THE

C(2("O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS...

By God's providence, Moses' words were embedded in the the Old Testament Book of Psalms.We have In mind Psalm 90. Among other things, Moses declares: "The length of our days is seventyyears or eighty, if we have the strength; yet theirspan is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass,and we fly away... Teach us to number our daysaright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps.90:10-12).

Time is a precious commodity and one to beused wisely. Time for us is short, even though, attimes, we would like to think otherwise. Compared toeternity it is infinitesimal. And yet that minuscule period of time determines our eternal destiny. Soteaches Scripture. That being the case, how significant is Moses' prayer: "Teach us [Lord] to numberour days aright." Moses encourages us to considerour ways, how we live our lives day in and day out.Are we living prudently, preparing ourselves for eternity? Do we live for those things that matter themost? Ask yourself, am I living for the Lord, for Hiscauses and concerns and, in so doing, for othersaround me?

"That we may gain a heart of wisdom..." assertsthe prophet. To live wisely, that's the point. Andwhere Is wisdom to be found? Job answers thatquestion unequivocally: "The fear of the Lord thatis wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding" (Job28:28). The person that fears God in a healthymanner takes care to consider his or her ways andlive in obedience to the Lord. By avoiding evil withGod's help, such an individual gains a heart of wisdom.

Moses, the psalmist, also enunciates anotherreality that our lives are filled with trouble and sorrow. At some point In our lives we all have or will experience difficulties and sadness. Are we prepared toface them head on? The Christian possesses a source of comfort, strength and hope. The Apostle Paulexperienced it and wrote: "Praise be to the God andFather of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts usin all our troubles, so that we can comfort those inany trouble with tlie comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Cor. 1:3-4). We, as believers.

know this from Scripture but experience its realitywhen we ourselves pass through moments of testingand grief.

And what about the world "out there?" One hasonly to read the newspaper to see that life for manyis nothing but trouble and sorrow. Consider the former communistic states of Europe. Yes, political freedom has come. But has the lot of the vast multitudesimproved? For the most part, it has not. In fact, insome quarters things have worsened. What can wedo and tell those who experience new difficulties andsorrows? Just as for ourselves, we point them to theLord. As the apostle Paul proclaims, true comfort andhelp come from God Himself. But, also, we are encouraged to "share with those in need" (Eph. 4:28).We at GMRM, together in partnership with you, oursupporters, will continue to do this throughout 1994.Lord, help us to number our days and gain your wisdom!

GMRM LIVING MEMORIALS

In each issue of the Cher, we like to rememberthe names and lives of those who are so dear to us,but who temporarily are not able to be with us, sincethey are with the Lord.

We do envy them! But at the same time we humbly take our task of carrying the Gospel to the millions who, as yet, do not know the Lord and are notsaved. Some live in Poland, Russia, Belarus, Ukraineand here in North America, too. We believe that thereis only one way of salvation for all peoples, and thatIs through Jesus (Acts 4:12).

This month, in addition to our regular memoriallist, we would like to add the testimonies of a fewyoung individuals whose lives were affected by theearly death of Benjamin Peter Bajenski (February 16,1989), George and Vera's son. We have followed thelives of these individuals and now proudly presentthem to you as a testimony that "Little is much whenGod is in it."

VOLUME 17 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1994 NO. 4

Erin Beettam

It is very difficult for me tothink back to 1989. I shouldhave the perspective of itbeing a year a friend of minewent to go and see the Lord.,to actually see and speaki toHim. But in my humanness, Iremember a terrible year ofmelancholy.

My only earthly experience with Ben was when

we were in grade nine together at O'Neill CollegiateHigh School. I remember Ben as a talented speaker,a kind schoolmate, and a very normal, very funny,and very intelligent friend. He always had a veryspecial air to him that I could not explain, but evenbefore I knew why, his life struck me as an example,though I knew not what of.

