Christmas Newsletter

Finally, our family newsletter outline the higlights from September to December.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rosson-Newsletter.html?soid=1101898662382&aid=JO-w-awpGZI

Summer Newsletter Now Available

Well, the long-awaited (uh, overdue) family newspaper is now online.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Rosson-Family-Newsletter.html?soid=1101898662382&aid=aBmpQ9YMtso

August News

We are currently in the United States for vacation and business. I hope to share more later.

In the meantime, we have posted our quarterly newsletter and it can seen at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs072/1101898662382/archive/1102675738242.html

Family Newsletter online

Our latest newsletter is now online at
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs072/1101898662382/archive/1102536275849.html

Currently, our kids are on Spring break (Easter break). We'll upload some pictures here before too terribly long.

Our Winter Newsletter Available

This past weekend we mailed out the electronic version of our quarterly newsletter to our friends and sponsors. Didn't you get one? Then you haven't signed up for the newsletter. (See box below to the right.)

In the meantime, one can download the newsletter at
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs072/1101898662382/archive/1102413762277.html

Claudia's Visit with the Department of Homeland Security

We've been quite busy the last couple of days. When we traveled to the States in July, the officials at the border suggested that Claudia should apply for a Travel Document to ensure her green card status. Furthermore, we learned that this is a different document than the form for missionaries (or their spouses) who do not want their time abroad to be counted against them for naturalization purposes.) It seems that the Department of Homeland Security have revamped several laws regarding immigration during the past couple of years. (Which isn't too surprising when one remembers the immigration issues with the 911 perpetrators.)

We began the paperwork for the travel document during our stay in the States. However, the USCIS indicated that Claudia would have to submit her biometrics while in the United States. However, the appointment that was given to us was after we returned to the States. After delaying the appointment once, we were informed that Claudia had to submit her biometrics at the Atlanta application support center.

Thanks to years of collecting Delta miles, Claudia and I were able to fly to the States for less than $17. But it was a bit frustrating that the American Embassy / Consulates in Germany were not authorized to take her picture and fingerprints.

After 30 minutes of the 8:00 AM appointment, the rest of the weekend we spent in Cleveland, TN. After taking care a couple of business matters for the schools in Moscow and Bulgaria, we pretty much sequestered ourselves to my parents retirment home in Cleveland

August Newsletter is Online

Our latest newsletter is now online and can be downloaded by clicking on the following link. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print the newsletter.

http://www.cog-europe.de/rosson/August_2008.pdf

School's Out, Ranger Camp, and a Funeral

The past week has been a very busy one for our family. Finally on Wednesday (yes, July 23), the kids had their last day of school. Before school let out, though, there were plenty of good-bye parties and school festivals which was complicated by the fact that our three kids are in three different schools. Grades?

As soon as school was over, the twins left for a week long Royal Ranger camp. In fact, I'll pick them up next week in Bavaria on the day before we fly to the States.

Speaking of flying to the States, we are schedule to fly with Lufthansa airlines. Unfortunately for us, several of the unions have voted to go on strike next week. On Monday, the airports in in Frankfurt and Hamburg wil be affected. (And we fly from Stuttgart to Dusseldorf to O'Hare).

And today we said good-bye one one of Claudia's aunts - Frieda Schäfer. Although she had been ill recently, her death this past Tuesday came as a surprise. In fact, she was to be transferred out of the hospital to a nursing home - her bags already packed. She and Uncle Jakob had just celebrated their 50th anniversary. The death affect Claudia's family in two ways: Frieda was the sister from Claudia's mother (Lisl) who married the brother of Claudia's dad (Robert Schäfer). On the positive side, Frieda was a committed Christian who was very active in her church - and we have the confidence of seeing her again in heaven. It was also a good chance to see many relatives whom we had not seen in a while, too.

April newsletter is now online

Just in time to divert you away from doing your income taxes (if you live in the United States), our latest newsletter is now online for downloading.

