This Eurasian Missions Report highlights three of 38 churches. Kiev, a western metro city, is known for its art and rich cultural life. Veliky Novgorod, one of the most ancient cities in Russia, is home to the University of Novgorod. 4,400 miles east of Kiev is the industrial and impoverished city of Spassk-Dalny.
Editor's Note: This report was recently posted on the Eurasian Missions website (http://www.eurasianmissions.org/). You can download the .pdf version here: http://www.eurasianmissions.org/downloads/Spring_2008.pdf
2007-2008 Missions Report
For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed. Proverbs 23:18 (NLT)
The hopes and dreams of the Eurasian disciples are as vast as their geographic boundaries. And with a span of over 5,000 miles from east to west, the many cultures, languages, climates, and economic differences might otherwise separate these people.
This Eurasian Missions Report highlights three of 38 churches. Kiev, a western metro city, is known for its art and rich cultural life. Veliky Novgorod, one of the most ancient cities in Russia, is home to the University of Novgorod. 4,400 miles east of Kiev is the industrial and impoverished city of Spassk-Dalny.
We hope this report gives you a better idea of the unique challenges among the Eurasian Churches of Christ. Though vastly different on many fronts, each of these churches remain unified in their vision to see the gospel spread in their region of the world.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
In Kiev, people fast before baptism. After the baptism, the other disciples give the person something to eat. In the photo above, Olya gets a "hamburger of love" from the other teens. Olya was three years old when her mother became a disciple and started praying for her. Her mother's biggest dream came true — Olya got baptized!
The disciples in Kiev are looking forward to hosting the International Leadership Conference: The Edge. Next to the invitation above is a photo of Vika as she waits to sing for the 15-year anniversary service of the Kiev Church of Christ.
At the Novgorod State University, God has already "opened a door" for His Word and the Novgorod disciples have grabbed this dream. They dream and pray that God would grow the campus group. Now, every Sunday students from Russia and many other countries come to services and study the Bible.
The disciples in the Spassk church don't have tubs or basins large enough to baptize people. But that doesn't stop them.
Alexander, a former officer of the Soviet Army, did not share his wife's joy after she became a disciple. He ridiculed her, calling the church "the womenfolk sect." But his wife, as well as the entire church, kept on praying and fasting for him. After he counted the cost, they carved a hole in the ice and baptized him!
Natasha (below, center) had vision for her family to become disciples. In 2007, she baptized both of her sisters!
Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. Job 8:7 (NIV)
In 2007, the Eurasian Mission Society was awarded a prestigious grant from the Beam Missions Foundation. The funds from this grant will be used exclusively to promote the revival of the campus ministries throughout the Moscow universities and institutes. With the resources provided by this generous grant, we believe revival of the Moscow campus ministries will help light a spiritual fire that will eventually spread throughout Eurasia in the years to come.
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the following churches for their support during 2007:
| Amarillo | Lawrence | Springfield (IL) |
|
Bloomington/Normal |
Los Angeles | Springfield (MO) |
| Chicago | Madison | St. Louis |
| Columbia | Manhattan/Osage | St. Paul/Minneapolis |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | NW Arkansas | Tulsa |
| Houston | Oklahoma | Wichita |
| Kansas City | Omaha |
2007 Support and Revenue
| Contributions from churches | 1,301,114 | 80% |
|
Contributions from grants |
296,615 | 18% |
| Interest income and other revenue | 31,940 | 2% |
| Total support and revenue | 1,629,669 |
2007 Expenses
|
Ministry and Mission programs |
1,255,046 | 97% |
| General and Administrative | 33,954 | 3% |
| Total Expenses | 1,289,000 | |
| Increase in Net Assets | 340,669 |
Audited financial statements are available at www.eurasianmissions.org
The Eurasian Missions Society is dedicated to spreading the Gospel in Eurasia. This mission society was established in the fall of 2003 and was quickly blessed through the generous support and participation of its member churches. A board of directors was elected to provide fiscal oversight and is responsible for the well-being of the organization. The spiritual leadership of the mission society's member churches are invaluable and are a primary reason for the success of our mission to spread the Gospel in Eurasia.
The Eurasian Missions Society has been granted 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Contributions are tax deductible within limitations of the Code.
Board of Directors
Jeff Balsom - Chicago
John Lusk - St. Louis
Tom McCurry - Los Angeles
Lonny Niederstadt - Madison
Bill Sanders - Chicago
George Santellan - Dallas