When Ben was killed that February, it wasextremely devastating to me. It challenged myreasons for existence and left me puzzled at theusefulness of any of it, as if someone as promisingand interesting as Benjamin could be removed in aninstant.

Perhaps the most shocking thing for me wasexperiencing Benjamin's funeral. As I sat in myterribly selfish melancholy at the funeral, I saw a manstand in the face of losing his only son and thankGod for giving Ben to him. 1saw him raise his face inhope and announce, "The bells are ringing in heaven, the Lord is coming soon." I met a sad and frailwoman In the receiving line with warm, moist eyeshugging friends, and offering words to those whowere weeping. Surely, I wondered, this is an impossible thing!

Then, I began to grow up. I became friends withVera and George because they drew me in so much,by their lives and their never ending stories of Benjamin, whom, I know now, I knew so little of.

God moved into focus not as some far off Creatorfor whom there are no guidelines but someone close,loving and willing to endure for me. I ended my yearof 1989 by accepting Christ as my Saviour in a littletown in Michigan. Since then He has made my life ablessing by keeping me always in His grip.

At times I have not felt this to be so. Sometimes,He has allowed things to happen for my good that Ihaven't liked, or that were difficult for me, but after 1have always been able to see where He was leadingme all along.

Now I write to you as I go to attend a studentleadership conference in Nova Scotia, for InterVarsityChristian Fellowship, of which I'm part of at York University in Toronto. Sitting next to me is my wonderfulfiance, Jonathan. I'm looking forward to the next yearas he's been placed as president of our chapter'sexecutive for the year and I plan to help him withthat. 1am so grateful for the joy God has given to me

by giving me a best friend who shares his faith withme, and now his life. Together we have many hopesand dreams. God has granted me experiences 1 never dreamed of like traveling to Poland in the summer of 1992 on a short term missions project. I knowit is the happy, joy-filled moments we like to keepwhich is why I like thinking about them so much. It isdifficult to remember that time when my life waspainful and frightening. But, it is important for me tokeep those moments still in my heart to appreciate allthe more what God has given me, the things Hegives gladly to His children. And so 1 can thank Himwith a grateful heart for what He will do in the future,no matter what, because 1 have seen Him work allthings for good.

Paul Dyke

Jeff Ponke

I am presently a junior atCincinnati Bible College inCincinnati, Ohio. It's hard toput into words how Ben's lifeand death have affected mylife and, more importantly,my spiritual walk with God.Ben is a very good friend ofmine, and 1 will never forgethis "dare-to-be-different"lifestyle. He wasn't afraid tobe himself or of what others

thought about him. The only thing Ben was concerned about and focused his entire life around wasserving the Lord with all of his heart, strength, souland mind, in spite of what others thought! That's oneof the aspects of Ben that 1 really admired. The popular saying used to be, "1 want to be like Mike(Michael Jordan)," but I would like to challengeeveryone who reads this, like I challenge myself, to"be like Ben," in the way he dedicated his entire lifeat such a young age to serving and following Christin ail he did.

Personally, Ben has been a life-changinginspiration to me. He made me realize that God canuse anyone to do great things regardless of age, ifwe just allow Him to use usl

Thanks, Ben, for your Christian example and yourfriendship... 1can't wait to see you again in heavensome day!

1 always recall Benjaminwhenever 1 give testimonyon how my decision to followChrist came about. While Iwas growing up, I attendedWestway Christian Church.From time to time I remember seeing Ben. I noticedthat he had something different in his life that mine was

missing. He liad tlie confidence and peace tliatcomes from being right with God through Christ Jesus. Although we never became good friends, Ben'switness influenced me greatly.

Now it is difficult for me to explain alt of whathappened in my life after Ben's death. I know that, "inall things God works for the good of those who loveHim, who have been called according to his purpose"(Rom. 8:28). Ben's funeral has to be one of the mostmoving experiences of my life. Through all the tears,however, I recall the hope in George and Vera'seyes. Like a light piercing through the darkness wasthe hope of Christ Jesus in their lives piercingthrough the sorrow.

