Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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'0 Crier of Good News...shout with the voice of a trumpet blast...your God is coming."
Isaiah
seams with Soviet people returning home from Poland. What a privilege it was to testify of our
Lord to her, her friend, plus to a father and his son who were also returning home from a
vacation in Poland. And right from the start we did it as an evangelistic team.
It seemed like every person had his or her own particular part to play, and the Lord used
each person's talents in the preaching and sharing of his Word. Allan Dunbar, minister from
Calgary, Alberta, served as our main speaker-evangelist. He spoke with great enthusiasm and
conviction. Clarence Brooks, a retired school teacher, from Bloomfield, Ontario, related his
life-story of how the Lord found him and how this event changed the course of his life and
life's work. Clarence took charge of handling and handing out tracts and Bibles that we were
enabled to bring in from Poland for Soviet citizens. Fay and Janice Rostvit from Colorado
Springs, Colorado, sang gospel songs in many languages of the world, including songs in
Russian, Belorussian, Ukrainian and Polish. You should have seen people's ears perk up when
they would hear songs in languages understandable to them. The twins gave numerous
examples of how the Lord took care of them in extremely tough situations. Furthermore, the
audiences reveled in their ability to make their "dolls" (puppets) talk about God, Christ and
things of the Bible. This was something completely new for most who came. My 83-year old
father also played his unique part, as he would speak of his early days in the very places we
were preaching. I served as translator for the group. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed
translating the English-speaking members of our team into Belorussian, although at times, I
must admit, I felt a tad weary. The Lord, however, undertook for me and the rest of the
team's members in a marvellous manner. He's so faithful! I also spoke every night together
with the other team members.
Perhaps one of our greatest surprises was the fact that none of our pieces of luggage was
searched going into the Soviet Union. For me this was a first. We took tracts. Bibles, song
books and other Christian literature with us. All of it was handed out and left in Belorussia.
The hunger for Christian literature is insatiably high. We saw if before our very eyes.
What joy we experienced in seeing the huge crowds of people coming to hear the
preaching of the Word. One place that comes to mind is the city of Drahichyn in the Brest
Oblast of Belorussia. The church building could not even begin to contain the seven to eight
hundred people standing outside. An outdoor platform with microphone and loudspeakers was
set up to accommodate the crowd. When we first arrived, huge rain clouds hovered over the
place of meeting. "Lord," we prayed, "keep the rain from us this evening." And he did. The
service could go on. At the end, some 12 souls came forward in repentance and indicated their
VOLUME 14
JULY-AUGUST 1991
desire to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. But many more came asking us for Bibles and
tracts which we gladly handed out. Believe it or not, those hundreds of people stood for 3
hours in the cool evening. Few, if any, left during the service. The crowd just kept growing.
Then there was the service in one village not too far from Kobrin. The local preacher
explained how he had gone to the local village authorities requesting the use of the House of
Culture for a Christian meeting. The minister himself feared to approach the locals for such an
unusual request. Five years ago this was the unthinkable. What joy it was to get the OK at
first, only to have it dashed by some whimsical higher authority. But when it was made known
that guests from Canada and Ae USA were coming, even that stubborn individual had to
capitulate. On the day of the meeting some of the believers overheard other fellow-villagers
saying that the local Orthodox priest warned his people not to attend the meeting of the
evangelicals. But seemingly few heeded his stem caution. The auditorium was packed to
capacity. When the invitation was given no one walked forward, but the local brethren later
assured us that our being there laid a solid foundation for future evangelistic fruit. "There are
those who are now closer to the Lord and they'll come in time. Tonight was a strong reminder
to them. They won't forget it."
Some churches are going through great growing pains. Take the one in the city of Kobrin.
The believers have completed about 75% of their new towering edifice. Their present place of
meeting pathetically houses their congregation. Talk about crowded! I've never seen anything
like it. Do these folks need their new "house of prayer" or what! Yet, to complete its
construction, funds are desperately needed. There just is not enough on hand at the present
time. Prices for building materials have gone up from 2 to 4 times that of last year. "Please
help us," they pleaded with us. "Or tell others there back in Canada and the USA that might
want to help us pay for materials and specialists. We're doing ourselves what we can with our
own hands, but need further help from others." It is such larger city churches that send
evangelistic teams into their own city and neighbouring villages. Unfortunately, they struggle to
meet their goals in matters of Christian service and providing adequate facilities for the crowds
that appear to hear the preaching of God's Word.
One other surprise awaited me personally. After our service in the Minsk congregation,
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part of local believers to evangelize and disciple their own people. Each one of us on the team
did his or her part. Many responded in repentance, obedience and faith. Since our return home,
the local believers reported that during July and August they will baptize unusually high
numbers of candidates. We praise the Lord for this. We thank him for giving us the
opportunity to play, at least, some small role in the harvest of souls. But, oh, so much more
needs to be done both in the area of calling people to faith in Christ and discipling them in his
way. The newly converted must, too, become fruitful servants of God in this present age.
