Joe Ragan

I love to host and entertain friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do much since being in Kazakhstan due to my schedule.
As you should know, I have been playing basketball with some great guys. One of the guys I have become ‘friends’ with is Max. Max has helped me [...]

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Sunday, May 1 is May Day, an old Soviet holiday that I think is like Labor Day in America. Also, this year, Orthodox Easter is May 1. Today (Saturday) the workers were out hanging bunting around the center near my apartment. Also, other workers have been painting and cleaning up.
I [...]

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Tuesday was a highlight day for me. The doorbell rang around 11 a.m. I had just finished my Bible reading and praying. I went to the door and the postal worker handed me a letter and two notices for packages.
I was expected the packages from a Sunday school class from Faith Baptist [...]

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I receive two English speaking channels on my cable system, CNN and Eurosports II (mostly a news channel). While I don’t consider CNN to be that great of a station, I do enjoy the fact that now that I am living in K’stan I can watch Larry King Live and Newsnight live.
I [...]

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I have been playing basketball with some guys (most of them are programmists). I am not very good, but I enjoy playing and it is great exercise.
I usually don’t play too much offense since the other team always has someone hanging back and so I do also. Therefore, I don’t get too many [...]

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On Wednesday evening, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of software programmists who all know English and meet each week to practice. It was the second time to meet with them.
Max, a young man I play basketball with, invited me to come. I shared with them about spring holidays and [...]

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I am blessed!
Blessed to have a loving Savior!
Blessed to serve Him in Kazakhstan!
Blessed to have wonderful family and friends who are praying for me!
Blessed to be in the midst of His work!
Yesterday, I was a little depressed over my visa situation. I still didn’t have all the docs needed and I also found out [...]

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Thank you for taking time to pray for these requests.
PRIORITY: UPDATE
The committee charged with working out the details continues to meet. The Baptist Union president met with this committee on Thursday. Please continue to pray for God to work in the midst of this situation.
PRIORITY II:
My visa paperwork has been submitted and I [...]

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I’m a little apprehensive to say that spring has finally “sprung” but the last two days have been spectacular! It is 62 degrees right now and the forecast shows in the 70’s tomorrow and not below freezing this week.
Of course, I realize this is K’stan and I live in the steep and [...]

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Saturday I was returning to Karaganda after spending most of the day in Astana. I had met a group of believers from Hungary who are looking at sending missionaries to K’stan. After a good visit and an equally good lunch, I said my goodbyes.
Before going to the bus station I stopped at the [...]

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