Just click on this link for the pdf version. http://www.cog-europe.de/rosson/april2008.pdf

Birthdays and Back Problems

During the past two weeks, we have celebrated three birthdays. Brianna turned 9 last week; this week the twins (Colin and Kevin) turned twelve - and kicked off the countdown to becoming a teenager. Claudia has done a great job of organizing birthday parties and get togethers. And it has kept me busy, too....for a small price.

While watching the twins play on their new Wii, my back went out on me. I have a history of a slipping disc, but it's been several years since it has been this bad. The timing was pretty ironic, too. I was just being treated for a heel spur (with new arch supports, etc.). I guess my body posture was overcompensating for the heel spur....well, you can figure out the rest.

As a result, I've been out of commission - and the blog reflects that.

Christmas Eve in Germany

Christmas traditions differ from country to country. And things are a bit different here in Germany than back in the States.

• In contrast to the States, all stores close in the early afternoon (2 pm). There's no mid-night shopping at Walmart for Santa's gifts.
• Church service at 5 pm. Many Germans regard the Christmas Eve service as the most special in the year. Even though they never attend church throughout the year, they will probably still attend on Christmas Eve. (Easter services, on the other hand, are poorly attended).
  
• Families gather for dinner and the opening of gifts. The Weihnachstman (Santa Claus) arrives during the evening of the 24th, giving the kids plenty of time to play with their gifts before going to bed.
  

Our family had our Christmas dinner before church. As I mentioned in our previous post, our church rented the community auditorium for tonight's service. I'm guessing that we had about 200 in attendance.

Then we came home, read the Christmas narrative, and Brianna handed out the gifts. This year was special because both Claudia's parents and my parents were with us for Christmas. (Yep, my parents made the trip to Germany for the holidays.)

Newsletter Now Available

The long awaited, not-to-be-forgotten Rosson family newsletter is now available for downloading. In order to view the newsletter, you will need the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader. To save to your computer, right mouse click on the following link. Feel free to print and distribute this among your friends and in your church.

http://www.cog-europe.de/rosson/dec2007.pdf

Rosson Family Update

Just a quick update on the family and our happenings. I (Tom) left Germany yesterday and arrived in Moscow early this morning. I crawled into my bed at the seminary at 4 am. My trip came on the day after nothing but headaches from computers (my laptop bit the dust) and cars (a routine oil job led to bad news about brakes, tires, shock absorbers and V-ribbed belt).

The flights went well. However, while catching my connecting flight in Moscow, I received word that Brianna been injured as a neighbor accidentally drove over her foot. Fortunately, our niece and nephew are staying with us, witnessed the accident, and notified Claudia immediately. After inspecting her Brianna's foot, Claudia opted not to run immediately to the hospital, but to observe it overnight. This morning, Brianna was able to walk to school.

Claudia and I had a good laugh about it. For whatever reasons, things types of things (Brianna's foot, or Kevin's breaking two teeth, etc.) always seem to happen when I'm away from home. And if I stay home....just stay holed up in my home office....nothing bad ever happens to the kids ;-\

Colin and Kevin are doing well. although each have their challenges in school. Colin had an English test on Monday. (Keep in mind that they attend German schools, but he started school in the States and we speak English at home). Getting an "A" on an English test has proved to be elusive. Sometimes it's because of the British English that is taught here. But sometimes it's ill-fated logic.

Monday's banal example: "What is the opposite of 'to learn'?" Flustered, Colin gave no answer and then asked the teacher after the test. What to hear the answer? 'To teach." (The logical conclusion is that Colin's teacher has stopped learning. Right?)

Kevin , who speaks better English than his twin brother, also has his problems with his class, but for a different reason. Kevin is simply frustrated that the English language isn't flexible enough for multiple spellings based on the way the word sounds. ;-)

July Newsletter is online

Just a quick note -- our newsletter is online for downloading. Go to www.rosson.cc and follow the link for newsletter.

And if you're really impatient and want to rely on my memory, you can click here and come directly to the pdf file.

Happy Independence Day!

Well, today's not a holiday in Europe. But we all have reason to celebrate the freedoms that we have in America and Western Europe. Although we don't write much about it, it is always present in our minds that many of the Eastern European countries did not permit the freedom of religion until 15 years ago. Even today there are constant reminders that such freedoms are not to be taken for granted.

