At a recent meeting of "missions zealouts" in Boston, brothers and sisters shared good news from the mission fields in the International Churches of Christ. Chris Efstathion from the Worcester Church of Christ shared about a single brother named Ben Buldoc, who decided that he would not focus his life on getting married but on serving God. He was content with being single, and wanted to use his gifts and flexible schedule to serve the poor in Albania. While on a trip to Albania, Ben met a disciple named Kela, who had the same ambition to remain single and serve the poor. Over time, through their shared dream, they worked together and continued to build a friendship. God had other plans for them, as they were married on December 15, 2013! Their dream is to return to Albania to strengthen the church and to make disciples.At a recent congregational service in the Boston Church of Christ, Doug Arthur shared an amazing story of love and compassion between two sisters. Karen Kolarik of the Metro region met and befriended a sister in the Kiev church named Inna. Both sisters share the desire to serve others, and as a result were drawn to one another. What began as the melding of two kindred spirits was to become a bond between their two churches.
During the development of their friendship, Karen learned Inna and her husband could not have children. After further discussion, she learned that it was not as easy as going to the doctor to find out what was wrong. The cost was too great, and in Kiev the healthcare system is not only very expensive but often corrupt. Filled with compassion, Karen came home and shared with her region the plight of their sister in Kiev.After hearing the news, a couple from her region offered to send some money, above and beyond their special contribution, to help Inna and her husband. After that, another member came forward and matched their donation. The gift was sent to Inna. After many years of prayer they were able to go to the doctor and receive help, and Inna and her husband are now pregnant! Please continue to pray for the safe arrival of their child.
There is so much more to say about what God is doing on the mission field, both locally and abroad. Stay tuned as we bring you highlights from our newest mission plantings in New England, the Midwest and Europe, and also updates from the IMS Board of Directors meeting held in Chicago last weekend. And like Chris and Ben, Karen and Inna, let each of us determine to have lives of impact through serving God and others!
Shared from International Missions Society