The renowned church historian, Dr K. S. Latourette, subtitled one of the volumes of his History of the Expansion of Christianity, as ‘Advance Through Storm’! It was a particularly appropriate description of the post WW1 years and the rise of communism, with all the consequent opposition and persecution of believers in all parts of the Soviet Union and beyond. However, it remains an accurate description of the continuing and constant struggle of the true church of Christ in all parts of the world, as God’s people are confronted by devilish opposition to their message and their mission.
Yet, against all expectations, humanly speaking, the Church of Jesus Christ continues to grow and expand, even in the most seemingly spiritually resistant and infertile soil. One of the key elements in this is the faithful ministry of godly, capable Christian leaders, a prominent imperative in the mind of the apostle Paul, who was deeply concerned for new churches to have leadership which was strong, mature, and Christ-glorifying.
The training and support of Christian leaders has been at the heart of SGA’s ministry for many years.
In the areas of our operation –E Europe, C Asia, and F E Russia – Gospel ministry would be severely curtailed, and advance made impossible, without prayerful, practical and financial support.
Over the years SGA has recognized and responded to this critical need. It was the motivation behind our 70th Anniversary Project, to identify and support an additional 70 Christian workers in Gospel outreach. In the event our gracious God gave us more than 80!
More recently, in war-torn Ukraine, finance was made available to support the ministries of 120 pastors and evangelists whose work was threatened by the war situation, and who could not have continued without that aid.
The Leadership Support Programme, with the blessing of God, is making possible Gospel advance in regions which are spiritually barren and difficult. Church congregations in those places, if they exist at all, are small and poor, and unable to support their leaders and their families.
In F E Russia SGA-supported missionaries are reaching isolated communities where there is a total absence of Christian witness. Similarly, in several countries of C Asia, witness is being established in areas previously untouched. In E Europe, faithful evangelists and church planters who have been supported for many years, continue to reach out, evangelizing in new areas and villages, and planting Gospel churches.
Thank you for your faithful support and intercession for these individuals and ministries. Please continue to bring them before our Heavenly Father for His blessing on them, and for a fruitful spiritual harvest.