The reason for our letter, however, is to thank donors for the gifts they gave to World Missions and our ministry. It is only with the prayers and support from people like you. Thank you for making this ministry possible.

Just because the academic year is over in Moscow, that doesn't mean we don't have anything to do. June has been a very busy month for us. I (Tom) had a series of speaking engagements in Neulußheim, Denkendorf, Rudersberg and the Eurasian Leadership Summit in Kniebis. And when I wasn't speaking, I often provided the translation.

Additionally, I currently serve as chairman of the European Education Committee and had the privilege of organizing the biennial European Educators Conference (which was also held in Kniebis). One of the results of the conferences was the creation of the "European Education Manifesto", a vision statement that outlines the core values of our ministerial training initiatives.

Family Life has been busy, too. During the first week of June, Colin and Kevin had a great week a camp. Claudia and Brianna went also to the same camp for a "snooper" night. (Brianna is in the starter group, so all of the beginners went for a night.) While the twins were gone, Claudia and I were able to get away for a one-day excursion to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

Again, we appreciate your prayers for our budget with World Missions. The fact that you are partnering with us is an answer to prayer. We are grateful that God has allowed us to stay "on the field" despite poor exchange rates and rising inflation.

One of Germany's Finest Spots

For our anniversary, Claudia and I spent a couple of days in Lindau, Germany. Located on Lake Constance next to the Austria border, Lindau is a small island town complete with lake front hotels, promenades, small alleys, restaurants, shops, and old churches. There are ferries to Austria and Switzerland regularly throughout the day. Somehow this idyllic setting had escaped my attention in the 19 years that I have been associated with Germany. It's a great place to visit -- but only in the summertime.

July Update from Moscow

Moscow and Kiev
Since Tom has taken on the school in Moscow (see http://www.faithnews.cc/articles.cfm?sid=6826) , the past couple of weeks have demanded his attention to be given to the seminary. In June Tom has traveled to Kiev, Ukraine (for a training seminar) and Moscow (for faculty and administrative meetings, and appointments with local pastors). The students are currently in their summer internships.

Update on Attacked Student
Many of our donors may have heard about one of students being attacked during the last week of classes at ETSM. Two men robbed and severely beat Vladimir Emelyanov up. The attack took place only 500 yards from the seminary. Vladimir lost his wallet, train tickets (to travel home for the summer), and identification papers. He was beaten so badly that the doctors had to remove his left kidney and spleen. After a two-week stay in a Moscow hospital (which is no vacation), he was released and stayed at the school for another 10 days to regain his strength before traveling back home to Siberia.

Thanks to several churches, Vladimir’s medical expenses during his stay in the hospital have been taken care of. But we ask you pray for Vladimir’s long-term physical recovery and perhaps more importantly his emotional/spiritual processing of what has happened to him.

Ministry in Germany
Also this past month, Tom and Claudia had the opportunity to attend the German Pentecost in which Pastor John Morgan from Jacksonville was the main speaker. At the pastors’ and church leaders’ workshop on the next day, Tom was privileged with the opportunity to translate Pastor Morgan into German.

Claudia also has had two ministry opportunities. First, she was invited to share a lengthy testimony in an interview during a service in a nearby church. Second, her life’s testimony is being published in the InSpirit magazine, the German equivalent of the Evangel.

Again, we are so grateful to be a part of your ministry around the world!

Tom and Claudia

Growth of Education in Central/Eastern Europe

Before leaving for Moscow, Tom had to prepare the biennial reports for our headquarters in America regarding the educational ministries in Central and Eastern Europe. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of people being trained in our Bible schools and other training programs in our part of Europe. In 2004, we reported 501 students or ministers in training. In 2006, the number of students and ministers in training has risen to 819, an increase of 63 percent! Our educational ministries have grown to all of the fifteen countries in our field areas.

My boss, Dieter Knospe, present the following report to our missions board in February.

