>
too!)
</li></ul><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-14073756723453416412007-09-03T14:43:00.000-05:002007-10-08T19:57:14.099-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 03|09|07 [Back to School (for the first time)!]Here we go! Tomorrow, September 4th, is the ole' back to school for most, but for Sonia, Maya & Yours Truly it's a day of "first time to school".<p><strong>Please pray for Sonia:</strong>
</p><ul><li>As she settles in to her first official night after moving into her own residence</li>
<li>As she travels within Brandon on her own</li>
<li>As she attends orientation and pays for tuition and materials at Brandon University
</li>
<li>As she meets and joins a church family</li>
<li>As she looks for a part-time job</li>
<li>As she makes new friends</li></ul>
<strong>Please pray for Maya:</strong>
<ul><li>As she starts Grade One</li>
<li>As she adjusts to a more structured form of education</li>
<li>As she battles a bad cold</li></ul>
<strong>Please pray for me:</strong>
<ul><li>As I begin my first day as Vice-Principal at Lighthouse Christian School</li>
<li>As I learn my responsibilities and try to fulfill them</li>
<li>As I get to know the students</li>
<li>As I supervise the academic progress of the senior students</li>
</ul><strong>As well...Please pray for Lena:</strong>
<ul><li>As she cares for Deena during the day</li>
<li>As she continues to adjust to life in Canada</li>
<li>As she takes training for her new part-time job at Reflections Cafe</li>
</ul><em><strong>Thank you for your prayers!!!
</strong></em>
— Kevin, Lena Sonia, Maya & DeenaKevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-6924068506040356782007-08-08T19:50:00.000-05:002007-10-08T19:55:18.769-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 08|08|07<h3>THE MOVE IS ON</h3><p>Greetings from between the cardboard boxes...
</p><p>Tomorrow we will get the keys to our new home! This means we can make some final decisions about what additional work needs to be done. Sunday at noon we will take official ownership of the house and will make the big move. We've been packing non-stop since our return from our trip west.
</p><p>For those of you who are coming to help with the move, Lord willing we will begin loading and unloading (lather, rinse & repeat, etc.) Sunday just after 12. We will have a moving van and several other vehicles, so mostly we'll be in need of strong backs to carry boxes to the various floors (all four levels) and some help setting up Maya & Deena's furniture. Of course, if you would just like to stop in and say hi (and take a peek at the house), you are most welcome too!
For last minute details call me at 872-3802.
</p><p>Please keep us in your prayers as we finish packing, move in, settle in, and as I begin my school training (August 13-17). It looks like a few more busy weeks for us until the routine of school & work begins in September. We will try to update you on our upcoming presentations and other news as we get settled.
</p><p>Thank you for your continued prayers and help!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/"> Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-13933317606766404802007-06-20T23:37:00.000-05:002007-06-20T23:50:09.305-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 20|06|07<h3><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT1girIjpaQzg6qkmZEwjfH0i8XqqVjNw3j8vRXzxB9R6AV291AeATegPrBljGyG9429uo5qQF4MyarxGBDTXDWikvD1Uy9A_tpJ5cHCK8G0HK0o753TO_wHo61yoe2tEeXpq2w/s1600-h/dsc_4194.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT1girIjpaQzg6qkmZEwjfH0i8XqqVjNw3j8vRXzxB9R6AV291AeATegPrBljGyG9429uo5qQF4MyarxGBDTXDWikvD1Uy9A_tpJ5cHCK8G0HK0o753TO_wHo61yoe2tEeXpq2w/s400/dsc_4194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078375010442379330" border="0" /></a>MAJOR NEWS!</h3><p>Sorry for the long period of silence! We have lots of updates to share, so here goes:</p><ul><li><strong>Sonia</strong>'s move to Brandon was very brief. Initially it looked liked Sonia would be given full-time work at Michael's, but it turned out to be only her jewellery classes (once a week) plus a few additional hours. Thankfully Sonia was offered a full-time job at Portage MCC Thrift Store, so she happily accepted and moved back to Portage. Sonia is working at MCC every Tuesday through Saturday, and has been busing to and from Brandon to teach Monday classes at Michael's. So far the arrangement has worked well, with Sonia enjoying her work at MCC (and the treasure discovery that goes with it!). Sonia hopes to continue part-time with Michael's during the upcoming school year.</li><li><strong>Maya</strong> recently graduated from the "ABC" program (sort of like kindergarten) at Lighthouse Christian School in Southport (south of Portage la Prairie). She thoroughly enjoyed her two months of classes there, and is looking forward to being in school full-time in September when her Auntie Kim will be the Junior Learning Centre Supervisor! Another major happening in Maya's life was receiving eyeglasses for the first time. She will need to wear them in an attempt to correct an astigmatism in her right eye.</li><li><strong>Deena</strong> has also been the recipient of something new: a puffer. Because Deena continues to have problems breathing normally, the doctor put her on a trial puffer to see if it will help (he suspects allergies are the cause of her woes). On the odd time that she has managed to inhale the mist she seems to breathe better, but getting her to inhale at the right time has proven a challenge!</li><li><strong>Lena</strong> continues to work at the Graphic Bible translation project. Unfortunately she hasn't had a lot of quiet time to work on it (it's hard to find a quiet place in a mobile home!). Otherwise Lena has been busy caring for the girls, volunteering at Portage MCC and continuing with the acclimatization process!</li><li><strong>Kevin</strong> has a new job! Starting September 1st I will begin as the Vice-Principal/Senior Learning Centre Supervisor at Lighthouse Christian School. It took a lot of prayer (and overcoming some initial shock) to come to the point of accepting the job. I am looking forward to this new ministry opportunity!</li></ul><p>More news:</p><ul><li><strong>July road trip:</strong> From July 9 to 13 Lena & I will be meeting in Abbotsford, British Columbia to wrap up our current ministry with MBMSI. We plan to depart on or around July 4 and drive to Abbotsford on the Trans-Canada, with stops along the way in yet-to-be-determined southern locales (travel accommodation recommendations welcome!). We will head back east sometime around the 16th with possible stops along the Yellowhead in Edmonton and Saskatoon.</li><li><strong>Our new home: </strong>It has been mostly decided: Lord willing we will purchase a house in Portage la Prairie, hopefully very soon. We are seriously looking a property this coming weekend, and hope to be able to make the owner an offer then. Please pray with us as we prepare to take this major step.</li></ul><p>So what <em><strong>have</strong></em> we been doing for the past two months, you ask? Besides the very needed time of adjustment and rest, we have been busy visiting government offices, filling out forms and getting doctor, dentist and optometrist visits out of the way. Our family put a lot of hours in volunteering at Portage MCC during this time and we have also spent time meeting with supporters and preparing for what comes next. One major "next" will be reporting to our supporting churches. Most of these visits will likely take place in autumn.
</p><p>As we indicated in our previous newsletter (a month ago!), we were seriously considering a transition to a salaried job, rather than a support-based one. While we have been blessed beyond words by all the support and encouragement we have received over the years, we feel confident that now is the time to move on to a different type of ministry. We'll have more details about the changes ahead in the next Hamm's Headings, due out shortly!
</p><p>Thank you for your continued prayers, and please feel free to contact us about any questions you may have!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>HEADING WEST</h3><p>We are in need of the following for our trip west in July:</p><ul><li>Places to stay along the way (actual offers and helpful suggestions). We plan to take the Trans-Canada (highway #1) to Calgary, then a yet-to-be-determined route to Abbotsford, and finally return to Portage la Prairie via the Yellowhead.</li>
<li>Names (& addresses!) of people to visit! We would love to see as many of our supporters, friends and family as possible during our trip. Some visits may be short, but we'd be happy to meet anytime and anywhere!</li>
<li>Things to see and do! Got any great suggestions for family fun in western Canada? We're all ears! Since this will be Maya & Deena's first trip west, we want to make it as memorable as possible.</li></ul><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We thank God that Sonia is gainfully employed in such a great place! The Portage MCC Thrift Store has been a tremendous blessing to us over the years, and we are pleased that Sonia has the opportunity to serve there this summer.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are also thankful that I was able to find a new ministry opportunity, especially one that will allow me to spend lots of time with family.
