Immanuel's Child Report: '05-'06
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Introduction: What is Immanuel's Child?
Many of the millions of children in Russia and the other nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have never heard about Jesus. They have never heard how God sent Him for their salvation as our Immanuel-"God with us".
Through Immanuel's Child, Slavic Gospel Association's special Christmas outreach, churches partner with SGA each year to join with believers in Russia to reach these hopeless children with this life-changing message of hope each Christmas. These partnerships are a powerful means to spread the Gospel in the lands of Russia, as well as a tremendous encouragement to participating churches.
Participating North American churches take special offerings and prepare 'Star of Bethlehem' ornaments signed with a church-member's name on the back of the star. These stars are packaged with other gifts in-country (Children's Bible, Russian-language discipleship materials, fruit, candy and warm clothing or a toiletry item).
Dedicated Christians from local Bible-preaching churches in the former Soviet Union will provide Christmas programs at which these special gift packages are distributed. These workers deal one-on-one with children to make disciples in this vast land where the Lord is needed so desperately.
Report: What Happened in '05-'06?
This past Christmas, the Lord blessed SGA and our partners with the opportunity to support outreaches in more than 125 churches. Thousands of children were reached with special programs and given treasured gifts. Each heard the precious life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. A reported 585 children and 266 adults responded to the Gospel message, repented of their sins, and trusted Christ as Savior and Lord. Our thanks go out to those churches that participated in this wonderful ministry over the Christmas season!
Both parents and children were touched by this life-changing outreach. Faithful evangelical churches fervently conducted moving Christmas programs for people who had never even heard the Christmas story. Thinking it was a New Year program at first, one mother in Tajikistan marveled, ". . . but they didn't have Father Frost or Snegurochka!"* Jesus is always the central focus, and for many in the CIS, it was a perfect opportunity to hear the truth of the Gospel.
The best way to catch a glimpse of what really happened this past Christmas season through the Immanuel's Child outreach is by reading some of the testimonies from those who participated:
* — Snegurochka is the grand-daughter of Grandfather Frost, a well-known mythical character in Russian culture.
Children
"I really liked the celebration. The play and the story about the girl was very interesting. I am also praying for my mother and that she will come to church. Now I will pray even more. My friends and I will pray, too, just as the girl's friends prayed with her about her grandmother."
Lena, 13
"This was my first time at a concert like this. The choir sang beautifully. I really enjoyed the song 'Silent Night'. I also enjoyed the play and had never thought that prayer could be such a powerful thing. I enjoyed the prayer, but I don't know how, so I will begin to attend your Sunday school."
Anya, 12
One church, having extra stars from their Immanuel's Child program, went to a local children's hospital:
"I slipped and fell, and now I am at the hospital. Something is wrong inside of me. They didn't even let me go home for the New Year, but then a clown peeped into the door. He was so funny! He showed me a book with pictures about God and told me that God loves me. Now I have a book about Jesus. I want to read everything. The doctor said that I will still need to be at the hospital for a long time. Maybe the clown will come again. He seemed so nice."
Rustam, 9
Parents
"I was very surprised by the quality of singing and how well the play was put together. My children really enjoyed the concert. I had heard about this church before, but I had decided not to attend the meetings. I think that, now, I will surely come with my children on Sunday. Thank you for such a wonderful celebration and for the fact that you gave me and our children gifts."
Irina
"We really, really enjoyed the performance. It was wonderful for the children and for us, the adults. My grandson watched very attentively, as did I. I nearly cried during the singing. Thank you very much for the gifts. It is so wonderful to know that in a country so far away from us in America, people are praying for Russia."
Nina
"It was a very exciting show. All the actors were wonderful. Beautiful suits. Very close contact with children. This performance changed my point of view about believers."
Marina
Workers
"I am so happy that the church members played such an active part in this project. We did not advertise or call people to this program. We only asked the church members to invite people. The attendance exceeded our expectations. The entire church was filled with children and adults! Half of those in attendance were people who were attending for the first time!"
Viktor, Pastor
"Wonderful show! The feeling of Christmas — the birth of Christ — they were well-presented and it was clear both for adults and children. I hope to see many of them in my Sunday school class!"
Ludmila, Sunday school teacher
Conclusion: Pray for this ministry!
Please join with us in prayer for the children and their parents who attended Immanuel's Child programs in the CIS. Please pray that many of these children and their parents will become faithful in their church and Sunday school attendance leading to their repentance and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
If you are interested in the Immanuel's Child program, please call toll free at 1-800-BIBLE-50 (1-800-542-5350) or email us at sga@sga.org.
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