"It is well with my soul, Ben. It is well with mysoul," said George Bajenski at the funeral. I knewthen that I needed this same hope that George, Veraand Ben had. I needed Christ Jesus in my life.

Soon after, God's Word came alive in my life. Thewords of the Bible seemed to jump out of the page atme. On May 26, 1991, I was baptized into Christ Jesus.

Over the past three summers, I have had the privilege of going to Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, Poland and Belarus on 3 short-term mission projects. Iam now at Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, Tennessee, and hope to be a missionary to take the GoodNews of Christ around the world so that others maysee the light of Christ Jesus and have the peace,hope and forgiveness that He freely gives.

Lena Kravetz

I have found God! Andnow I am happy. I havefound Him to be my personalSaviour. Now I do know thereason why I am living andwhere I am going. For meBen's death became the finalcontributing factor of my repentance and acceptance ofJesus.

We don't know how many days there are for uson this earth. It may seem that we are young and thatwe will live forever. Benjamin managed to accomplishwhat is most important during his short life with us.This should be true with all of us. We, too, shouldcome to know and remember our Saviour while weare still young.

(Lena is Benjamin's second cousin living inMinsk, Belarus. She was not raised in a Christian family but in an environment hostile to Christianity.Benjamin met Lena and her family only one time, in1988, but even this short visit left a lasting impression on the life of Lena and her mother, Tanya.Both of them accepted the Lord last year and arenow exemplary Christians in a Minsk church.)

Five years have passedsince the day when so suddenly and unexpectedly Godtook Ben from us to Hisheavenly places. I do remember this dreary day.! feltas if I had lost an olderbrother. I had so many wonderful moments with him. I

LukaszBajenski learned so much from him...but even this is not the most important thing.

There is one much more important reason whymemories of Ben will never be erased from my heart.It is the living testimony of his life. It follows him eventhough he has left us. Thanks to it, I decided to givemy life to God and to serve Him with all that I have.

So today my greatest desire is to live in such away that the testimony that I leave behind me mightbring much praise and pleasure to God. I havealready learned that with the passing of time we forget many things. But the example and life-giving testimony left for us by Ben that directed us to the Lordwill always be with us.

(Lukasz is the son of Andrew Bajenski who is thepastor of the Warsaw Church. Lukasz was the first toour knowledge who, after Ben's death, immediatelyresolved to give his young life to Jesus. Lukasz isnow a sophomore in high school. He is an activeyouth leader with our Warsaw church youth and oneof the founders of the champion "Pulawska Brothers"basketball team of the Warsaw Church. His sportshero is Michael Jordan.)

BENJAMIN BAJENSKIMEMORIAL FUND

In February of 1989, bythe decision of the GMRMBoard of Directors, the Benjamin Bajenski MemorialFund was established. This

Ben Bajenski Fund is still alive and functioning to this day.

From this Fund in the past five years we wereable to grant scholarship assistance to Bible collegestudents preparing for Christian ministry, especially incentral and east Europe. We were able to givescholarship grants to young people from Poland,Belarus, and the Ukraine who desired to attend oursummer church camp in Poland. From special designated donations we were also able to complete renovations of the Memorial Chapel-Barn at the Ostru-da Church Camp in Poland.

We thank ail of you who contributed to this Fund

and to all who still remember this on-going ministrythrough GMRM the Benjamin Bajenski MemorialFund.

on One. ^eos H-siiLris

oftuHrr.

aneji\J J J ICo^.15-52-

ALLI am . . ,

I have . . .

i ever hope to be

/ now and forever dedicate to the Lord Jesus Christ furHis use and glory, absolutely, unconditionally, woiv andforever. Romans 12:1,2: Proverbs 3:5,6: Phil. 2:12-15.

