God gave me another opportunity to have training in Romania. Brothers and sisters from all over Eurasia were at the training. The Lord has blessed us with His Word.
We studied the Old Testament. This was very useful because I live in a Muslim country. Moreover, Muhammad in the Koran talks a lot about the Biblical prophets. We know that all Scripture is inspired by God, that the Bible – it is our daily bread. Every time, this motivates us to read the Bible again. One might be reading today the same passage as yesterday, and might receive a different revelation from God.
First, we studied the book of Malachi: “Fear God and honor His name.” This book showed my condition. I questioned myself in how I am serving while being called a child of God, how I hold to my faith in difficult circumstances.
Secondly, we studied the book of the prophet Zechariah: “They will be my people and I will be their God.” I saw again that God has already done everything, accomplished everything. I am His child. Why should I fear? He made the Gentiles and Jews united in Christ. This book showed me the context in which I live and that I do not need to fear, despite all of the difficult circumstances.
In 2012 we had guests in Uzbekistan. Vasil H., Leonid B., Alexander T. and his wife visited us. They support our ministry.
In late July, our friends organized a camp for Roma people. There were a lot of children. Ramadan had just started. So we had to start our camp at 5 pm and finish at 10 pm. This is the only period of time, which we could use. We studied the creation, the first three chapters of the Bible, for three days. Every day new children were joining us.
Some opponents of our ministry were showing up. They were coming and saying: “What is all this for? Again you! ”
Many children repented. It is wonderful that Roma children get to know God.
Authorities were watching us. But we did not lose heart, because obstacles and issues teach us something.
I am thankful to God for the sadness in my life. On July 16, 2012, God took away my father, who was 81 years old. His death was for the good. I was in Ukraine and could not make it to the funeral. But I remember his last words to me: “When I will go from this world, never cry. Please forgive me and continue to proclaim the Gospel to many people.” These words of grandpa inspired me greatly. Before he died, he said: “Isa Masih … I hope that dad is with God.”
It is not easy for my mom to move on after 50 years of marriage. My mom and I study the Psalms of David together. She really likes them. One day she said to me, “Wherever you go, I want to believe in this God… just do not tell anyone.” Pray for the faith of my mother, for its strengthening. She does not have a husband anymore, but there is God and His love.
I want to say a few words about the Roma people ministry. We have some difficulties. Because of the Muslim holiday, three sisters could not be baptized. We did not want to rush them. We ask ourselves what we have learned from God so far. We choose to talk about Christ in our village, that Jesus Christ is not only a prophet, but the Savior.
Christian life is a struggle. Struggle starts in our thoughts. Now there is a slowdown in ministry. Once again, God reminds us to turn to Him, maybe repent and fix something. God teaches us a lot these circumstances. There are new Roma children joining us. Many Roma men returned home to their families from work abroad. We are joining family members to serve their families together and serve among other churches. We also support the Uzbeks.
I want to ask you to pray that for us to show Christ. He is our strengths and hope. He is simple. He has everything you want; you just need to come to Him.
It is the time of Ramadan, particularly the part that is associated with sacrifice to Allah. There will be more opportunities to talk about the sacrifice of Christ, which is sufficient for salvation.
Please pray also for the Uzbeks, who are coming to Christ.
Also, we need brothers – ministers, preachers. Sometimes people ask me, “Where are the brothers? Why only a sister?”
I love you. My love has changed after this academic session. You are God’s children, you are special. I want you to show God in your lives. The day of Jesus Christ is near. How do we prepare to meet Him?
I always want to be dependent on God to get closer to Him.