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> As we prepare for our western Canadian "tour" we ask for your prayers. Please pray that we will be able to prepare everything before we have to depart and that we find a home before we leave.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for a buyer for our home. We are not desperate, but selling it sooner rather than later would ease matters for us significantly.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember Nina in your prayers. Lena's mom is doing well, but has understandably been experiencing some loneliness. Pray that she will be able to enjoy the "white nights" (these extremely long days are truly the best time to be in St. Petersburg) and continue to be in good health.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that we are still in need of donations? Even with our end date set with MBMSI, we still need to pay our ministry bills. With almost a year of living on 75% salary we have not been able to pay for all the immigration and moving bills. We continue to rely on your assistance: those of you who support us monthly will find that your automatic withdrawals will cease in August, but to those of you who give one-time or occasional gifts, we ask that you consider giving in July or August rather than at year-end, if possible. We would be very thankful for any and all help to end our service with MBMSI well.
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/"> Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-60164540119950736852007-05-25T12:46:00.000-05:002007-05-25T21:50:06.072-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 25|05|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/513570826/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 180px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Gotcha!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3837.jpg" alt="" /></a>WHAT NEXT?</h3><p>So the transition continues... Sonia is moving to Brandon this week to take up residence with family friends (see <em>Blessings</em> below). Yesterday she was hired by <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home" target="_blank">Michael's</a> ("the Arts & Crafts Store") in <a href="http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?sid=465710286556a&ADDRESS=&POSTALCODE=R7A5A5&amp;COUNTRY=CA&STATE=MB&amp;CITY=Brandon&PRODUCT=&PRODUCTFCT=&LAT=&LON=&UNITS=MILES&RADIUS=25%7C100&USECENTERPOINT=&W2GI_LASTEXTENT=-100.523799944%7C49.3872958237%7C-99.4000200557%7C50.3080841763&SORTBY_Dealers=DISTANCE&START_Dealers=0&COUNT_Dealers=8&REVERSE_Dealers=FALSE&W2GI_QUICK_ZOOM=&W2GI_QFIELD=DEALERID&W2GI_QVALUE=3956&DISTANCE=1.30&amp;W2GI_DNAME=&W2GI_DADDR=&W2GI_DCITY=&W2GI_DSTATE=&W2GI_DPOSTALCODE=&W2GI_DID=&W2GI_DINDEX=&NAV_CMD=&NAV_ALLOW_RECTANGLE=&client=michaels&template=moreinfo" target="_blank">Brandon</a>, where she is set to begin work on Monday. Sonia has been hired to teach a basic jewellery design course, and will also be given the opportunity to work as a store associate. Sonia is excited to have her first job in Canada, especially as it will allow her to work in a field that she is both talented and interested in! So, if you are looking to learn how to make your own jewellery, and you live in the Brandon area, sign up for Sonia's June course! ;-)
</p><p>As Sonia makes the move to Brandon, Lena & I are contemplating where the rest of us will live! While our apartment has not yet sold (hopefully soon!), we are starting to look at possible locations and homes. We still haven't decided which city we'll settle in, but it looks like it will either be Winnipeg or Portage la Prairie. Please remember us in your prayers as we seek to settle in the "land" God has prepared/is preparing for us!
</p><p>The other significant question before us is what sort of work/ministry transition we'll have to make. We are considering several possible options, but we're not yet prepared to explain further. One question we are certainly wrestling with is have we reached the place where we should stop seeking a "support" position? For the past eight years Lena & I have been wholly dependent on the financial support of individuals and churches. Prior to that, I have been fully supported by donations only since 1993! We have been tremendously blessed during these years, but with the passing of numerous supporters we have seen our support base dwindle dramatically over the past two years. It has been a significant challenge to relate to current and seek to locate new supporters over the years, especially as we haven't been able to travel here as a family for almost five years. Much of the effort involved in maintaining our support has fallen to my parents. Without their regular calls, notes and informal talks, many of our supporters would have felt unappreciated and unneeded. The fact is that many (most?) ministry workers depend on donations. We are wondering if the time has come to look for a position that frees us (and our supporters) to serve in different ways.
</p><p>We welcome your comments and questions, and we continually covet your prayers!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God that Sonia was provided with a home in Brandon. We received an unbeatable offer from family friends to provide Sonia with room & board for basically cost. We are so very thankful for this blessing!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are also thankful that Sonia was able to get a good job in Brandon.
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Deena continues to experience ups and downs in her health. Please pray that she will attain a (reasonably) healthy life in Canada!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home. We have lowered the purchase price, so hopefully this will bring a buyer.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that Lena could hardly believe how beautiful the lawn looked at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg (photo above)? She is only used to Russian parks which have next to no cut grass that you could walk on!
</p><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that we are now planning to travel to Abbotsford, British Columbia, in mid-August (sans Sonia)? We have a time of reporting/debriefing at MBMSI headquarters scheduled during that time, and we hope to meet with family & friends along the way. Stay tuned for specific dates, and please let us know if you would be interested in seeing us along the way.
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/"> Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-48289580959553451482007-05-16T12:53:00.000-05:002007-05-16T12:55:15.666-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 16|05|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/501027055/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 216px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Strolling" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3771.jpg" alt="" /></a>THE FIRST MONTH</h3><p>It's been quite a month! Since our arrival on April 15th we've been alternating between paperwork and housework (and not much else)! At times it has felt uncomfortable not working as such, but it has been a very necessary period of transition for our family. Lena has had some time to resume work on the Graphic Bible translation project, Sonia has been volunteering at the MCC Thrift Shop in between applying for employment, and Maya began formal (not "former" as I previously mis-typed!) schooling at Lighthouse Christian School in Portage la Prairie.
</p><p>As we continue to adjust to the pace and differences of life in Canada, we are preparing to tell stories of what God has been doing in the lives of believers in Russia. We are still not certain when our trip to British Columbia will take place, but we hope to finalize details soon. Once we have formally met with MBMSI, we will begin visiting with supporting churches, telling stories and saying thank you for the past years of support and prayer.
</p><p>This past week we celebrated Lena's birthday and yesterday we rejoiced that Nina was able to celebrate her 65th birthday with friends in St. Petersburg. It has been wonderful to celebrate God's blessings in our lives together with family & friends.
</p><p>Please continue to remember us in your prayers during this time of transition and planning. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are still very much in need of both!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God that Sonia was accepted in Brandon University without having to register as a foreign student (as previously appeared to be necessary). She is excited about the possibility of studying this autumn.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are thankful that Nina was able to celebrate her birthday together with friends. Praise God for the support and help she is receiving!</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Maya is adjusting to a regular school schedule. Please pray that she will adapt well to formal studies.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home. Our apartment is still being "showed off", so there is interest, just not yet a buyer.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that Sonia is looking for a place to stay in Brandon? If you know of someone in need of a roommate, please contact us!</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/"> Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-61874825563767694772007-05-08T16:27:00.000-05:002007-05-08T16:28:54.470-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 08|05|07<h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/490163124/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 258px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Party!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3735.jpg" alt="" /></a>GETTING SETTLED</h3><p>Now that we've been here for three weeks we are mostly feeling better. We are still experiencing some illness and the culture shock continues to make life "interesting". In particular, grocery shopping takes a lot longer than it did in St. Petersburg, simply because it is taking a considerable effort for Lena & I to find what we're looking for and figure out what to use in place of what we can't find!
</p><p>We took time this past Sunday to celebrate (very belatedly) Sonia's 18th birthday. Friends & family gathered to enjoy a delicious meal and great fellowship. It was great to be able to relax with friends and family after several weeks of illness & semi-seclusion!