NOW LORD JESUS, HOUD ME TO IT.

Signature

Witness _

WORD OF LIFE SCHROON LAKE, NV 12870

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of: Paul BruckiGiven by: Katherine Brucki

In memory of: Harasim SacharGiven by: Paul Sachar

In memory of: Fred PosnikoffGiven by: Pauline Posnikoff and Family

In memory of: Olga ForsiukWalter & Edward ShawlinskiTom ShawlinskiJoe & Tena ForsiukFred Posnikoff

Given by: Nettie Forsiuk

In memory of: Mike BorlsenkoGiven by: Mary Borlsenko

In memory of: Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: North Industry Christian Church

Gordon & Rebecca SouderDavid & Kathryn DykeCharles MorrisGeorge & Vera BajenskiEva NourseFred & Pauline NaydukGeorge & Lucille RepetskIHannah Fellowship, Springfield, OHWanda Isaac

In memory of: John Huk, Jr.Given by: George &Vera BajenskiIn memory of: John K.,Sr. & Mary HukGiven by: Fay Elenko

In memory of: Rev. & Mrs. Ignat SidorchukGiven by: Sarah & Joseph Redlich

In memory of: Paul NourseGiven by: Eva Nourse

In memory of: Katie WandichGiven by: John & Helen Martin

Sarah & Joseph RedlichGeorge & Vera BajenskiFred & Pauline NaydukRon & Judy Nayduk

In memory of: Demid & Katherine WandichGiven by: Olga & Willy Emter

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera BajenskiGeorge BajenskiPaul DiatelGeorge RepetskiJacob Repetski

Office AssistantPolish MinistryUkrainian MinistryRuss/Belarusian MinistryBelarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address Is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W 4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva, Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.

ctiieti"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

"He is not here. He is risen. Just as he said!"

Ero Her 3Aecb; Oh BocKpec, KaK cKa3a;i!

(Matthew 28:6)

CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE

We have heard it said often: this is the time ofopportunity for Christians to get involved in Russiaand other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This is true. And, indeed, many Christians and Christian organizations have entered Russia and, at different levels of service, theyare reaching out to the nations in this part of theworld. God has opened the doors to Eastern Europethat at one time were communistic and, therefore, notrue missionary effort from the West was allowed tofunction. Now, praise God, there are many opportunities for western Christians to actually live and workfor the Lord in these countries. Many have taken upthe challenge.

Because we of GMRM are of Slavic background,it has been interesting to observe how the local people work with missionaries from western countries.Usually the working relationship has been functioningwell. Russian believers, for example, show a greatappreciation for the service of fellow believers fromthe West in their country. We feel that both westernand Russian Christians have something to learn fromone another. And when missionaries from the Westgo to Russia therefore, the work of the Lord goes onwith heartening results.

Of course, here and there local believers tell usof problem areas that do arise due to differences incultures and differing approaches in the conductingof different ministries. It is our conviction that we fromthe West need to go with the attitude that we are willing to learn. In other words, we go with the willingness to listen to our fellow believers that are alreadythere. Culture plays a very important role in reachingthe peoples of the world for Christ. In fact, sometimeswe go to other countries and simply use the samemethods in evangelism, in conducting services, inpreaching as we have done at home. For the most

part this does not cause any particular difficulty.However, at times it does.

Let me give you one small example. RussianChristians find it strange when Christians from theWest conduct a Communion service with pieces ofcrackers and little plastic cups or an everyday glass.Before western missionaries came to Russia, thispractice was largely unknown to believers there.Russians believe a loaf of bread that is broken mustbe used. Also, a chalice with wine is proper. Why?Because this act is not commonplace, but sacred. Aswestern believers we must be sensitive to suchseemingly small issues.

