In Udmurtia

Tim, Marc and Jimmy made it to Udmurtia today.
Jack and Mark, pastors from Arkansas came in a couple of days ago to do a seminar on spiritual gifts. Tonight was the first session.
Both men did a great job.
Jack was even introduced as the "Bishop of Arkansas" - guess he was promoted since we left Arkansas last summer.
We are here helping some, but mainly trying to get some video and pics for a piece on their ongoing partnership with the churches here.
God is using partners like these guys all over the country of Russia.
You don't even have to be a "Bishop" to help lead one.
S'Bogum for now
Tim

Tim and Pastor Sergei

Had a good day yesterday.
Met with the Senior Pastor and learned a lot about the Khanti and what God is doing among them.
Plans were made for the week.
Did a little night time sightseeing in Surgut.
Right now it is minus 30 F outside.
We are getting ready to head to the Surgut Museum of Local Lore to learn more about the history of the Khanti people.
Thanks for praying for us on the trip and the family back in Moscow.
S'Bogum
Tim

(pictured Tim and Pastor Sergei)

Tim to Surgut

Pull out a map - find Surgut, Russia.
Hint - East of the Ural Mountains, Northwest Siberia.
Oil fields, gas fields, and frozen tundra.
Tim is headed there with Marc and Jimmy this evening to see about a partnership with the Russian Baptist church there working with the Khanti people group.
Please pray for Lisa and the girls while Tim is gone.
Pray for a safe trip for Tim and the team.
And
Follow the progress of the trip (if we have internet connection!) at:
www.engagerussia.blogspot.com
www.engagerussia.org
S'Bogum
Tim for the gang

Happy Birthday Tessa!

Tessa turns 13!
Our youngest is now a teenager.
She is such a joy to have around.
She is growing up so gracefully and is full of life and fun.
Mom and Dad could not be more proud!
Here she is on her b-day and with her BFF Ali.

Cool Night Out

A night or two before Caleb had to leave - one last trip to Red Square.
Winter has finally settled in, it has been running in the teens Fahrenheit the past couple of weeks. For the most part we holed up, watched movies, tv, played games, and just enjoyed the warmth.
Winter break is just about over for the kids. We aren't mentioning the "s" word just yet, still the weekend to go.
The Engage Russia initiative is gaining momentum. Our team has expanded to Tim, Marc, Sarah D (doing research), and Jimmy B (photographer).
Keep an eye on www.engagerussia.org - right now it is sending you to a blog, but soon and very soon it will be a full-fledged website with videos and prayer guides to download and use in your church. More later . . .
Enjoy the weather, whatever it is - - -

New Years Eve 2009

New Years Eve 2009 - Red Square.
It was a little insane.
We got there about 11:40 PM.
Red Square had been closed off for a long time.
So we hung out with the THOUSANDS of other unfortunates on the streets outside of the Kremlin/Ohotni Ryad, downtown Moscow.
Enjoy the short clip!
Happy New Year!

Long Time No Post

Greetings all - hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Sorry not to have written more the last few days, but I am guessing you all have been busy with the holidays, as well.
We had a good Christmas - with a little bit of snow - so it was technically a White Christmas.
It is good having Caleb around for a few days. Been watching a lot of movies, eating a lot of food, doing a little work, playing some games, and for the most part just enjoying the gang - minus Sarah - sniff sniff.
Because of a picture or two on the last post - 2008 Wicker Year in Pics - posting any pictures of the girls without their prior permission has been forbidden - Ha! Censorship, not always a bad thing, not always a good thing.
Anyway, here are a couple of pre-approved photos from the holidays.
We love and miss you all
S'Bogum
Tim for the gang

Wicker 2008 Year in Pictures

Click on the off-centered slide show on the right and see some of our favorite 2008 family pics.
Or check them out on our Facebook (Tim Wicker) page.
More soon . . .
S'Bogum
Tim

High Priest of Hinkson

No, you have not traveled back in time to ancient Israel!

For their Bible project this year, Rachel and her friend Amanda made this High Priest outfit.
Rach and Amanda worked long and hard and the results are amazing.
Mr. Clarke, long-time Bible teacher at Hinkson, said that it was the BEST Bible project ever, and the only project that he ever wanted to keep and use in the future.
Not only did the girls learn about the High Priest, his role and function, they also learned how to use a sewing machine.

We are so proud!

Chuvash Videos

It's that time again for Southern Baptists - LMCO - or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
This annual offering for international missions allows us and more than 5000 others to serve the Lord throughout the world.

This week has been a busy one. Marc Hooks and I have been trying to get some video promotion pieces ready for you and your churches to use as you pray and give and think about joining us in the work overseas.

We got a lot done and the fruit of our labor can be seen at www.engagerussia.org
There you can see some of the videos on the Chuvash People of Russia.
There you can follow the links to download these videos and handouts for use in your churches.
There you can learn more about how to join us as we seek to Engage Russia with the Good News.

Even if you don't plan to use them in your churches, I would encourage you to check this site out, watch the videos and pray together with us for the work among the Chuvash people. The site is brand new and under constant revision - so bookmark it and follow along.

Today is Saturday, a day off, a day planned with the family - glad for it -
S'Bogum
Tim
(here's a sneak peak)