Greetings from beautiful Michigan! As we watch the transformation of the trees as fall colors appear, we are aware of our ongoing need for God’s transformation in our own hearts and lives.

It has been so long since our last update. Except for Roz’s updates on her father’s physical condition after his nearly fatal car wreck, news from the Sullivans has been little. Please forgive our lack of communication. The past 13 months have been a blur, to say the least! Our journey of re-adjusting to life in the US has been full of life’s ups and downs, as is to be expected, according to His perfect plan and for His purpose. We’ve been trusting Him to redeem it all for His glory in spite of our stumbling and failures.

The summer alone was a whirlwind with our ministry responsibilities and other activities. Among them, we had the great joy of hosting two of ' our ' Russian guys, Misha N. and Sasha R., for the summer. Also, Galya K., who was hosted by friends in Ohio, was able to spend several weeks with us at various times throughout the summer. We praise God for how we saw Him at work in the heart of Galya, Misha, and Sasha. The Lord mightily used Galya to minister to Misha by sharing her testimony and walk with the Lord and then Misha re-invested in Sasha’s life. It was wonderful to reminisce as well as make new memories. I had the privilege and joy of baptizing both Misha and Sasha as they individually realized their need to take the next step of obedience in their relationship with the Lord. They both shared their testimonies and publicly proclaimed before a cloud of witnesses to be a follower of Christ through believer’s baptism. Please pray for Galya, Misha, and Sasha as they have returned home to their mission field.

Another quick email that we sent out in July was regarding our surprise trip to NY with the Yankees as our hosts. As we wrote earlier, the purpose of the trip was to reunite Andrei with his childhood friend, John Lahutsky, also formerly a Russian orphan. John was nominated as one of the recipients of the Yankees HOPE week award. He had shared the only thing from his childhood that he thought about still was to be reunited with Andrei. The Yankees coordinated and hosted both John’s and our family (John-David, Misha, and Sasha included!) for a long weekend. It was full of surprises and we were thoroughly blessed by their generosity and warm hospitality. We trust the Lord was glorified as we were given opportunity to share the many miracles of Andrei’s adoption and life. We also had the joy of meeting John’s mom, Paula, and some of their close friends. The entire trip was truly a phenomenal gift from God.

Another highlight of the Sullivan summer was the visit of Arseni S. A week after the other three returned to Moscow, Arseni was able to come visit for a few weeks. It was great to have him with us to see and hear all God has been and is doing in his life. He took the baton from us regarding orphanage ministry when we left Moscow last fall. He continues to reach out the fatherless, being sensitive to the needs of ‘the least of these,’ all the while seeking the will of his heavenly Father. One of the opportunities he had prior to coming to the US was to spend about 3 weeks in ' ___stan ' ministering to fatherless Muslim children. He coordinated the Bible lessons and activities with a team of young people who were willing to use part of their summer break to minister to the needs of others. Arseni graduated from his university in June and is now seeking the Lord’s will for a job when he returns to Moscow later this month. His desire is to be able to work and also have the time to continue in ministry. Thanks for praying for God’s provision for him.

As most of you are aware, my Dad passed away in June and Roz’s father was in a serious automobile collision in July. In the midst of our activities, Pastor's Retreats, and family responsibilities, Roz and her two siblings have rotated their visits in caring for their Dad. Once released from the hospital, Don has continued with physical and occupational therapy 3 times a week. He hasn’t been given clearance to drive so his children have ministered to him and provided continual care during this time. We stand amazed at God’s hand upon him and his relatively quick and miraculous recovery thus far. Roz was recently there and is grateful to report that his brain surgeon was very pleased with his progress and doesn’t need to see him for another 6 months unless something changes. Please continue to pray for his healing. We are so grateful for those of you who have faithfully been praying for his recovery. God has certainly shown Himself ABLE and honored the many prayers lifted up on behalf of Don.

Since we are highlighting the summer, another big event was John-David returning home to live with us. He continues to seek full-time employment while working part-time. We are re-adjusting to being together as a family after about 10 years! We are pleased to have him with us and look forward to what the Lord is going to do in and through him. Please continue to pray for God’s provision for him through full-time employment.

Sarah is still working in Life Action Ministry’s offices, now as the Project Manager & Communications Coordinator for the Communications Group. She also continues to volunteer as a counselor at the Niles Pregnancy Care Center and babysits in her free time!

Andrei enjoyed his summer by working with the lawn care team with the ministry. Now that school has started, he is enjoying the challenges of studying again at a local community college. Since the NY trip, God has opened several doors of opportunity to share all that God has done in his life.