Another issue. As individuals and Christian organizations have gone to Russia, their efforts in evangelism have caused many Russians to becomeChristians. This is wonderful. Still, sometimes thesenew believers know Christianity only through theeyes of the western missionary. This point was drivenhome to us when recently we met such an individual.Yuri, a new Christian from Russia, came to Torontowith a group of Bible college students from the USAwhere he is presently studying. He became a Christian through the efforts of American Christians inRussia; he was baptized by some of them. Followinghis conversion he spent time with western believersin Russia and received some valuable instructionfrom them. However, he was not introduced norencouraged to attend any Russian congregationthere. Thus, he knew Christianity through the effortsand eyes of western spiritual mentors.

While he was recently in Toronto, we took him toa local Russian congregation and, for the first time,he heard a sermon preached in his language byanother Russian Christian. He was deeply touchedby this event. First, he was with his own people that

(continued on page 4)

VOLUME 17 MARCH-APRIL 1994 NO. 2

FROM POLAND TOBELARUS WITH GMRM

One of GMRM's involvements in church life ofCentral Europe is working with children and youngpeople through Christian youth camps. It all started in1965 when George Bajenski, after completing hisstudy at Lincoln Christian College, returned to Polandand, in his efforts to rejuvenate life in local congregations, initiated special summer and winter programsfor churches across the country. Those were differenttimes in Europe. Communism was at its heyday.

Yes, we did face some opposition and there weredifficulties but God's truth prevailed. The Christiancamp movement was started in Poland. The powerfulmessage of the song "Ring the Bells...let the wholeworld know..which became our theme song heralded the Good News of Jesus' victory throughout theland. Hundreds and even thousands of young peopleaccepted the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour.Many responded to the challenge and entered full-time Christian service. To this day many church pulpits in Poland are being served by young preacherswhose first steps with Jesus were taken at campsconducted by us.

Ostruda Camp, January 1994As we are writing this report, it is still cold out

side. Nevertheless, we are already seriously thinkingabout summer, and together with our partners andlocal church leaders, we are preparing for anotherbusy camp program in Poland. We appreciate yourprayers, and we will be informing you a little later ofwhat is happening at Ostruda Camp this summer.

Today, however, we would like to share with youa new challenge that God has put upon our hearts.As some of you remember, last year at our Polishcamp we were happy to conduct a full camp programfor a larger group of Belarusian children. Now, as '94summer is approaching, churches in Belarus wouldlike to send us their children again. We are ready toaccept them, however, after praying and discussingthis matter with several preachers, we came to theconclusion that it would be more beneficial for churchlife in general and for the children in particular to con-

Belarusian children at Ostruda Camp,June 1993

duct a camp program for them right in their owncountry. The time is right for it. If it will happen, then itwill be the first time ever that any Christian evangelical or baptist church would have conducted an organized church youth camp in the country of Belarus.

During the month of January, I was personallyvisiting churches in this area and, in the south-west-ern part of the state near the city of Pinsk, we wereable to locate a beautiful camp site. A few years agothis property belonged to a government-sponsoredcommunist youth organization called "Pioneers."There they were also conducting youth camps, buttheir programs were based on godless atheism. Nowit is in private hands and it can be rented forChristian purposes (PTL). What a change! What anopportunity! There are several evangelical and Christian churches in this area and they would like us toorganize and, together with them, conduct a campprogram this summer. If we accept this challenge, itwill be a great witness for the children; everybody inthe whole area would observe us: government,churches and local people. Many of them wouldcome and take part at our evening evangelistic vespers services. It would be a real time of revival.

What should we do? There is only one answer.We of Global Missionary Radio Ministries are com-

George Bajenski with members ofBelarusian camp committee from Pinsk

mitting ourselves to this challenge. For this programwe are bringing in a team of experienced Polishyouth workers from Ostruda Camp. Together withlocal believers the two of us, George Repetski andGeorge Bajenski, will, with God's help, conduct thecamp program. We would even like you, our friends,to come and support our efforts. Bring a little joy andlaughter and life-changing Gospel to our newBelarusian friends who would come to this Christiancamp at a Pioneer village near Pinsk.

