A Letter from Ellen Smith, serving in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Poland
December 2020
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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27
For this our Lord, the Prince of Peace, came into the world, not as a warrior to vanquish our foes, but as a child to show us the way. In these troubled and troubling times, let us hold on to this truth and be not afraid. In the countries we have served, Advent is a fasting time, a prayerful time and a centering time, preparing for the great celebration of Christ’s entry into the world. In that centering, may we all find the Lord’s peace to carry us through to whatever new normal is ahead of us.
Ellen and Al and the puppy dog
Al has now retired from mission service and we are living in Wisconsin. I continue to serve and will be traveling regularly to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Poland once the borders reopen and we have a vaccine, so that we do not infect one another. Please know how deeply grateful we are for all the ways you have accompanied over the last 20 years. I look forward to the journey ahead. We love you and give thanks for you always. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Love and blessings,
Ellen & Al
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