Our involvement with Life Action has been incredible. We have seen the move of God’s hand in so many ways. Our responsibilities at The Lodge have been behind the scenes for the most part. We are doing what He has been training us for over the years. Our Lord has given us a heart for hospitality. In our case, we are privileged to continue serving within a hospitality team whose heart is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those the Lord brings. I’ve included below just a few of the testimonies of Pastors and their wives, as well as other couples whom God has met, touched, and changed as a result of their visit and time spent with Him at The Lodge. We are grateful He has trusted us to be His vessels to express His love to the couples He continues to bring our way. Along with our ministry to our Russians, God blessed us with full retreats throughout the summer with more ahead through the end of November.

During the past year we have been very encouraged to hear of pockets of revival taking place around the country and even in Canada. As we watch and listen to hundreds of personal and corporate transformations through repentance, recommitment, and surrender, we stand in awe of the move of God. Desperate circumstances call for desperate measures of action. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Are we as individual followers of Jesus Christ desperate enough to humble ourselves before God and man? Are we willing to repent of our religiosity and our man-made church practices and return to the path God has set before us through His Word? Are we courageous enough to recognize our wicked ways and turn from them? If so, God promises to heal marriages, heal broken relationships within our families and community, and restore us to Himself. There is nothing too difficult for Him!

We are grateful to those of you who continue to faithfully support us in prayer as well as financially. As we are so often reminded through our own frailties, without Him, we are nothing. We then realize when we are weak, He is made strong. We are ever mindful of God’s faithfulness to us through His people. May your heart be encouraged today as your ponder the testimonies of His hand at work.

'We came dry, discouraged, and disillusioned. This week offered us an opportunity to revive, restore and rest. We had "life" spoken into us and truth shared with us. We go back with a new perspective and a renewed passion.'

'God used this retreat to renew our spirits, our focus, and our passion for prayer and for His presence. Our marriage has been renewed spiritually. The friendship we built here will last well beyond this retreat time.'

'We were treated like royalty - meals, snacks, the Villalbas and Sullivans and Oswalds were so warm and welcoming. Over and over they were looking to our every need and comfort. Appreciate their availability and eagerness to know us, encourage us, and befriend us.'

We are thankful for the many opportunities He provides to serve and encourage His faithful messengers. The Apostle Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:12, concerning Pastors and church leaders, “to recognize those who labor among you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake”... Please pray for us to be discerning to the needs of the visiting Pastors and for us to be enabled to ’highly esteem them’ in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.

Romans 12:9-13 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

With grateful hearts and much love,

Tom, Roz, and family

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HE IS RISEN!!

Greetings dear loved ones,

We trust you are all well and preparing your hearts for the celebration of our Risen Savior!

This week at a Life Action staff meeting, we heard a young man's testimony of when he died on an emergency room table this past December. He and his newlywed wife are somewhere in their 20's. His wife was standing next to him watching in disbelief as the monitor showed his heart rate of above 200 flat line in a matter of seconds. Just like that, he was gone. She cried out for help and a nurse took action and was able to get his heart beating again. The rest of his long battle was just as dramatic and truly miraculous. The story became personal to us, because he is the son of one of the staff members. It became more powerful because he and everyone else, including the doctors, cannot explain his recovery, other than by the hand of God. His parents, siblings, and wife, shared about the amazing peace they experienced throughout the many days of ups and downs. There was a second time, during the ordeal, when the family was called together to say their goodbyes. His wife of only 6 months, and his family, had the peace of God which passes all understanding. They all agreed, in prayer, that if it was God's desire to take him home or leave him, either way, it was okay. They released him and entrusted him into the Lord's care. Not my will, but Thy will be done, Father God. All of the medical expertise, drugs, equipment, etc., were of no value. The doctors had given up on being able to help him when they shared with the family that they knew of one piece of medical equipment at another hospital, 45 minutes away by air, that might be able to help him. Doctors at both hospitals warned his chances of surviving the helicopter flight were slim to none. They risked the possibility of losing him, trusting God would somehow get him to the other hospital and the life-saving medical equipment. He was, however, never to see or experience that equipment. By the time he was in the air, thousands of people around the country were following the story on Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. Thousands in one accord were crying out to God for His perfect will to be done, and also pleading to intervene with another miracle. The reason our co-laborer never saw that high tech piece of equipment is because God performed an in flight miracle. While in route, he stabilized and began to feel better. When his wife and family arrived at the hospital, they found him in bed sitting up and talking. When they asked the nurse where the special equipment was, she said he was doing much better and they didn't believe he would be needing it. Though he was still in ICU, it was obvious to everyone that he had turned the corner and God had stabilized him.