It would also be proper to mention that many children that would come to this camp would be comingfrom areas affected by the harmful effects of theChernobyl nuclear accident. We would like to givethem special care, provide them with security andcomfort that only God can give any person. It wouldbe great if every camper could receive a Bible fromus, but also we would like to provide them with thebest possible physical care: healthy food, clean waterand pure air. The surroundings of this camp (as youcan see from the pictures) trees and lake answer tosome of these needs but the rest we have to provideourselves. We will see to it that there is sufficientfood on the table for all with good nutritious value,but it would also be beautiful to provide them withsome fruit and vitamins.Some of them might evenneed medical aid (such as prescription drugs, aspirin,Tylenol, etc.). We would like to be able to help them,but it depends on finances.

In closing, I would simply like to say that we covetyour prayers and sincerely ask for your financialassistance on behalf of this first-time Christian youthcamp that will be conducted by us near Pinsk, Belarus. Just keep in mind that:

$5 will pay one day for a camper $60 will pay for a full camp program for one

person $2.50 will pay for one Children's Bibleextra money will be needed to purchase

needed vitamins and medicinesYou can be a vital part in this outreach to children

In Belarus by sending in your special donation forthis purpose. Please include a note stating that yourcontribution is for the "Belarusian youth camp."V^ewill report on the camp in a later issue of the Crier.

"...suddenly Jesus was standing there

among them! After greeting them, he

showed them his hands and side. And

how wonderful was their joy as theysaw their Lord.

He spoke to them again and said,

"As the Father has sent me, even so I

am sending you."

(John 20:19-21)

PIONEER VILLAGE NEAR PINSK, BELARUS

Site where GMRM will conduct a Christian youthcamp program from June 1-12, 1994, for churchesin the south-western region of Belarus.

Entrance to main building with statue of youngcommunist pioneers of past times

Cabins for sleeping accommodations at thecamp site (wooded area)

Beach area of shallow lake with dock for swimming and canoeing, surrounded by birch trees

(continued from page 1)possessed a faith that he now has. Second, heheard a sermon by a Russian preacher who gave aBible lesson applying its teaching from the perspective of Russian culture. That Scripture lesson cameto him with new freshness. Russian culture is theone from which he came and to which he will return.This whole experience struck a chord in his heart likenothing else did.

Praise the Lord for the many wonderful opportunities to witness to Russians and other East European peoples. But we must be sensitive to the particulars of their cultures. As the song says: "We are onein the Spirit, we are one in the Lord," yet we are different and should keep that in mind, as we serve theLord in other lands.

A PERSONAL NOTE

Timothy RepetskiAs families and a Christian mission, we are

happy to share with you that Timothy Repetski(George and Lucille's son), who earlier accepted theLord, followed him in baptism March 27, 1994. It wasa happy occasion. Even heaven rejoices when weobey the Lord and so do we. This year Timothy isalso completing his high school education.

He heard much from his father about Belarus andespecially this year with so much going on there.With two such important happenings in his life, Tim isaccepting another challenge and would like to go toBelarus to work at the Belarusian youth camp.

He writes: "In the past month a great opportunityhas arisen for me to go to Belarus with my dad towork at a youth camp there. I will be responsible torun the games and other activities at the camp. Iknow I will enjoy my time of service. I am excitedabout going into a new culture and interacting withfellow Christian youths in a completely different setting. 1 would appreciate your prayer and financialsupport. Thank you. Tim."