We thank you for your prayers for us. Now let us pray for the believers in the USSR,
Poland and other Eastern European countries that their service will be a most effective one
during this time in the histories of their countries, for the glory of God and for the salvation
and Christian growth of precious souls.
ceorge Repetsid
period of 49 years, I had no idea that I would be mcluded in such an extensive program of
Christian service there." So writes Paul Diatel in a letter to his supporters. Already before he
came, the local preachers prepared a fiill schedule of meetings in which he was to take part in
various cities and villages of Ukraine. One of the first churches he visited was in the city of
Kovel. It was here that he first heard the Gospel message. Following this, he spoke in churches
in the immediate area of Kovel, then in Rovno, Lutsk and Kiev, the capital city of the Ukraine.
In Kiev Brother Paul had the privilege of attending a meeting of senior ministers from
various oblasts (regions) of the republic. One of the leading brothers introduced him as their
guest from Canada and one who broadcasts to the Ukraine. Paul spoke of GMRM's ministries
to the Slavic peoples including the sending of Christian broadcasts and literature to the Ukraine.
This gathering gave him ample opportunity to acquaint himself with the present church
leadership in the Ukraine. TTiey encouraged him to maintain close ties with them and have him
and GMRM involved in ftiture joint ventures with them. Paul reports that he served in Word
and song many times over and sensed God's presence and blessing.
One extremely encouraging thing that Brother Diatel experienced was the fact that both
believers and non-believers testified that they listen regularly to him over the radio and have
already successfiilly received Christian literature from him. This brings him much joy. He, too,
speaks of the great freedom to preach and spread God's Word to needy and seeking souls. The
Word is being preached in churches, public buildings, prisons, out on the streets. Believers are
busily building new church edifices for God's glory.
Paul wishes to thank all who support him in his ministry by prayers and financial gifts. He
feels privileged to have seen the land ofhis birth again, and stiu to be able to continue
preaching the Gospel through radio to his own people. We all look forward to new ventures for
Christ in the Ukraine. May the Lord guide Paul and all of us in these exciting days of
opportunity.
Memorial Gifts
2 Cor. 4:16,17
GMRM MISSIONARIES
Vera BajenskI
Secretary
Ukrainian Ministry
CANADA
M9C 4V2
tel. and
(416) 564-3578
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"O Crier of Good News...shout with the voice of a trumpet blast...your God is coming."
Isaiah
From the beginning of this year we could see that it would be an exciting and challenging year
for us. We prayed about it and made the commitment to use all possible strength and available
resources in the work of personal witness in the fields of our mission endeavour. God allowed
three of our GMRM missionaries to spend considerable time this summer in Poland, Belorussia,
the Ukraine, Russia and even Lithuania. In our previous reports you have read some of George
Repetski's and Paul Diatel's ministry. Now I would like to relate some of my involvements and
observations.
Beginning in April, I visited churches in the Soviet Union, travelling with a group of Korean
Christians, Pastor Sam Hwan Kim from Seoul, fourteen businessmen from his congregation, and
two American-Korean Christians from the United States. We were invited to take part in
evangelistic meetings conducted in three major Belorussian cities, Vitebsk, Minsk and Gomel.
Services were prepared and conducted in large public buildings such as the House of Culture, the
Opera House and a local Sport Arena. Several thousand people took part in these meetings. Each
evening in response to the Gospel preaching hundreds of people came forward accepting Christ,
praying with us and talking with persons designated for this purpose. It was a highlight experience
for all of us and I know that even Heaven was rejoicing as people were opening their hearts to
the Lord. We have already had several reports telling us of many who came forward and are now
attending local churches with many following their commitment to the Lord in Christian baptism.
Another exciting development during our Belorussian visit was the ground-breaking ceremony
for the first Christian Nursing Home to be built in the city of Minsk. Our Korean guests being
challenged by what they had seen and experienced commited themselves to the completion of
this project.
While visiting churches in Belorussia we were able to make arrangements for a group of
children close to the Chernobyl disaster area to come to Poland to the Ostruda Youth Camp. Here
at least for a few weeks they could breath fresh air, eat clean food and enjoy good Christian
fellowship. This project proved to be very successful and was carried on throughout several weeks
of the summer program. Thus this year we entered into even closer mission relationship between
Poland and Belorussia.
