Once or twice a year in the Good News Report, instead of emphasizing a single ministry area such as Orphans Reborn or Bible training, we focus on the fruitful and varied ministries of SGA-supported missionary pastors across the former Soviet Union. I’ve commented before on the sheer volume of reports that we get from our brothers and their families. Their love for the Lord and passion for sharing the Gospel with the lost jumps off of every page. It is hard not to be blessed and uplifted when you see how God is using them to reach lost men, women, and children for Christ.
The ways are so varied. Some are able to engage in larger evangelistic events, while others are in regions where ministry has to be carried out far more discreetly. They share Christ one-on-one. They share Christ in hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons. They organize sports ministries to reach youth and young adults with the Gospel. They hold summer camp ministries with all the usual activities for children in addition to Bible lessons. Some are in areas where they can hold an activity like rafting down a river, all while witnessing for Christ and modeling His example during the trip.
There are regions of Russia where the climate and terrain are very difficult, including bitterly cold temperatures that last for weeks. That won’t stop the pastors and evangelists. The only access to some of the villages is by riverboat or by driving up a frozen riverbed in the winter. Even on snowmobiles! Christmas will be here before we know it, and by God’s grace, thousands of children will be reached with the Gospel as they receive Christmas gifts you help provide.
I truly pray and hope that as you read, you will get a sense of the eternal impact of what is happening. Thank you as always for your faithful partnership in helping to make it all happen!
For our Savior,
Michael Johnson
President