We at GMRM are very happy to see Tim take upthis challenge and would invite you to help send himto Belarus. You may send in your donation for him inthis adventure for Christ and be receipted by GMRMfor it. Please include a note that this is for TimothyRepetski's summer youth camp ministry.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of Paul NourseGiven by: Eva Nourse

In memory of Adam SidorchukGiven by: George & Halina Petelski

In memory of Nick & Ellen ZaiinkoGiven by: Paul & Sophie Zaiinko

In memory of John & Mary Huk, Sr.Given by: Paul and Sophie Zaiinko

In memory of David & Mary MaksimowGiven by: Nadia Maksimow

In memory of Sam &John NaydukEunice PhyskKatie Wandich

Given by: Madge llchyshyn

In memory of Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Eva Nourse

Nadine & James RayIrene NevilleBob & Phyllis WalkerLee & Velma FarrellJoseph & Clara SmithJohn & Sandra BrownleeSharron CarterAlice MilloffRoger & Kaye Beard

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera Bajenski - Office AssistantGeorge Bajenski - Pollsti MinistryPaul Diatel - Ukrainian MinistryGeorge Repetski - Russ/Belarusian MinistryJacob Repetski - Belarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4V^4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva, Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.

3^^THE

ccieR"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

GMRM'S LITERATURE PROJECTS

Writing Is a powerful tool to change^HIzIIkI the minds of men and women. Na-KbSI poleon knew it. He reportedly stated: TT^ "A journalist is agrumbler, acensurer,

= ^ a giver of advice, a regent of sover-HHI ^1 eigns, a tutor of nations. Four hostile

newspapers are more to be feared than a thousandbayonets." The printed word can be harnessed tochange people toward good or evil. The Bible, God'sword to humanity, is the supreme example of being aliterary tool to point us to good, to God himself and toa joyous eternal destiny. Ezra Pound once wrote:"Great literature is simply language charged withmeaning to the utmost possible degree." The Biblefulfills this goal as no other book in the world today.Because the Bible gives ultimate meaning to life,many books have been written about it and onthemes found in it.

Part of GMRIVl's ministry is to provide Bibles andBible helps to those to whom we minister. Certainlythe spreading of God's Word throughout the worldmust be uppermost in our efforts of evangelism. Butalso printed materials on the Word of God carry withthem a potency that, perhaps, surpasses the influential and necessary value of the spoken word. Onceprinted and distributed, Christian books remain formany decades to be read repeatedly. One book canbe read and reread by many individuals. Its messagecan affect the lives of many people in different generations.

With this in mind, GMRM purchases Bibles anddistributes them throughout Eastern European countries. The mission also presently involves itself in theproduction of Christian literature in Slavic languages.We would like to give you a review of some literatureprojects that GMRM initiated and continues today.

During January of this year Literature and Teaching Ministries of Joplin, Missouri, printed Arlie Hoover's book, Dear Agnos, in Russian translation. Theprinting took place in Moscow and this book onChristian apologetics is being distributed to Russianstoday. We prepared the translation and typeset thebook on one of our computers in our Mississaugaoffice. Dear Agnos {Agnos = agnostic) will speak tomany Russians that were steeped in atheism; it willprovide answers to the intellectual questions posed

by many nonbelievers about the reasonableness ofBiblical Christianity. Also, just recently GMRM sponsored the printing of several thousand copies of a12-page tract entitled, How to Become a ChristianAccording to the New Testament. Fellow believers inthe CIS are distributing this booklet privately andoffering it to those who attend evangelistic meetings.

GMRM sponsored the reprinting and distributionof the New Testament in Belarusian. Some time afterthis it had a book printed on the basics of Christianliving entitled, New Life in Christ. This also appearedin the Belarusian language. We typeset New Life... inCanada and had it published in Warsaw, Poland,from where our co-workers transported copies of thebook to Belarus. Work is now under way to have itreprinted in Minsk and distributed throughout churches and given for a nominal fee to educational institutions that will be willing to accept it.