The following seven Bible schools are located in six countries on our field:
1. European Theological Seminary (ETS-Kniebis), Freudenstadt-Kniebis, Germany

• 52 full-time students
• 240 part-time students in extension courses in various European countries
• About 2,000 additional students enrolled in programs recognized through ETS-Kniebis, in conjunction with the education department of the Church of God in Africa

2. Eurasian Theological Seminary (ETS-Moscow), Moscow, Russia

• 40 full-time students
• approximately 102 students in four extension programs (Russia, Ukraine and Armenia)

3. Pentecostal Theological Institute, Bucharest, Romania

• 136 full-time students
• 19 part-time students
• several students in extension programs (MIP)

4. Bulgarian Theological College, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

• 23 full-time students
• 20 MIP students

5. Latvian School of Christian Ministries, Jelgava, Latvia

• 147 total students
• 44 part-time students in the seminary
• 104 students in the extension program

6. Ukrainian Bible School, Slavyansk, Ukraine

• 30 full-time students (3-month intensive Bible school)
• 13 MIP students (extension program of ETS-Moscow)

7. Betania Bible Institute, Arad, Romania

• 56 full-time students
• 111 part-time students

Ministerial Internship Program

In each of these countries, the MIP program is operating parallel to the Bible institutes. The MIP course has 20 students in Austria, around 40 students in Armenia, and around 40 students in Belarus. The program also has been implemented in Hungary and Poland. In Prague, Czech Republic, we also have the discipleship training school, "The Mission," with many part-time students.

CIMS ProgressThe CIMS programs also are in the process of being translated into Russian, Hungarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Latvian, Bulgarian and German.

Eurasian Theological Seminary, Moscow
I particularly want to mention ETS Moscow. Located in the metropolis of the former Soviet Union with an impressive building, this school provides the Church of God with an extraordinary opportunity and challenge to build the kingdom of God and reach the Russian Empire and its many satellite countries with the gospel. It is completely possible to plant and sustain thousands of Church of God congregations in the region. ETS Moscow is predestined to take a key roll in this great task. Moscow is an ideal location: we could not have a better location. The facility of ETS is the fulfillment of a dream and offers excellent possibilities and space for 100 students.

As positive as these facts are, it would be a fallacy to think that a good building with a good location makes a good school - if it makes a school at all. What can really make ETS an excellent school is more competent faculty - dedicated and loyal to our denomination, teaching, training and motivating our students.

A second need at ETS-Moscow is that it has a slim operating budget, considering it is a school located in one of the most expensive cities of the world. With such a low budget, it is questionable if the school can continue to function. The costs of the new building are several times more than those of the smaller, more limited facility they used to occupy. Moscow is not only expensive in general, but the prices and the cost of living continue to rise with high inflation. In addition, the weakening of the US dollar has not helped.

The Magic of Kids

Although some of these pictures can be found in our website (www.rosson.cc) and the newsletters, I also wanted to post them here.

We've had plenty of snow this winter, as you can see. Also in January we celebrated our kids birthdays. Fortunately for our family, January is a slow month in terms of travel and educational training activities. Lot's of family time.

PTL! Brianna is doing better!

Yesterday my wife made a big trip with our five-year old daughter to the big city of Stuttgart. For the past 18 months, Brianna has been plagued with a urinary track infection caused by a VUR, a reflux caused by the improper shape of the bladder and urinary track. In severe cases, it may lead to kidney infections and disease. Many children have an improperly shaped urinary track and as the body grows, the physical anomaly takes care of itself.

So, yesterday was the big check up at the nearby children's hospital. They filled up her bladder with some stuff that can be seen by the x-ray machine. Needless to say, it was an unpleasant experience. But the premilinary report indicates that Brianna no longer has the reflux. If this is the case, she may not need surgery to correct the problem and we can look at taking her off antibiotics next month.

To celebrate the news, Claudia and Brianna did want most women want to do.... Go shopping. So the two of them raided Stuttgart's large pedestrian zone and shopped for shoes. At five years of age, Brianna has already a clear sense of fashion, having found a "must buy" pair of stylish boots.... Now my wallet needs to go someplace for healing.