It was by God's love, mercy, and grace, that this man was able to give testimony of all God has done and is still doing in his life. His restored life has already impacted thousands. With every precious breath, this man and his family gave God the glory. His closing statement, without hesitation, was other than not having better insurance, he would do it all over again. His painful and at times fearful journey has touched many lives. First and foremost, his own.

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, take it personally. As the state of this world continues to deteriorate, including our own country, God is waiting for us to individually take His death and resurrection personally. He is waiting for us to be on our knees and faces, crying out to Him for deliverance. We must not let it pass by as just another day, another fancy meal, or a mere celebration.

What will you do with Jesus?

He Who redeemed your soul.

What will you do with Jesus?

He Who can make you whole.

Sovereign of all the ages,

Savior of Calvary.

What will you do with Jesus?

He longs to set you free.

What will you do with Jesus?

Conquering Lord of all.

What will you do with Jesus?

Come while you hear His call.

Follow His steps to Calvary,

Humbly before Him bow.

What will you do with Jesus?

Call on His mercy now.

Call on His mercy now.

HE IS RISEN!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

It's Cold Outside!

A brisk 24F with a day full of snow...even the van was coooold! Actually, 24F is warmer than it has been so we're really having a heat wave...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dad, with his 4 children: Pat, Michael, Tom, and Danny

Dear Loved Ones,

We greet you from snowy Niles, Michigan! The weather reminds us of our many years in Moscow and is absolutely beautiful!

We have been here around 4 months. Time has gone by quickly. As we look back, we can see that God's hand has lead us every step of the way. He continues to use each of you in a special and unique way. It has been through your prayers and financial support that we have been helped in getting settled into this new ministry. We are abundantly blessed to be a part of Life Action Ministries. Every arm, leg, and hand is playing a vital and profitable role in leading our wounded nation back to surrendering all for the sake of Jesus Christ. Testimony after testimony bears witness of what God is doing in the heart of Christians all over this country and Canada, too. It is taking place one yielded heart at a time. As road teams visit churches across our land, individuals in each body are being impacted. As they surrender to the true meaning of Jesus Christ being Lord of their lives, it is causing reconciliation in marriages, families, churches, and communities.

Our involvement in ministering to pastors, their wives, and fellow laborers has been encouraging. We have seen and heard time and time again of God's hand at work in bringing refreshment, healing, and restoration. We are privileged and blessed to be a part of The Lodge staff. It is a unique team of individuals whose hearts are to practice Christ-centered hospitality to bless and minister to church leadership in need.

Recently a new door has been opened to the ministry and us. Over the past few months, God has brought to mind and heart James 1:27. This is significant to us because it was a key Scripture He used in His call for us to go to Russia. 'Pure religion undefiled before God and the Father, is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.' Life Action is answering that call by reaching out to orphans through foster care parents, adoptive parents, and adoption agencies. Though we are still feeling our way down this new path, there is no question that it is God Who has opened this door.

In the midst of our busyness with Christmas activities at The Lodge, Sarah and Andrei were big helpers. When Sarah had time, she joined us in preparing meals while Andrei gave a helping hand with set up and dishes. It has been a real team effort. A few months ago, Sarah was asked to serve in the main office as an administrative assistant. Her servant's heart, talents, and diligence have earned a good reputation and much gratitude from the staff. Andrei has also been busy volunteering his services for anyone who has need. He, too, has gained a good reputation among the staff. He successfully complteted his GED and has begun taking some college courses at a local branch of Lake Michigan College. John-David is still in Charlotte working. We were thankful to be able to spend his birthday and Christmas with him. He continues to volunteer at his church where he is being fed and challenged by the teaching of God's Word. It is a joy to see how God is using each of our grown children to minister to the needs of others.

After spending Christmas with Roz's dad in South Carolina, we traveled to Florida to visit with friends as well as join Tom's dad for his 90th birthday celebration. As he says, he's in pretty good shape for the shape he's in! It was a blessing for all of Tom's siblings to gather together as everyone enjoyed the festivities of the weekend.

It was also a blessing to be able to visit with some of you along the way. We were disappointed in not being able to see all who are dear to us! In planning our visits, we were challenged with bouts of illness as well as working around holiday schedules, however, we trust the Lord will allow our paths to cross in His perfect time!

As we consider the new year that is before us, we are looking forward to all that God has planned. The ministry opportunities are many. Our desire is to be in the center of His will, following His plan. Please join us in praying for clear direction and discernment.

We truly believe that God planted us here in Michigan with Life Action. In the process of getting established and basically starting from square one, we are reminded of God's faithful provision. We are also reminded that God's work, done God's way, will never lack God's supply. Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support. We are ever mindful of and grateful for the sacrificial gifts He gives through you. May He be the Source of encouragement and strength for your hearts today as you faithfully live for Him.