The Former USSR Was a Tragedy. But God Had a Plan . . .

Most of us have probably heard the line, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” It comes out of a classic Charles Dickens novel about the French Revolution and its impacts, but has been applied many times in many nations as people consider the times in which they live. 

It is certainly no different these days across the former Soviet Union, where upheaval of one kind or another has been constant since the Soviet breakup in 1991. There was the initial shock and subsequent turmoil of the Soviet collapse, followed by an all-too-brief period of recovery and hope for better things and more freedom. And as happens all too often in our fallen world, it did not take long before turmoil arose again, including shattered economies, political divisions, and various wars. Many men, women, and children suffered, and despaired of hope. 

But the story doesn’t end there.

All throughout the troubles, our faithful Lord continued reaching into peoples’ hearts through the proclamation of the Gospel by His churches. As God’s Word was faithfully proclaimed and compassion lovingly shown by believers, the Lord drew thousands to Himself in faith as the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts. You—SGA’s faithful partners in ministry—have been a part of it all through your prayers and constant support. Each day, we receive tremendous reports from missionary pastors and their churches reporting on the fruit of their labor. They never fail to express their thankfulness for you, and their great joy in knowing that brothers and sisters here are praying for them. 

Through your intercession, you encourage them on in their tireless ministry to their troubled people. I can’t thank you enough for your faithfulness in support of the churches that God is building across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and the other former Soviet countries. Add in the former Warsaw Pact nation of Poland, and then reaching Russian-speaking immigrants to Israel, and you can see how God is using our tiny mission to accomplish much more than would appear possible given our small size. But God isn’t hindered by that. He uses the small to accomplish great things! Join me in praising Him with thanksgiving for what He has done.

For our Savior,

Michael Johnson
President