</p><p>The next few weeks promise to be a bit busier:
</p><ul><li>Maya begins former schooling this Thursday</li>
<li>On Friday the 11th Sonia & I plan to take Lena to Winnipeg to celebrate her birthday</li>
<li>Next week we are planning trips to Brandon & Winkler respectively</li>
<li>We hope to finalize our western travel details soon</li></ul><p>Please continue to remember us in your prayers during this time of transition and planning.
</p><p>Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are still very much in need of both!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya &amp;amp; Deena (& Missy the kitten!)
</p><p>P.S. I forgot to add this last week: Sonia received a kitten shortly after our arrival, so we have now welcomed "Missy" to our family. What's one more girl? ;-)</p><hr /><h3>CANADIAN CONTACT INFO</h3><p>Here once again is our current contact info:</p><ul><li><strong>Mailing Address:</strong></li>
<ul><li>Box 264, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3B5</li></ul>
<li><strong>Telephone</strong> (cellular)<strong>:</strong></li>
<ul><li>Kevin: (204) 872-3802</li>
<li>Lena: (204) 872-0325</li>
<li>Sonia also has a cell of her own; number available upon request</li></ul>
<li><strong>Email:</strong><em> (No change)</em></li>
<ul><li>kevin@krhamm.com remains our main address (please note that there were some problems in the past few months with our krhamm.com addresses, and some mail may not have been received. However, we have since changed servers, so from mid-April we should have received all of your emails).</li></ul></ul><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for slow but sure adjustment to life in Canada. We are thankful for all who've helped us with gifts & meals, and for all the encouragement we've received.</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are very thankful that Lena's mom has been doing well in our absence.</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We thank God for improved health for our family, especially for Deena.</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for continued improvement in our family's health.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home. Our apartment is still being "showed off", so there is interest, just not yet a buyer.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that we're in need of bicycles for Maya (something with 16" tires should do), Sonia & myself. If anyone has some good used bicycles available, we love to hear from you!</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-86651805920414255672007-04-28T07:25:00.000-05:002007-04-28T16:28:36.267-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 28|04|07<hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 215px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Together at last" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/DSC_3564.JPG" alt="" />WE ARE HERE! (AND WE MOSTLY SURVIVED)</h3><p>By now most of you are wondering what happened to us. Since we last wrote at the beginning of April we went through an incredible experience of packing, selling/giving away, sickness and leaving our home far behind...</p><ul><li>The day after we sent our last newsletter Sonia was hit hard with chicken pox, forcing the cancellation of her 18th birthday/farewell party</li>
<li>Thankfully all three girls were fully recovered from the 'pox by the time we had to fly</li>
<li>Our "yard sale" was postponed so many times (and so many potential shoppers were scared away by the 'pox plague) that we weren't able to empty our home until just before we left</li>
<li>The flight/move went well (more details below), but the entire effort has taken its' toll on our family health-wise. Please be patient with us as we slowly adjust to our new surroundings!</li></ul><p>As we continue the process of relocation and acclimatization we continue to covet your prayers. It may be a while until we're fully functional. We are living in a temporary residence, we have no telephone line (only cellular) and no internet connection. However, we do have a fully-functioning van and our cell phones work! We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next few months, especially as we being MINA and visits to our supporting churches. We also plan to travel to BC in the next few months, so we may well see many of our western friends as well!
</p><p>Thank you for your continued prayers, and we look forward to updating you on our plans in the near future!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena (& Missy the kitten!)</p><hr /><h3>CANADIAN CONTACT INFO</h3><p>Now that we're mostly settled in we have new contact info. Here's how you can reach us:</p><ul><li><strong>Mailing Address:</strong></li>
<ul><li>Box 264, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3B5</li></ul>
<li><strong>Telephone</strong> (cellular)<strong>:</strong></li>
<ul><li>Kevin: (204) 872-3802</li>
<li>Lena: (204) 872-0325</li>
<li>Sonia also has a cell of her own; number available upon request</li></ul>
<li><strong>Email:</strong><em>(No change)</em></li>
<ul><li>kevin@krhamm.com remains our main address (please note that there were some problems in the past few months with our krhamm.com addresses, and some mail may not have been received. However, we have since changed servers, so from mid-April we should have received all of your emails).</li></ul></ul><hr /><h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 320px; height: 296px; float: right;" title="Overwhelmed!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3545.jpg" alt="" />BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for a safe trip to Canada:</p><ul><li>we managed to fit most of what we urgently needed into our ten suitcases</li>
<li>Russian customs didn't say boo when we left (I was somewhat chagrined about that since I had spent many hours cataloguing the contents of our suitcases!)</li>
<li>the three flights, connections and passage through Canadian customs went without a hitch</li>
<li>Lena & Sonia's admittance into Canada when smoothly & quickly</li>
<li>All of our luggage arrived safely in Winnipeg (although we mistakenly took a wrong suitcase home and had to return the next day to exchange it for our own)</li></ul><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Upon our arrival at our temporary home in Portage la Prairie we were greeted by a furnished home, with plenty of food and supplies. We are especially grateful for:</p><ul><li>All the people who, over the past year, donated furnishings, appliances, food and needed supplies for our Canadian home</li>
<li>My Mom & Dad and the rest of my extended family, who spent countless hours cleaning and setting up our home</li>
<li>Friends at Community Fellowship church in Newton who organized a food shower/celebration for us. We were greeted with Canadian flags & lapel pins, a program, food and even a fireworks display! We barely managed to pack all the food & gift parcels we were given into our van! What a welcome!!!</li>
<li>Of course, all of you who continually prayed for us during this incredibly challenging time. We certainly could not have made it without God's help.</li></ul><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for Nina as she remains in St. Petersburg. Pray that she will continue to have good health and strength (we had to place the final moving and cleaning into her hands, since we were unable to complete the emptying of our apartment before our departure). Pray also that she will not be overcome with loneliness as adjusts to the loss of her only family's (our!) presence.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Once again (still?) we request your prayers for improved family health. Deena & I are almost recovered after a week of bad colds (and no voice) and now Maya is getting ill. It has taken us two weeks already to get adjusted, and it may take even longer for our family to fully adjust to the climate and pace of our new home.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home. Our apartment is still being "showed off", so there is interest, just not yet a buyer.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that some of the things we're doing now that we've never experienced in Russia include:</p><ul><li>raking leaves</li>
<li>gardening</li>
<li>living in the country</li>
<li>cutting grass</li>
<li>buying milk in 4 litre jugs</li>
<li>living in a "non-apartment"</li>
<li>eating fat-free yogurt</li>
<li>free internet access and video rentals in a public library</li></ul><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, assisting <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> of this newsletter in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />For more on our ministry, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" />Thousands of our recent photos can be viewed at <a target="_blank" rel="me" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonique" target="_blank" rel="me" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-79989605860128416102007-04-02T15:07:00.000-05:002007-04-02T15:10:07.848-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 02|04|07<hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/443864275/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 220px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Proclaiming the Good News" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3123.jpg" alt="" /></a>CRAWLING TO THE FINISH LINE</h3><p>What a week! We're operating at less than 40% efficiency at the moment with Deena down with the chicken pox, Sonia battling a persistent cold (and perhaps the early symptoms of chicken pox) and Lena struggling with severe headaches. Thankfully Maya is on the mend and I am so fully able to care for my ailing girls. Our planned yard sale was again postponed due to illness, and with Sonia's birthday rapidly approaching (see below) we have invited people to come and "shop" on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
</p><p>With less than two weeks to go until our departure we are struggling with the good news/bad news of departing furniture: we now have shelves only in the hallway (hence almost no place to place things), no beds left save Maya's (so four of us are now sleeping on the floor), and practically no appliances left save the bare minimum in the kitchen (no more Russian TV shows...or is that good news?)!
