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Partnership and support are the means by which SGA can maintain active involvement in such a wide spectrum of ministry across a vast mission field. The ‘Leadership Support’, aspect of our programme is therefore a vital component in our missionary operations. What does this title, ‘Leadership Support’, conjure up in your mind? Finance, and the quite amazing generosity of SGA supporters as they give generously and consistently? This is essential of course, but if it is the only thought which comes to mind it falls short of the breadth and depth of Gospel work which the leadership support programme helps to make possible.
Christmas Outreach in the Shadow of War
Recent reports reveal the richness and variety of evangelistic outreach in which SGA is involved with our partners on the ground. For example, Christmas time in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is valued as a precious opportunity to share the story of Jesus. Many SGA-supported pastors and evangelistic workers use this time to witness to unbelievers. Even in the shadow of war and violence, Christmas outreach is carried on. Katia, from Ukraine, reports that the churches continue to remember the day of Christ’s birth and share the story of salvation with those whose celebrations are empty. SGA UK’s support helps Ukrainian churches to use this season as an opportunity to reach out to their communities, when people are often more receptive to hearing of the true meaning of Christmas. By providing funding for gifts and the organisation of festivities for children, youth, and families who are in special need of care and love, the message of Christ’s saving love is shared by word and deed.
Over 120 children in a school in Rivne, Ukraine, enjoyed a Christmas programme organised by local pastor Roman, in which they heard of the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus, the greatest gift of God to us. Many of these children had suffered heartbreaking loss as a result of the war. His report reads:
Teachers shared very positive feedback, thanking the church for its ability to speak to children who have endured great heartache about painful yet relevant topics in a way that was both gentle and deep, while still being engaging and joyful.
Ongoing Ministry Through Summer Camps
SGA’s support of outreach to children and families is not limited to Christmas, but is a regular feature of evangelism throughout the year. As in previous years, the extensive summer ‘day camps’ ministry sponsored by SGA, and planned again for this year, are a particularly effective way of reaching children (and parents) in many villages and communities in Moldova. In the opinion of Sasha Polishchiuk, (a missionary supported by SGA over many years):
The Christian day camp is the best form of evangelising children during summer vacation. In our area there are no places of entertainment or recreation for children, so practically all the children from the village come eagerly to the camp… At home, children share with their families what they have learned in camp.
The reports include stories which are thrilling and challenging.
Alexandra attends Sunday school in Codreni, Moldova. She comes from a large family – father, mother, four brothers, and three sisters. Her father works abroad because in Moldova he could not find suitable work. Summers, with her father absent, were monotonous and boring. News about a coming church camp was welcomed by the family. All, apart from father, attended. They learned much about Jesus Christ, memorised Bible verses, sang Christian songs, and played various games. They had an unforgettable experience, and most of all the church became the place where Alexandra felt God’s love and where God’s Word was sown in her heart.
Camp Leader Anna writes from Vendychany, Ukraine, about two girls saved at their camp, “Mission of Salvation” – a fitting name for two girls from a family-type orphanage in nearby Kukavka. During the first two days, Nastya (17) and Dana (13) were unhappy and disengaged. Anna invited them to help prepare games and prizes, which they took seriously. It became the icebreaker, and a warm friendship quickly developed. Anna continues:
On the fourth day of camp, there was an emotional lesson on Christ’s sacrifice. I noticed the girls sitting apart, both in tears. Afterward, I invited them to pray, but they declined. A little later, I felt a hand squeeze mine – it was Nastya, asking me to pray. At the same moment, Dana approached from the other side of the room. With the pastor, we went to a separate room where they opened their hearts to the Lord. It was an incredible joy to witness the birth of new souls for Christ.
Praise God for eternal fruit from SGA’s ongoing programme of Leadership Support!