Dear Friends and Family,
As you well know the last 2 ½ years has been a whirl wind of change in the life of the Server family as we prepared to move our family overseas for ministry opportunities in Russia. Traveling and meeting with many of you during this time, preparing for vocational ministry, and all that goes with career change. Now another change has developed over the last 2 ½ months . . . our ministry field. If you have known us long at all, you know that Karina and I have live, breathed, and bled Russia for well over a decade and anticipated living and ministering there for as long as God would allow. All along we have said that if God were to close Russia we would not leave SERVE-International, but would move to another field.
Two and a half months ago began a journey of prayer, tears, and counsel. First, we were made aware that the Russian government was again making it increasingly difficult for foreign nationals to live and work in Russia. This started the ball rolling as plans were developing for our trip to Russia, Ukraine, and France. Second, we were presented with many options as it looked very probable at the time that Russia would close and our team would pull out to a “fall back location.” This is where the tears came in as we mourned that we would not be living and ministering in Russia. Finally, through prayer, seeking counsel, and discussion one of the possible “fall back locations” began to touch our heart. The Western Europe team, located in Vence, France, will now be the new home of the Server family.
Some of the most commonly asked questions and answers follow.
Q- Is Russia Closed?
A- No, Praise God! There is still work to be done as we found during our time there in June and a new national leadership training board has been formed to lead the way alongside current long term SERVE missionaries.
Q- Are visas a problem?
A- Yes! They are a continuing problem that will not go away anytime soon.
Q- What changed so much that you would move to another field?
A- Through our time of prayer and counsel over the last few months we have realized that we have a heart to do what our name says . . . serve! Whether that is in Denton, Russia or France. We do feel that we are suited for overseas ministry and there are many reasons that France is that place.
1. God has given Karina and me a precious responsibility, our kids, and we want to provide a stable place to minister as they go through many changes. We don’t want to be in a place for a year or two and have to move a second time and add a third language during their developmental years.
2. France is on the cutting edge of post-modernism and most of Western Europe follows what France does. This is a strategic location for ministry as a gateway to Europe, French speaking West Africa/North Africa, and the Middle East.
3. The French language is one of the official languages of both the United Nations and the Olympic Games. Prior to World War I it was the primary business language the world over.
Q-When are you leaving for France?
A- When God allows 100% of our monthly support to be in. We are currently at 60.44%.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to call or email us and we would love to have coffee and visit.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support of God’s work through our family.
In Christ,
Willie, Karina, J and K
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