</p><p>With the poor health and disorderly state of our home it's a bit difficult to enjoy the spring weather and the approach of Easter, but we are so very thankful for all the friends who have been helping us and for all the prayers being said on our behalf. Thank you for upholding us in prayer during this time!!!
</p><p>We wish you all a blessed Easter celebration this coming weekend. There was no greater sacrifice given and no greater victory won. <em>Christ is Risen! <strong>He is Risen indeed!!!</strong></em>
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>As my parents continue to send pictures of our temporary home, we are encouraged by the fact that the disarray we are living in now will soon be exchanged for a clean, orderly Canadian mobile home! Thank you to all who have helped to prepare us a home!!!
</p><hr /><h3><em>HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SONIA!!!</em></h3><p>As Sonia prepares to celebrate her 18th birthday on April 5th, we ask those of you who know her (or who would like to!) to send a special birthday wish to the following special address: <a href="mailto:happybirthday.sonia@gmail.com"><strong>happybirthday.sonia@gmail.com</strong></a>. We thought it would be great if we could compile a bunch of greetings, congratulations, wishes, prayers & blessings to give to her. If you have any words of wisdom, love or whatever you would like share with Sonia on her big day, please don't hesitate to write a short note! I'm certain she would appreciate your thoughtfulness!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for continued progress in the moving & packing department.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We thank God for eighteen years of Sonia!!! Please join with us in praising God for her faith and life.
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> The "yard sale" was postponed yet again. Please pray that everything we need to part with will be taken in the next few days (we desperately need the room, especially with Sonia's party coming up on the 5th)!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for improved family health. Deena has a worse case of the chicken pox than did her older sister. Please pray that she will continue to persevere!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Remember Sonia in prayer as she (more formally) makes the transition from child to adult. May she grow into a godly woman!
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that the Russian word for Sunday is <em>Voskreshenie </em>(Resurrection)? It's wonderful to be reminded of Easter every Sunday (as the early believers did)!!!
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-21576470870586079242007-03-26T14:24:00.000-05:002007-03-26T14:29:25.779-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 26|03|07<hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/435339047/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 224px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Going, going..." src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3091.jpg" alt="" /></a>GOING, GOING...</h3><p>...almost gone! This past week has seen a steady stream of potential buyers come through our door (often with just a few minutes warning), so it certainly looks more hopeful that a buyer may be found before we have to depart.
</p><p>Tonight Lena & I emptied the girls' bookshelf, cupboards & closet. Tomorrow everything but their bed will leave, meaning we will have almost no place to store things except for our suitcases. At least this will help us see how much we'll be able to fit, and how much more we'll have to either get rid of or try to store at Nina's.
</p><p>In other news chicken pox came and went (for now). Maya is still covered with spots but after finding relief with oatmeal baths (despite the strict orders of the local doctor not to bathe Maya at all for 10 days) she is doing fine. Sonia took ill shortly after Maya, but it seemed to be more of a flu than anything. Today Sonia forced herself to school so that she could get closer to finishing her final project. Deena remains healthy, but of course may still be harbouring "the pox". Time will tell...
</p><p>Thank you for keeping us in prayer during this hectic time. We're trying hard to keep our heads above water during these final three weeks, but it's a challenge some times to get the dishes washed before bed (to say nothing of the laundry)! We truly appreciate your prayers!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/420278703/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 320px; height: 295px; float: right;" title="Home Sweet Home" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/img_5478.jpg" alt="" /></a>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Well, we have a home! (For now, at least!) The mobile home that was made available to us last fall for storage will remain available to us until autumn. While the home is a bit small for us, it is a short walk to my parent's home and halfway between Brandon & Winnipeg, meaning that we will be conveniently situated. The search for a permanent home, schools and future employment will commence once we land and get over jet lag. We are very thankful for all who are helping my parents to prepare our home and are providing needed household items and food for our family.
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for continued progress in the moving & packing department. Tomorrow the second-last batch of available furniture will pass out of our doors, leaving us with lots of floor space for our many suitcases.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thank you for praying for Maya over the past week. She is doing much better and has all but forgotten about her recent "miserable existence". ;-)
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> The "yard sale" was postponed due to ill health in our home, so this Saturday (the 31st) will be it. Please pray that everything we need to part with will be taken (we desperately need the room)!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for good family health. Sonia is almost back to full health (her very nasty cough remains).
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember to pray for a buyer for our home.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that Russian law prevents the sale of our property until we can either provide a new home for our under-16 children or unless we can show that we are leaving the country? The law states that every child must be registered in a legal residence, and people cannot sell a home without first giving up their registration. So until we have a new home (or leave Russia), we cannot sell ours! (Although we can, of course, have a few weeks of "temporary un-registration".)
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-52826160168870316842007-03-19T14:54:00.000-05:002007-03-19T15:00:09.169-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 19|03|07<h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 320px; height: 210px; float: right;" title="St. Patrick's Day with friends" src="http://www.krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3078.jpg" alt="" />MOVING ON</h3><p>This past week has been filled with selling & moving. No, our apartment has not been sold yet, but only Maya & Deena still have beds left, and much of the other furniture in our home is now elsewhere!
</p><p>In the midst of our packing & shuffling Maya contracted chicken pox! She went to bed Sunday night with one known spot and woke spot covered. Lena & I are the only ones in our family that have had chicken pox before, so we're holding our breath as we wait to see if Deena & Sonia will join the club! Such fun!!!
</p><p>Even with all the commotion we've been blessed by the visits of numerous good friends. We are very thankful for all the godly people God has placed in our lives during our time in St. Petersburg.
</p><p>Your continued prayers and support and most appreciated!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Less than four weeks to go! As we get closer to our arrival we will be posting a list of semi-urgent needs for our "landing". Stay tuned!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for good progress in moving & packing. We still have a <em>lot</em> of things in our home, so we'll be having a big "sale" (most of it will be given away) this coming Saturday.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Our staff safely returned from a busy, but blessed time in Moscow. Thank you for your prayers.
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Maya's health is primary concern right now. Please pray that she will rest peacefully and will not be bothered too much by the itchiness of chicken pox.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for continued good health for our family, especially for Deena & Sonia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are still trying to find a buyer for our home! We are confident that the sale will take place, but we'd simply prefer it if takes place sooner! :-)
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that the local doctor told Lena today that since Maya has chicken pox, <em>she should not be bathed for <strong>ten days</strong>???</em>
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-28118443548138448432007-03-13T14:18:00.000-05:002007-03-13T16:20:54.487-05:00Hamm Prayer Points - 13|03|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/420278703/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 156px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Voting station" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_3069.jpg" alt="" /></a>THE FINAL MONTH</h3><p>It's official! The five of us are coming to Canada on April 15th. This afternoon I paid Lufthansa a princely sum to transport our family and a portion of our material goods for five sets of air tickets. Here's our itinerary:
</p><ul><li>Depart St. Petersburg at 1430; arrive in Frankfurt at 1525</li><li>Depart Frankfurt at 1700; arrive in Toronto at 1945</li><li><em>Pause for passport control, immigration processing, baggage claim, baggage check-in...and perhaps time for coffee with friends!</em></li><li>Depart Toronto at 2155; arrive in Winnipeg at 2328</li></ul><p>All of this is Lord willing, of course! With Nina's willingness to complete the sale of our apartment in our absence, and with most of our belongings either sold or spoken for, we are almost ready to leave Russia.
</p><p>This past week has been a whirlwind of people either calling or dropping in to ask about what's available. We had planned a fairly large (indoor) yard sale, but it looks like most things are claimed already! Yesterday we were surprised by the quick sale of our bedroom set (a buyer needed it immediately, and begged us to sell our mattress, which we had hoped to hang on to until next month!), leaving us with a completely empty bedroom! So for the next four weeks Lena and I will sleep on the couch while our room becomes a packing zone. Deena is still a bit anxious about all the disappearing items—yesterday she asked me if someone was going to take our toilet!
