Craig and Debbie Rayner

Learning?! — Debbie In the last month we passed a milestone, our first year living in Kazakhstan! There have been a lot of lessons learned, and I feel excited about entering into year two. Yesterday, we needed to get our registration redone, and so went for the mandatory aids test. Last year we where guided by one of the local staff. This year we did it alone, and got it done. While we waited for results, we wandered down to pick up some new shoelaces. At this time last year, if we had needed some shoe laces it would be the bazaar, to find cheap quality and expensive laces. But during the year I had made some ribbons for the kids to use in dance during the Y- family 50th anniversary, and had found in the shop under the ribbon shop a button and shoe lace shop. It is such a wonderful thing to know where to find the things you need. We got good quality laces for the local price (cheap). In language I am also feeling the same growing. Last year I got the alphabet sorted and learnt a few hundred words, and pointed a lot. This term I have started using sentences – simple sentences, but trying not to point (or mime) when at the market and talking to people. As I stumble out my sentences, the pleasure from the local team members as well as the shop keepers is a great encouragement.

'His words evoke her beauty.' — Craig Don't you just love being smacked on the back of the head by words from the word. Here I am in Kazakhstan, struggling with the everyday of life, with an added level of 'I don't understand the language or culture' built in and I still get a figurative smack on the back of the head. We are starting to think about what it is we need to communicate with you, the people who support us in the adventure, as we begin to plan our visit to Hong Kong and Australia. Hong Kong because of a promise, and Australia because of a grandson. (January 27, 3.4kg, Isaac Raymond, all well.)

The verse reminded me of why we are here in Kazakhstan. Paul wrote something like this in Eph. 5:24? and this is Peterson's translation today. Paul is doing a thing with marriage, a bit of a comparison. The reminder for me is that I am the representative of the bridegroom to the bride here in Kazakhstan. I may be working at a school, maintaining a computer network, but the way that I do that has to be done in a way that evokes beauty; that is difficult. It actually does not matter what it is that I am doing, the being part of me needs to be evoking beauty. I so often miss 'being' as I get wrapped up in the doing of today, and because of not being aware of 'being' I sometimes find the end of the day without beauty. I was also struck by the other comparison that Paul is making. In my own marriage the beauty of my wife is magnified by the attitude I have towards my wife. His words evoke her beauty. It is a promise that resonates within me, a promise to always have beauty in my marriage, and that the attitude I bring into the marriage actually amplifies the beauty. What a promise! To be the beauty and the one who can evoke beauty. I need every day to be a day of beauty. Help me to make it so.

Turning disappointment to expectation. — Debbie During December, there is a tradition that we brought from HK to our Y team here. On the 25th, having a gift for the birthday Boy. I had been disappointed by several things last year. So I wrapped a box with a list of all the things that did not happen last year, and gave them away. But I also gave a note book which I am for this year journaling quiet times, and expecting to know more about His character each time I come to Him. It has been a huge relief to not carry disappointments into the New Year, but the expectation of good things!

Craig. The school move is gradually being pushed further towards the end of the school year (that is towards June in these northern parts.) Debbie and I need to be available for a period that includes prior too, during and after the move. Debbie is the point person for he actual move, doing the co-ordination of all things that are required in such a venture. My role is much more targeted, looking to provide communication and computer access in the new building. So Debbie has quotes for moving trucks and boxes and packing per hour, etc, and I have quotes for phone systems and microwave links and computer switches. The actual building is reaching the critical stage of completion, requiring inspections and fitouts, certification and landscaping. The project is approximately $400,000.00 short. Should you wish to support the school that is currently helping 100 families evoke beauty in Kazakhstan, then please contact us for details. (US and Canada are tax deductible.)

Contact Details

Our E-Mail Addresses: and

Current (Kazakhstan) Postal Address:
PO Box 10, Post Office Branch 36,
Almaty, 050036,
Republic of Kazakhstan
Home Phone: +7 727 299 5288

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Contact details were last updated on the 9^th August 2011.