Viktor K.
SGA-Supported Missionary Pastor
Peace be to you, dear servants of the King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ! We praise the Lord and thank you for the support you provided in holding Immanuel’s Child outreaches from December 2023 through January 2024.
Three churches participated in the ministry this past year. We were able to also visit the children of non-believing families at their homes. We held a Christmas event at the local Community Center with the permission of the district administration, as well as visiting a number of homes in villages on the invitation of non-believing families. Those who attended the celebrations were thankful for the opportunity to be among Christians, and expressed their interest to attend the church, and the children were eager to start coming to Sunday school. On the following Sunday, we were delighted to see some of them at our service. In total, we were able to reach 200 children!
The celebrations that were held at the churches were full of activities, like singing of Christmas songs, reciting of poems, games, and playing musical instruments such as piano, violin, guitar, and balalaika. Their parents who attended the celebration were very thankful for the gifts, delighted with the program, and grateful for the attention to their children. Nine-year-old Polina said:
“I really enjoyed the celebration. I am happy that my stepfather took me to the Christmas event, as I was not sure that I could make it with my broken leg. I made a craft – a glass pendant in the shape of an angel. I surely want my grandmother to see it. We answered questions on the Nativity and decorated Christmas trees in teams. I would really like to come here again. My mom, grandmother and stepfather were delighted to hear about the celebration!”
A young woman named Anastasia brought her 10-year-old son Roman to the event, and Roma came to church again later with his grandfather. Said Roma, “I will come again, I won’t miss it. I really enjoy being here with all of you. I’ll ask my Mom to let me come and celebrate the New Year with you.” Anastasia echoed her son’s joy and expressed her thanks.
Dear brothers and sisters, our fellow servants of God, I praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers and help in carrying out this ministry. May the Lord meet your needs, and may His mercy accompany you all your days!