</p><p>Thank you for your prayers for our family during this exciting, crazy time,
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Thank you to all who are helping us to find a temporary home in Manitoba. We hope to be able to decide on a place soon. Please continue to pray for our "safe landing" in Canada. It will certainly be a big adjustment for us all!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thank God that we were able to purchase the needed air tickets in time!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are thankful that so many of our things have found new homes. We have been trying to "stretch out the blessings" by giving away the many things others had previously given to us. Thank you for all of your generous gifts to us over the years, and know that the blessing will continue!
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are still hoping to find a buyer for our apartment before we depart. It would be wonderful if a Christian family were to take our place in this neighbourhood. Pray that it may be so!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for CCI/Russia staff in Moscow as they complete the meetings and training of future leaders.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For the third time in as many weeks Deena has (mildly) injured her neck. Tomorrow Lena will take her to a specialist to have her examined. Deena is not a great fan of doctors, so please pray that the appointment will go well and that there will be no further injuries to her neck.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that the March 11 municipal elections in Russia were the first under the new "streamlined" rules? Gone is the minimum turnout limit (less than 34% turned out in St. Petersburg, well under the old limit that would have rendered the election void), the "against all" option (the old rule allowed for a win for "against all" to disqualify all candidates)(though some 37,500 voters defaced their ballot in protest) and the independent candidates (now all vote-seekers must be members of "approved" political parties). Lena did cast her vote (the party she voted for came in last), but like many Russians (a majority it seems) feels it hardly matters. With President Putin personally appointing governors and the two main political parties openly supporting Putin it doesn't look good for democracy in Russia.
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-28484807703361810492007-03-05T14:44:00.000-06:002007-03-05T14:47:09.364-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 05|03|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/411661720/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 282px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Visas!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_2969.jpg" alt="" /></a>FINALLY HERE!!!</h3><p>Lena & Sonia finally have their Canadian immigration visas!!! Last Friday Pony Express delivered two envelopes to our door. Inside were the Russian foreign passports with shiny new Canadian visas inside! Also included was an info sheet (answering many of the questions that we've had for months) and two large forms which the girls will exchange for permanent residence cards once they enter Canada.
</p><p>While the visas allow our family to remain here for another nine months, the wheels have long been in motion for the "big move". As we prepare to part with most of our material possessions, sell our apartment and relocate across the ocean, please continue to uphold us in prayer.
</p><p>Thank you for your continued support & encouragement!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>With the visas in hand, we now need to focus on where we will be living come April 15. Several people have kindly offered us places to stay in the southern Manitoba countryside, but for a number of reasons we are likely going to try to rent a home in Portage la Prairie instead. Since our family will be coming to a "new world" as such, we will need to be close to family (my parents live just south of Portage and my sister and her family live in nearby Oakville) for support reasons. And because we will need to explore school and home options we will need to be able to travel easily (requiring the services of family babysitters). So...while we appreciate the home offers and "for sale" notifications, we will settle for a humble residence in a centrally-located humble city! In the meantime, please keep us in mind when hearing of possible homes in the not-too-distant future.
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for the safe arrival of the visas. It's been a very long time coming, but we are simply grateful they're here! Thank you for praying!!!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> People continue to offer us needed furniture and appliances for our Canadian home. Thank you to all who have helped!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are very thankful for improved health for our family. Thank you for praying!</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for a buyer for our apartment. As time passes without a sale it becomes more stressful for Nina (please keep her in your prayers too!).
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please remember CCI/Russia staff in Moscow as they meet and plan future ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> With six weeks to go before I leave Russia (and only three weeks until my official departure from CCI/Russia), I have a new office replacement to train. Please pray for Denis as I try to prepare him to take over the hands-on aspects of the IT Manager job. Pray especially that we will understand each other clearly as his English comprehension is practically non-existent!</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that Lena graduated from university in 1988 with a teacher's degree? During her five years of study she completed twenty-five different courses, all with the highest possible scores. Notable courses among them:
</p><ul><li>The History of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union</li>
<li>Philosophy of Marxism-Leninism</li>
<li>Political economy</li>
<li>Scientific atheism</li></ul><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-53370858874571827872007-02-28T14:15:00.000-06:002007-02-28T15:22:23.732-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 28|02|07<hr /><h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 222px; height: 314px; float: right;" title="visa" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/russian_visa_2006.jpg" alt="" />APRIL 15, 2007...</h3><p>...is the day that my Russian visa expires. Since it makes little sense to go through the trouble and expense of applying for a new visa just to leave Russia, we have decided that this will be the day that we will depart from Russia as a family. For the last several days as a family we've been discussing our impending move (hence the lateness of this newsletter). Our biggest concern was having to leave with (possibly) our home unsold. Today Nina surprised us by offering to act on our behalf and finalize the legal matters if needed. What an answer to prayer! Now we can set a firm departure date and prepare to leave without having to be concerned about any delays in selling our home.
</p><p>Thank you for upholding us in prayer!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Tomorrow will mark two weeks since Lena & Sonia handed over their passports to <a href="http://ponyexpress.ru/" target="_blank">Pony Express</a> for delivery to the Canadian Embassy in Moscow. What we thought would be a simple, quick process of picking up the visas (judging by the price they charged!) has turned out to be another long wait. Will we <em>ever </em>see the visas??? ;-) <em>Hmm, perhaps Pony Express uses real ponies...?</em>
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for a growing pile of prepared documents. We are now preparing for bureaucracy <em>in </em>Canada by getting important documents translated. Birth certificates, diplomas and more need to be readable on the other side of the ocean!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are very thankful for all of the encouragement and congratulations we have received over the past weeks. Thank you all for your kind words & prayers!
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Sickness seems to be coming upon us! Today Deena had a high temperature and both Lena & I seem to be coming down with colds. Please pray for health and healing for our family.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for a buyer for our apartment. It's not the best time of the year to sell real estate right now, but hopefully we will be contacted soon by a potential buyer.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Beginning March 6, CCI/Russia will be hosting three important events in Moscow:</p><ul><li>March 6-9: CCI/Russia Ministry Strategic Planning</li>
<li>March 12-16: Camp Director's Institute instructors training course</li>
<li>March 18: Camper's New Testament planning session</li></ul>Please pray for the CCI/Russia board and staff as they will be joined by regional and other leaders to plan and prepare for future ministry.
<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/sets/72157594562421047/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 210px; height: 67px; float: right;" title="3-1" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/cka.png" alt="" /></a>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" alt="*" style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" /> ...that I finally attended a hockey game in Russia? Together with Lena and several staff from the CCI/Russia office we helped cheer the local team <a href="http://www.ska.spb.ru/" target="_blank"><em>SKA</em></a> on to victory! This was the next best thing to an NHL game—the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Hockey_Super_League" target="_blank">Russian Super League</a> is the premier Russian hockey league. As impressive as that sounds, I couldn't help but find more comparisons with minor league hockey. But it was a lot of fun nevertheless! Lots of photos can be viewed over at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/sets/72157594562421047/" target="_blank" rel="me">Flickr</a>. Some
interesting things I noticed:</p><ul><li>Almost no one sang the national anthem</li>
<li>The scoreboard displayed only the most basic of information and the video screens showed no replays and only once an animation</li>
<li>The game featured very few bodychecks and no fights</li>
<li>The referees and linesmen were skating bank advertisements</li></ul><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" com="" photos="" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-76950157068064039912007-02-20T14:31:00.000-06:002007-02-20T14:34:37.890-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 20|02|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/389427251/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 320px; height: 306px; float: right;" title="In prayer" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_2076.jpg" alt="" /></a>BEING JESUS</h3><p>During this month's Christian Camping Leaders Conference I listened to a camp director from Estonia share about how a first-time counselor impacted a young boy's life. The director told how a certain camper had been completely overwhelmed by the love and compassion shown by the camp staff, particularly that of his counselor, Valentine. One day the boy asked his him, "Are you Jesus?" Taken aback, Valentine answered, "No, but I am trying to be."
