How You Are Helping Churches Feed Hungry Children and Families in Jesus’ Name
SPECIAL REPORT FROM: Belarus
When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s and access became possible, one of the things most evident was the heartbreaking poverty endured by thousands of individuals and families. This tragic situation still remains, but we are thankful to the Lord for the way He is using your gifts to help evangelical churches across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) reach these desperately needy people with food and other vitally important aid—and above all, the Gospel!
In Belarus, Pastor Alexander sent us a moving report from the Cherven area, where he engages in regular Compassion Ministry sponsored by SGA . . .
We visited a family where the mother of four was afraid to let us come into her house because she thought we would take her children due to their poor living conditions. But she eventually allowed us to come in and her children met us with plates in their hands. We gave their mother the food packs and shared the Gospel. They listened very carefully and after a number of our visits, she gave permission for her children to attend our Sunday school. We left the family with tears in our eyes as our problems were very small compared to theirs. But we want to keep helping them. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to share the Gospel and tell people of His love!
In another area of Belarus, Pastor Sergei reported similar open doors created by the compassion of Christ in action . . .
We came to know the family of Alexander and Marina, and their three children. Marina repented after six months of ministry to the family. It was a wonderful joy for our church. It is a blessing to see the fruits of Compassion Ministry and she is the “first fruit” from the family. We are praying for the salvation of Alexander and the children. In another family, Nastya has started to read the Bible to her small children. The Holy Spirit worked through God’s Word and she has come to saving faith in Jesus. Compassion Ministry opens many doors, and I am very thankful to you for helping us. The ministry brings fruit for the Kingdom of God!
Today, SGA partners like you help churches with Compassion Ministry in eight countries—Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. We help provide food parcels containing flour, cooking oil, pasta, and other foods, as well as occasional clothing and footwear as needed. Our brothers and sisters take the command of Scripture seriously . . . So, as those who have been chosen of God, put on a heart of compassion . . . (Colossians 3:12). Only eternity will reveal the full impact in countless lives!