Praises – Rejoice with us!

v Our 25^th anniversary conference proved to be a moving, thrilling experience. Over 120 attendees from 9 nations joined in worship, in singing, in rejoicing and also in shedding some tears together concerning difficulties on some of the mission fields. One Russian coworker came away saying, “It has been a long time since I heard such powerful testimonies.” God answered our prayers to unite our hearts and to inspire us all to greater service for the King of kings. Thanks for praying!

v     Last month we requested prayer for Tim and Luda Smith as they sought their next field of ministry. Fellowshipping with several Central Asian brethren at BIEM’s conference convinced the Smiths to prepare for ministry among Turkmen, so that is a wonderful answer to prayer and a cause for praise.

v     As Charles and Nina Hoblitz began plans to move to Georgia (Eastern Europe) to open a new ministry, the first matter for concern was who would accept the pastorate of their church in downtown St. Petersburg, Russia. Praise God, one of the Hoblitzes’ first converts and long-time interpreter, Konstantin Kravchenko, has agreed to accept this responsibility. Konstantin has many years of experience in ministry alongside Charles, and is extensively involved in Christian education.

v     In August we requested prayer concerning the need for a child-sized wheelchair for six-year-old Petro Lytvynchuk. Praise God, several ladies in Austin, Texas, combined their resources to provide one for him. It was transported to Ukraine in September.

Prayer – Pray with us!

v     Another blessing of the anniversary conference was getting personally acquainted with several Turkmen and Uzbek believers. They shared how God is reaching Muslims with the Gospel despite hardships and persecution. Some of them have been beaten for their faith. A couple are living in exile from their homeland. All of them long to see souls come to Christ in their homelands. Please pray!

v     Later in October two groups from Indiana and Pennsylvania will travel to Ukraine to assist with building projects. Several wives going along are nurses and plan to use their training to help needy children in the homeless children’s ministry. Please pray for effective results from both goals.

v     As Chris Lovelace continues his last semester needed to earn a Master of Divinity degree, he and his wife Liz request prayer for God’s guidance and provision as they make plans for the future.

v     A specific need in the orphanages and in the homeless children’s ministry is for athletic-type children’s shoes (about ages 6-16). Sergei Levitsky reports that gym shoes from America last longer than children’s shoes available in Ukraine. Please pray about this need. (If some shoes arrive at our office before October 24, we can pack them in the suitcases of the travelers mentioned above; other shoes will go later by container.)