</p><p>I can very much relate to this young Estonian boy. Going to camp as a boy in Canada I remember well how my counselors showed Christ's love to me. I recall little of the fun activities, Bible lessons, food and chapel talks. But what remains vivid in my mind these 30-odd years later is how my counselors treated me. Young men like Larry Schmidt, Brent Petkau & Harry Froese truly were Jesus to me.
</p><p>There are countless children & youth who need us to be Jesus to them. Praise God for my counselors who encouraged and inspired me to follow Christ. Praise God for men like Valentine who prayerfully accept the call to volunteer at camps in the former Soviet Union. Pray that many more godly men & women will heed Christ's command to <em>"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."</em> (John 13:34, 35)
</p><p>May we all strive to not simply be <em>like</em> Jesus, but to <em>be Jesus</em> to those who need Him the most!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
</p><p>P.S. In case you missed it, I just sent out a four-page <em>Hamm's Headings</em> in which I shared in greater detail about our upcoming move. If you didn't receive the newsletter this past Sunday, you can read it online at <a target="_blank" href="http://hh.myinjesus.com/" rel="me">http://hh.myinjesus.com</a>. As well, you can easily receive future issues by sending a blank email to <a href="mailto:hh-subscribe@myinjesus.com">hh-subscribe@myinjesus.com.</a></p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>I've been trying to prepare Maya & Deena (particularly the latter) for our impending move. During evening prayers I've encouraged them to pray for someone to buy our home so that we can move to Canada. Deena is having a hard time comprehending all of this. Today when I told we want to sell our apartment, she said, "but then we'll be outside!". When I reminded her that we were going to take an airplane to Canada to live there she said, "but where's the airplane? I don't see it!" Admittedly it's a bit hard for us adults to see how it will all work out as well. Please pray for us during this time!
</p><p>Speaking of Canada, please don't hesitate to contact my parents, Jake & Elsie (204-857-3802 or <a href="mailto:jakehamm@mts.net" rel="parent">jakehamm@mts.net</a>) if you think you might have something we might need for our new home. Thank you to all who have helped so far!</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for a growing pile of prepared documents. We are now preparing for bureaucracy <em>in </em>Canada by getting important documents translated. Birth certificates, diplomas and more need to be readable on the other side of the ocean!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> We are very thankful for all of the encouragement and congratulations we have received over the past week. Thank you all for your kind words & prayers!</p><hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/394383793/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 320px; height: 303px; float: right;" title="Vote Unity! (or not)" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_2525.jpg" alt="" /></a>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Municipal elections are being held in Russia on March 11. Many Russians believe that elections are becoming a farce in this country. Please pray for fair elections and honest, upright representation for the Russian people.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray that our home will find a buyer. Or the other way around. ;-) Regardless, this is the one major thing that needs to take place before we can come to Canada.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Just when we thought Deena had recovered from her neck injury last week (thank you for praying!), she hurt it again! Please continue to pray for her healing and safety.</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that a school principal in a small town in the Urals has been charged under anti-piracy laws? He apparently permitted the installation of pirated versions of Microsoft software on 12 school computers and is therefore being made an example. This kind of piracy is common here—Sonia did all of her school computer lab work using pirated software, and rare is the Russian home or business that doesn't use the widely-available and inexpensive CD-ROMs!</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-39340931956245361692007-02-13T14:07:00.000-06:002007-01-29T15:13:55.412-06:00Hamm Prayer Points (VISAS!!!) - 13|02|07<hr /><h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 259px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Coming!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_2168.jpg" alt="" />COMING TO CANADA...REALLY!!!</h3><p>Today <strong>THE</strong> letter arrived from the Canadian Embassy in Moscow. <em>"Your visas are ready to be picked up"</em> is essentially what it read, precisely the news we've been waiting for for over a year! <em><strong>Praise the Lord!!!</strong></em> Tomorrow Lena will bring the passports to Pony Express so they can pick up the visas for us (it's less expensive than Lena travelling to Moscow herself to go to the Embassy).
</p><p>Now begins the process of putting our apartment up for sale, selling some appliances and furniture, giving away toys & books and packing whatever we can fit into ten suitcases!
</p><p>Oh yes, the Christian Camping Leaders Conference was a great success, with over three hundred participants from across the former Soviet Union and beyond. There is much to report, but for now please take a look at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/sets/72157594533822895/" rel="me">photos on Flickr</a> from the six-day event!
</p><p>Since there is so much to tell, I will save more writing for the next issue of <em>Hamm's Headings</em>, which I'll try to put out this week. If you are not already subscribed to our "summary" newsletter (or simply aren't certain that you are), please send a blank email to <a href="mailto:hh-subscribe@myinjesus.com">hh-subscribe@myinjesus.com.</a>
</p><p>Thank you for your prayers throughout the long process...and please don't stop praying now!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p><em><strong>Yes we are! </strong></em>Now that we know we are coming in the near future, the scrambling begins. While we wrap things up here, my Dad & Mom are busy organizing our newly-collected belongings in Portage la Prairie. The mobile home that we were given to use for the winter has become simply a storage facility, and since by the end of next month we have to move out, my parents will have to find another place to store our things. Our course we'll need a home to live in once we come, so we are looking for three- (or more) bedroom homes that we could rent or house-sit in from the end of March/early April until we can find a more permanent home.
</p><p>We will soon update you on further happenings & needs pertaining to our arrival in Canada!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God that the visa process has been completed successfully. It feels a bit strange now that the wait is over, but we are so very thankful for all who encouraged us & prayed for us during this time.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> The 2007 CCLC was wonderful. We thank God for His provision and blessing on the conference!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Our deficit with MBMSI has been paid off!!! Praise God for the many who gave generously over the past few months to help us start the year in the black. While we're encouraged by this development, we are still only receiving 75% of our salary, so we definitely need your continued support.
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for our preparations & packing. The biggest question for us is when will our home sell. If we can sell it soon, we can be in Canada before the end of March. Please pray that we will be able to sell our apartment at a good price in good time.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Deena injured her neck this past week, thankfully not too seriously. Please pray for her continued healing and for safety in our home.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that one of the biggest hassles of travelling to Russia is apparently easy to avoid? Every foreigner crossing into Russia must complete a migration card that subsequently must be registered at their place of stay. This costly process seems to be for naught: for the past six exits from Russia I've never been asked to show my migration card! (Of course, someday the authorities may come looking for me, wondering why I've never "left" Russia!)</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;">Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-63344081699980909982007-01-29T14:59:00.000-06:002007-01-29T15:13:55.637-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 29|01|07<hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/373652751/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 305px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Deena" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dscn6385.jpg" alt="" /></a>THE LONG STRETCH</h3><p>Today is the start of a fifteen-day work week for CCI/Russia staff. From now through February 9 we will be pausing only for sleep as we complete the preparations for the <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en/training/cclc/spb.html" target="_blank" rel="co-worker">Christian Camping Leaders Conference</a>, move three van loads from the office to the conference site and run the six-day event!
</p><p>We're all excited to again be part of our annual conference and are looking forward to incoming day. Until then we will be scrambling to prepare the registration material, welcome packages, CD & DVDs for distribution, packing lists, silent auction items, teacher's handouts, testing materials, certificates and so much more!
</p><p>The only downside to the conference is the fact that we will have to leave our families behind in St. Petersburg. On only one previous occasion was Lena able to participate fully. With Nina unable to manage the household in our absence, Lena will have to remain home during this time.
