David and Jolene Sloan: February 2008
Hi everyone!
You have not heard from us in awhile, so I wanted to write and let you know how we are doing. Right now we are enjoying warmer weather which is up in the 50's now!
Our family is rejoicing in the birth of THREE babies born in the last two weeks. (For the Sloan family, this is not too unusual!). David's cousin Heather gave birth to a baby girl, Ella Marie, born February 13th. David's brother Tommy and sister-in-law Mona are enjoying their new little Esther Joy, born February 15th. And, David's sister Ruthie gave birth to a baby boy (whom they have not named yet) yesterday, February 26th. We are especially grateful for these safe deliveries, since both Mona and Ruthie lost their last babies.
On February 14th, our church held a Valentine's Banquet for the married couples. This banquet was held in our church auditorium and was well-attended. We had an enjoyable evening of food, fellowship, games, skits, and laughter.
This Friday ends another two-week Bible college course. We have had 14 students attending and studying Pastoral Epistles.
March 8th is a huge holiday in Ukraine, Ladies' Day. Ukraine does not celebrate Mother's Day like we do; however on Ladies' Day, every woman is celebrated... mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, lady teachers, co-workers, etc... We are preparing for another banquet on this day, in which the men will serve the ladies in black bow-ties. In the past this banquet has been well-attended, an average of 75-85. We are working hard at preparing for this day and hoping for many guests.
Yesterday we went to look at land. If you remember, we are wanting to buy land to build a Bible college and camp. Please keep praying for us that God would give wisdom and then provide the needed finances for this project.
Our family is doing very well. We have been constantly fighting coughs and runny noses with the little ones lately, but are grateful there has been nothing worse. The schools in our city are shut down and quarantined for a month, due to sicknesses being out of control. However, the preschool that the boys attend is still open, so we have been sending them any time they are well.
Thank you for your prayers for us! We are working on having a website for our family designed and look forward to sharing that with you in the near future. This family picture that I have attached was taken on Valentine's Day. Some of the quality was lost when I shrunk down the size, so I apologize for that.
With Love from Ukraine,
Jolene Sloan
