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The Gospel at the centre of our Misson
John Birnie
‘From the cradle to the Cross’… ‘From Bethlehem to Golgotha’… These phrases resonate with the believer because they encapsulate the marvellous story of the grace of God in the Gospel of Jesus. He has provided a way back to Himself from the place of spiritual death and condemnation which is ours because of our sinfulness and rebellion.
We are in that period of the year now when we can reflect on the connectedness of these two eternally significant events – Christmas and Easter – and we remind ourselves that they are indissolubly and indispensably joined. We might express it like this: The cradle is in the Cross, and the Cross is in the cradle.
The whole of our faith is rooted in the Cross and the empty tomb. The promise and prophecy made at the very point of mankind’s fall into sin, that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head, is worked out over the thousands of years of Old Testament history until at the right time, God sent His Son to fulfil that promise and secure forgiveness and eternal life to all who will believe on Him. This is the Gospel which SGA has been committed to and which continues to motivate us as a Mission – to bring this Good News to the lost millions in Central and Eastern Europe, and Central and Northern Asia.
The message of salvation in Christ will be shared with many thousands who need to hear.
We must never lose our focus on the Cross. The message of salvation must remain the ultimate motivating truth for all our work as a Mission. The plans, the projects, the people we support – all take their effectiveness and indeed their meaning and significance from the Cross. All must lead to Calvary. Our Mission is the Slavic Gospel Association. The Gospel is at the heart of all its ministry, and the sharing of that Gospel through every avenue which God opens up to us is our desire and our aim.
As we look forward to the summer months we anticipate increased opportunities for evangelism and the presentation of this Good News, especially through the vigorous camps programme supported by SGA and organised by the churches in many countries. We must not think here only of children and young people, for this outreach touches all ages. From day camps in villages, to residential camps for both young and old, English language camps, and some for disadvantaged and disabled people, the message of salvation in Christ will be shared with many thousands who need to hear.
Join with us through your prayers and practical support, in bringing the triumph of the Cross and Resurrection to the many millions in our mission fields who are still out of Christ and without the hope of the Gospel.