</p><p>Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry of Christian Camping International/Russia!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p><em><strong>News! </strong></em>Confirmation that our paperwork had reached the Canadian Embassy in Moscow finally arrived this past Friday. Now that we know that the paperwork has arrived safely we again go into patiently-waiting mode as we pray the documentation sent will satisfy those in charge of our case. Please keep the visa process in your prayers—we really don't know what will come next, but we pray that the next thing we'll hear is "Your visas are ready for pickup"!!!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God that the immigration paperwork arrived in Moscow.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Sonia is getting closer! Today she finished (more or less) a pair of elaborate silver earrings. She has one more major project to complete before she can recive her diploma.
</p><hr /><h3><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 256px; height: 280px; float: right;" title="Earring" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dscn9318.jpg" alt="" />PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Pray that the "proof" (a letter from MBMSI) that was sent to Moscow will satisfy the authorities that I will return to Canada with my family.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to uphold our office staff in prayer as we make the final prepartions for the conference and make the move to the site this weekend.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that weather reports in Russia state the wind speed in <em>metres per second</em>? To make matters worse for foreigners, they don't mention the windchill factor!
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that the Canadian Consulate here in St. Petersburg is closing at the end of February? This will be a real hardship for local residents (like Nina!) who will want to apply for tourist visas to Canada.
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;">Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-23340978751920952902007-01-22T14:23:00.000-06:002007-01-22T15:25:40.051-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 22|01|07<hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;"><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/366129453/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 216px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="Snow Heart" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_0118.jpg" alt="" /></a>WE (HEART) SNOW!</h3><p>Winter has come back to St. Petersburg. While we may live at the 60th parallel in Russia, that doesn't mean that we have a "real" winter! Too often our winters are simply cold & rainy, but once in a while we get enough snow to cover the dirt of the city!
</p><p>Work is pretty busy right now with lots of preparation for the conference. Meanwhile Lena is starting a new project for <a href="http://www.lifelightministries.org/" target="_blank" rel="colleague">Canadian LifeLight Ministries</a>: she is translating the Lion Graphic Bible into Russian.
</p><p>Thank you for your faithful prayers & support of our ministry!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>No news is...no news! We're still waiting for confirmation that our paperwork has reached Moscow. We're but a few weeks away from the ultimatum that the Embassy laid down for us in December. Without those documents our application will be denied and we will have to begin all over again. Please keep the visa process in your prayers!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Good health has returned to our home! Thank you for praying for Lena over the past week.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> It looks like sleep habits have also improved in our home. Your prayers are appreciated!
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for the upcoming (Feb. 4-9) <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en/training/cclc/spb.html" target="_blank" rel="co-worker">Christian Camping Leaders Conference</a>. We have eleven days until our staff leave for the conference site, and there is still lots of preparation to do. Please pray for good health and plenty of energy for our staff of eight as we sprint toward the conference start date.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Sonia is hoping to complete her jewellery studies by sometime next
month. She still has several tasks and a major project to complete before she is given her diploma. Please pray that she will be able to finish well.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that Soviet bus stops were, well, "unique"? I've seen a lot of interesting ones in my travels, but <a href="http://www.polarinertia.com/jan07/bus01.htm" target="_blank">this site</a> showcases some of the best (or worst). Enjoy!
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;">Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-16455133982435776532007-01-16T13:05:00.000-06:002007-01-16T13:09:56.578-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 16|01|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/359673377/"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 216px; height: 320px; float: right;" title="New Year's Girls" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/DSC_0104.JPG" alt="" /></a>HAPPY OLD NEW YEAR!!!</h3><p>Russians love saying that each year at this time! January 14th was of course the first day of 2007 for those (read: Eastern Orthodox churches) who follow the old Julian calendar. Celebrating two Christmases and two New Years is perfectly fine for holiday-hungry Russians! Now that we have entered the second half of January/New Year, a regular work schedule will finally resume in this country.
</p><p>Our office staff of eight have been working diligently during this time, preparing in earnest for the upcoming winter camping conference. Following is the conference course list, giving you a good idea what is in store for the 300+ pastors, camp directors and other senior camping leaders:
</p><h4>Track 1: Camp Director I
</h4><ol><li>Basic Camp Directors Course </li>
<li>Legal Aspects of Camp Management </li>
<li>Strategic Planning </li></ol><h4>Track 2: Camp Director II</h4><ol><li>Staff Performance Analysis and Evaluation</li>
<li>Staff Interviews</li>
<li>Effective Ministry Principles: Start with Yourself</li>
<li>Beyond Time Management</li></ol><h4>Track 3: Program Leader I</h4><ol><li>Basic Program Leaders Course </li>
<li>Vital Principles of Working with Campers </li>
<li>Effective Bible Lessons </li></ol><h4>Track 4: Program Leader II</h4><ol><li>Advanced Program Leaders Course</li>
<li>Generating Ideas</li>
<li>Motivating Staff </li>
<li>Developing Camp Staff </li></ol><h4>Track 5: Spiritual Counselor I</h4><ol><li>Spiritual Counseling </li>
<li>Helping Victims of Accidents and Natural Disasters</li>
<li>Sowing and Reaping Spiritual Fruit in a Child</li></ol><h4>Track 6: Spiritual Counselor II</h4><ol><li>Teaching Campers to Forgive</li>
<li>Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets</li></ol><h4>Track 7: Special Campers</h4><ol><li>Campers from Orphanages</li>
<li>Deviant Behavior in Campers</li>
<li>Campers with Special Needs</li></ol><h4>Track 8: Youth & Young Adults Ministry</h4><ol><li>Ministering to Young People in Camp and Church</li>
<li>Youth Camps</li>
<li>Youth Subculture Peculiarities
</li>
<li>Extreme Projects for Youth</li></ol><h4>Track 9: Regional Seminars</h4><ol><li>Course for Regional Seminar Program Leaders</li>
<li>Seminar for Regional Seminar Group Leaders</li>
<li>Regional Seminar Logistics and Academic Program</li></ol><h4>Minor Courses</h4><ul><li>Photo Ministry in Camp</li>
<li>Building Camper Relationships</li>
<li>Tent Camps</li>
<li>Winter Camps</li>
<li>Code Sign Camp for Boys</li>
<li>Day Camps</li>
<li>Round Table for Pastors</li>
<li>Owning Your Own Campsite</li>
<li>Family Camps</li>
<li>All Camp Games</li>
<li>Tent Camp Ideas</li>
<li>How to Avoid Burn-Out in Ministry</li>
<li>Camp Territory Activities</li>
<li>Night Games</li>
<li>Video Salon</li></ul><p>As you can see, there is a lot planned! Please remember in prayer our academic team and all the instructors, the majority of whom come from Russia and the CIS.
</p><p>Thank you for upholding the ministry of CCI/Russia in prayer!
</p><p>— Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
</p><hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Here is where we're at: All of the newly-requested papers have been sent to the Canadian Embassy in Moscow. We have not yet received verification of the arrival of said documents (those sent by registered mail), nor do we know if the medical tests have already been processed and sent to Moscow (from St. Petersburg they were sent to London for processing). We trust that the documents we have sent will satisfy those handling Lena & Sonia's case. For now there is nothing more to do but pray & patiently wait some more!
</p><p>Once we receive further news from Moscow, we will have to start things moving:
</p><ul><li>Our apartment will be put on the market in hopes that it will quickly sell.</li>
<li>Most of our furniture and appliances will be sold, given away or brought to Nina's apartment for her personal use (those she can fit into her tiny one-room apartment!).</li>
<li>All that we are keeping will have to be packed into suitcases for transport to Canada, shipped directly to Canada (if we can find feasible means of doing so) or packed for storage until we can retrieve it later.</li></ul><p>Please continue to remember the visa process and our preparations in prayer!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Snow has finally come to St. Petersburg! It's not much, but it covers the dirt nicely...
