First Update

Welcome to the new venue for "Keeping Up With The Bellamys".

As I [Orban] write this the rest of the family is spending their last few days at our denomination camp-out at the Black Sea. Their time there with many of our Ukrainian friends has been enjoyed by both Trish and the kids. Health has been a major concern, however, as there have been several "bugs" going around. It really isn't major health concerns but having a fever or needing to visit the toilet frequently during a 10 hour overnight train ride is definitely less than pleasant. Please pray for all those at the camp [260+ people] that full health would be restored before they all leave on Sunday [19-Aug-07].

For me this has been a personal retreat time. Up until a week before camp started we were planning to all be there together - just like last year. However after spending a couple of days in prayer about it Trish and I really felt like God was asking me to stay at home this year. It was a hard decision as the time at the sea can be very fun and refreshing. However, my time rumbling about our now quiet apartment has been very relaxing and spiritually refreshing time. Some of my thoughts from this time are recorded at my personal blog site http://orbanisms.blogspot.com/.

DBI starts again in just a few weeks - 10-Sept-07. Please continue to pray for more new students. Enrollment in Ukrainian Bible Schools is down nationwide and many schools are struggling to find new students. Please pray with us that the Lord will provide the students that He wants to touch through DBI.

This also means a huge jump in activity for me personally. I am filling the role of Academic Dean and registrar for DBI as the Popes leave the field to return to Canada. [Wayne Pope was our Academic Dean and Registrar and has been for many years.] On top of teaching a new course again this year [Pentateuch] there are many additional responsibilities and tasks associated with this new role for me. Please pray that I would fully rely on God in me and through me to accomplish what He desires in these roles and courses this semester.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us.

Orban