Now, coming to Poland, I have to admit I had a somewhat different feeling about this place
this year. It's true Poland is now a free country but this freedom exists not only for good things,
as corruption, crime and disharmony seem to be ruling over the land. The influence of the Roman
Catholic Church is felt stronger, everywhere. They boast of their religious Christian heritage, but
VOLUME 14
NO. 5
; t' :vs^t:t: they do not care and do not even know who
Jesus is. For most of them, Mary, the mother-of
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in politics or the economy brings us salvation, but only Jesus Christ can assure us of this and this
was the essence of my message wherever I travelled. This started with Warsaw where usually I
spent more time because of our radio work and other mission activities, then to the east part of
Poland where we feel strong attachment to the people because of family and Christian roots, then
Katowice and south Poland, Ostruda, Gdnask and Kolobrzeg and all the northern territories.
From a most exciting involvement I will just mention four weeks of successful evangelistic
campaigns, 'With the Bible Under the Tent,' conducted under the skillful leadership of Andrew
Bajenski and a young team of dedicated Christians mostly from the Warsaw Church. Thanks to
this effort another four cities without New Testament witness have heard the Gospel. From all
previous similar experiences this was the most successful and rewarding time. We were happy
that in one of these places brother Allan Dunbar from Calgary, and Janice and Faye Rostvit from
Colorado could share the message with the people. We can definitely say that the Church is
growing. Although the visual structures or buildings are not yet built, yet the Church has been
started. The challenge belongs to us again. We must find and send dedicated families to work
with people in each of these places.
Now in sharing about the Warsaw Church I would like to report that the construction of their
new chapel was going on throughout the summer. There is still a chance that we will be able to
have our first meeting in this enlarged chapel by the end of the year. Everything however depends
With
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Allan Dunbar
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George Repetski
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bringing joy to campers and much glory to our Heavenly Father. Thank you friends!
In conclusion I would like to share one more development from our summer in Poland. It is
happy news but at the same time very challenging and demanding for the future. In July we
received the final written document from the Ministry of Telecommunication in Poland granting us
a broadcasting licence and permit for daily broadcasting of Christian programs over a local AM
radio station in the city of Ostruda. This permit has possibilities of being extended in the future to
other locations and different frequencies. Friends, this is a very unique opportunity for spreading
the Gospel message in Poland. We have been discussing and praying about such an opportunity
over the past several years. Now it is in our reach. To start with we have access to an available
AM station in Ostruda with a functioning antennae and transmitters. We just have to set up our
own radio studio by providing our own equipment, tape recorders, microphones, etc., and we
need to find sponsors for 3 to 5 local Christians who would operate and record new programs.
Monthly funds will be needed to operate this station. We could even use the help of experienced
technicians or a broadcaster who could come to Poland on a missionary basis and help in this
ministry. It is all possible at this moment.
May God grant all of us the faith and vision to walk with Him victoriously as we face our daily
challenges in His service. Any word of advice and encouragement would be appreciated. God
Bless you.
NOT TOMORROW...
calling for;
'The Lord is not slow in l<eeping his promise,
as some understand slowness. He is patient
with you, not wanting anyone to perish but
everyone to come to repentance.' 2 Peter 3:9
GMRM MISSIONARIES
M9C 4V2
LIVING MEMORIALS
THE
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Stella Chmell
Anna Trush
"O Crier of Good News...shout with the voice of a trumpet blast...your God is coming."
In memory of: Mary Huk
Eugene & Sarah Kucenko
Gary & Alison Sylvester
John & Betty Trumpore
Margaret Keeling
Stella Chmeil
Dora Tederoff
PRAYER REMINDER
TAX REMINDER
Dora Tederoff
Isaiah
TIMELY GREETINGS
depth of our inner feelings nor satisfy the gratitude we feel toward you,
our friends and supporters of Missionary Radio Ministries. Above all
else, none of these popular seasonal greetings reflect our love and
ference.
GMRM MISSIONARIES
Vera Bajenski
George Bajenski
Paul Diatel
George Repetski
Jacob Repetski
devotion to God and His Son, Jesus, who, after all, is the real source
of all of our happiness. He, that is Jesus, is the reason for the season!
Office Assistant
It is He, the greatest Treasure, the real source of Joy, Peace and Love
Polish Ministry
Ukrainian Ministry
Russ/Belorussian Ministry
Belorussian Ministry
May the history of the past two thousand years, Bethlehem and
Springfield. Ohio
In memory of: Naomi Eliason
Elvin Eliason
the certainty of the promise of His soon return to take us Home where
we will have the real Christ-mas celebration. May Heaven, our real
home, fill our thoughts and add lustre and sparkle to our usual, tradi
M9C4V2
VOLUME 14
NO. 6
KING OF KINGS
LORD OF LORDS'!
To us a Son is given...
And He will be called
Wonderful Counsellor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
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BORN TO
0 REIGN FOREVERMORE!