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please continue to pray for the February 4-9 CCI/Russia <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en/training/cclc/spb.html" target="_blank" rel="co-worker"> Christian Camping Leaders Conference</a>. Pray that all those who plan to attend the conference will be able to do so (many are struggling to find the finances needed), and that the remaining conference staff will be found to fill positions in hospitality and instructor services.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Lena has been very ill for the past two days. As I write this a doctor is on her way to our home (praise God that house calls still exist in Russia!). Please pray for her healing and for comfort during this trial.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> After three days of normal sleep after our trip, delayed jet lag has seemingly set in. Maya especially has had trouble sleeping through the night, which of course affects the rest of our sleep. Please pray for better sleep patterns to develop in our home.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that some of things I'm getting used to <em>not</em> seeing in St. Petersburg include vending machines, newspaper dispensers, drivers who stop for pedestrians, clerks who make small talk, stores that give treats to children and charity drives/donation boxes (or even evidence that there are such things are charities!)...just to name a few!
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a> for ways you can help our family & ministry.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>. (And now <a rel="child href=" sonique="">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
</p><hr style="width: 100%; height: 2px;">Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-29364710431449828422007-01-11T12:50:00.000-06:002007-01-11T12:51:46.214-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 11|01|07<hr /><h3><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm/353986822/"><img alt="Goodbye, Canada!" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/dsc_0002.jpg" title="Goodbye, Canada!" style="border: 0px solid ; width: 182px; height: 320px; float: right;" /></a>THANK YOU, CANADA!</h3> <p>Or "Gift Canada" as Maya put it one day after receiving yet another gift from a complete stranger (this time from the Post Office).
</p><p>What a wonderful time Maya & I had in Manitoba! The weather was unbelievable and God provided amazingly through His people. We were showered with gifts and blessed by nearly everyone we met. It was of course difficult to be away from Lena & the girls during this time, but God cared for us all. Despite some ill health, Maya & I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Canadian family & friends.
</p><p>I should add that the "time with friends" part was minimal, due mainly to lack of good health on our part. We would have loved to have been able to take more people up on their invites but it was not to be.
</p><p>Thank you to all who prayed for our family especially during our time in Canada. We will share in more detail about some of the blessings we received when we resume our regular publishing schedule.
</p><p>May God continue to use you to bless others!
</p><p>- Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena </p> <hr /><h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3> <p>Now major news to share...yet! Please keep praying!
</p><hr /><h3>BLESSINGS</h3> <p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for a safe return journey! We had no difficulty with our flights or (whew!) with Russian customs.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Lena, Sonia, Deena & Nina had a safe and enjoyable Christmas during our absence. Prais God for His protection and care.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thank God for the many gifts we received during our time in Canada. Most of our financial needs were met by the generous hearts of God's people!
</p><hr /><h3>PETITIONS</h3> <p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for preparations for the upcoming CCI/Russia <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en/training/cclc/spb.html" target="_blank" rel="co-worker">Christian Camping Leaders Conference</a>, to be held north of St. Petersburg February 4-9. There is much to get ready, and our staff of eight are in the thick of preparations. Please remember them in your prayers.
</p><hr /><h3>DID YOU KNOW...</h3> <p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> ...that Russian passport control stamps the passports of all Russian citizens? I've never had my passport stamped by Canadian authorities, so I guess that the Russian practice is unusual...
</p><hr /><h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3> <p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
</p><p><img style="width: 12px; height: 12px;" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">www.krhamm.com</a>.</p>Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20516193.post-77977173719325903092006-12-19T19:01:00.000-06:002006-12-19T19:10:52.100-06:00Hamm Prayer Points - 19|12|06<hr />
<h3><img title="Welcome to Canada!" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px solid; BORDER-TOP: 0px solid; FLOAT: right; BORDER-LEFT: 0px solid; WIDTH: 270px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px solid; HEIGHT: 322px" alt="" src="http://krhamm.com/photos/img_5580.jpg" />TWO WORLDS, ONE FAMILY</h3><p>We made it! Almost twenty-four hours from start to finish (I should have taken a picture of Lena braiding Maya's hair at 3:10 in the morning!) we made it to Canada. Praise the Lord and thank you all for praying for the journey!!!
<p>So far the adjustment has gone well, with Maya quickly adapting to life on the other side of the planet. Jet lag has been a bit of an issue for us both tho, with a few mornings starting just after 4! Health-wise we're doing fairly well, but I'm still not over my cold (or whatever) and Maya hit a bit of a low on Sunday with a bout of the 24-hour flu. Thankfully she's better now, especially since neither us Canadian citizens can get any free health care from the system!!!
<p>There has been a lot of other adjustments for me, however. It's been two and a half years since I last set foot on Canadian soil, and seven years since I've been here for Christmas! Renewing my driver's license was a cinch, but getting used to sitting behind the wheel took a bit of getting used to. It's been a treat to be able to stand in line without being pushed or jostled and be greeted with a smile when you reach the counter. Talk about culture shock! ;-)
<p>Being together with family again has been so wonderful. Extended family has also been a true blessing. From the moment we arrived people have been so good to us! One couple even told us that they were foregoing giving each other Christmas presents so that they could help us financially during this time. God is so good!!!
<p>Please feel free to contact us while we're in Manitoba; most times you should be able to reach us at my parents' home (204 857-3802). We'd love to hear from you!
<p>Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with Christ's peace & joy,
<p>- Kevin, Lena, Sonia, Maya & Deena
<p>P.S. I will be sharing at the Community Fellowship Church in Newton this coming Sunday morning (December 24). We'd love to see you there!
<hr />
<h3>COMING TO CANADA</h3><p>Two of us may be here already, but it's just temporary. It looks like Lena was able to get the needed papers much earlier than we expected, so with the medical tests on their way to London for processing, we are hopeful that the Canadian Embassy in Moscow will have all the requested paperwork by early January. So when will we see to visas? Immigration Canada isn't giving us any hints, but we figure that since it took eight months of processing for them to ask for more paperwork, we should be near the end of the "ordeal". ;-) We think there's good hope that by February all should be done, meaning that by March or April we should be ready to make the move. Please keep praying!!!
<hr />
<h3>BLESSINGS</h3><p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Praise God for a safe and manageable journey! Maya travelled better than expected and we made our connections without too much difficulty. <p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Lena underwent minor surgery this past week and came home is good shape. We are very thankful that Nina was able to care for Deena during this time.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Thank God for the many gifts we have received since our arrival in Canada. We have a great many needs, and it is so encouraging to see God's people respond. One family is even sending money to help Lena make a special Christmas meal.
<hr />
<h3>PETITIONS</h3><p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Please pray for God's continued protection on Lena, Sonia, Deena & Nina in St. Petersburg. Pray also for their health, especially Deena's as she has been battling a cold for almost as long as me.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Maya & I will need your continued prayers as we experience new food and new situations. This truly is a different world for us! Pray also for our health and safety, especially since we cannot easily get assistance from local health institutions.
<hr />
<h3>ESSENTIAL INFO</h3><p>Kevin & Lena Hamm are missionaries with <a href="http://www.mbmission.org/">Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International</a>, serving with <a href="http://www.ccirussia.org/en">Christian Camping International/Russia</a> in St. Petersburg, Russia.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> A <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/files/hpp_current.pdf">printable version</a> in Adobe Acrobat format is always available for download.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/pray">www.krhamm.com/pray</a> for links to print versions, archives and more.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> For more on our ministry in Russia, please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/">http://www.krhamm.com/</a>.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> You can help! Please visit <a href="http://www.krhamm.com/support">www.krhamm.com/support</a>
for ways you can help our family & ministry.
<p><img style="WIDTH: 12px; HEIGHT: 12px" alt="*" src="http://krhamm.com/images/bludiamd.gif" /> Hundreds of our recent photos can be viewed at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krhamm">Flickr.com</a>.
(And now <a rel="child href=">Sonia's pictures</a> too!)
<hr />Kevin R. Hammhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12265556060247564317noreply@blogger.com0