Part of GMRM's literature outreach includes theproduction of songbooks. Before his death, the lateJohn K. Huk, Sr., assisted by John Huk, Jr., workedon putting together a songbook that included many ofJohn K. Huk, Sr.'s translations of English Christiansongs into Russian. Both Johns died before theycould complete the job and we had the privilege ofcompleting it for them. We printed the book in Warsaw, Poland, under the title. Songs of Victory. Allcopies have now been distributed throughout the

Some of the literature producedand distributed by GMRM

VOLUME 17 MAY-JUNE 1994 NO. 3

y-J

Letters In response toradio and literature ministry

CIS. Russian Christians now praise the Lord usingsongs that we here in Canada and the USA grew upwith in our churches. Paul Diatel has also compiledsome 80 songs that he translated from English andSpanish into the Ukrainian language. We are nowlooking at ways to have the music and words typeset,perhaps right in the Ukraine, and distributed amongUkrainians.

I am currently translating a work into Belarusianthat was originally published in a Russian periodicalunder the title of Heros of the Faith. Its author is Vladimir Kanatush, a respected preacher who lives inMinsk, Belarus. In this work Brother Kanatush doesan in-depth study of the heros of faith mentioned inthe 11th chapter of Hebrews. He gleans lessons fromthe different personalities' lives mentioned in Hebrews and the Old Testament for today's belfever. Aunique thing about this book is that a Russianpreacher who lives in the CIS wrote this work andpresents his material in a way that is very understandable to the reader in that part of the world. Withthe Lord's help I intend to complete the translationand typeset the book in our office in Canada. We willtrust the Lord to provide sponsors to have this finepiece of Christian literature printed in Belarus in thenot-too-distant future.

Following Benjamin Bajenski's death we printedan encouraging and uplifting booklet in Polish enti-

GMRM board member, Alan Dunbar,handing over Bibles to preacher In CIS

tied, In the Meantime, with appropriate words of dedication by George and Vera Bajenski. Also, we arecurrently translating Arlie Hoover's book, Dear Ag-nos, into Polish.

Christian literature continues to speak to manypeoples. And unless the Lord comes quickly, it will faroutlive any of us on planet earth. We intend to use itin outreach to the peoples of the east Slavic world.We appreciate your continued interest, encouragement and financial assistance in our literature ministry.

George Repetski

REFLECTION

It must have been an exciting and\> soul-stirring time on May 1st of this"r f year in Moscow and across the whole

w ^ vast land of the previously-knownSoviet Union. For 70 years it was a

mr highly celebrated day, a workers' orproletariat day, as it was called

throughout the communist world. Streets were filledwith people. These people were "properly" motivatedby their political leaders who were actively presenteverywhere: at work, at school, in the city and ruralareas. They carried their flags with that prominentred colour, singing patriotic songs, praising the motherland and their political leaders.

This year, however, something different happened, and it was not only because of the diminishedpopularity or even the collapse of communism.

This year May 1st was celebrated in Moscow andthroughout the independent states of the previousSoviet empire in a completely different manner.Instead of communistic theories on the lips of millionsof believers, the first words spoken by many on thisday were: "Christ arose! Christ arose! Christ arose!" and each time the reply was: "Indeed, He arose!"Bells rang out, people rushed to the churches to singpraises to God.

You see, in their traditional Orthodox church calender the first day of May was the date to celebrateEaster this year. What a coincidence! If any?! What abeautiful reminder of God's ruling the nations. He desires that all peoples could come to know His savingpower through Jesus Christ, His only Son.

MINISTRY NEWS UPDATE

May 15th George Bajenski left for Poland wherethroughout the rest of the spring and summer monthshe will be working with local churches, youth campsand several radio stations that broadcast ourChristian programs. One of the first major involvements will be a 12-day Gospel tour with a Christianchoir from Moscow that will be singing and sharingthe Gospel with people living in the eastern part ofPoland and in Warsaw. (continued on page 4)

April 11,1994 MFP

Dear Friends of GMRM;

For more than 30 years, it has been my privilege to witness the life and ministry of the dedicated staff of thismission to the Slavic peopie. I am a businessman and a member of the Global Missionary Radio Ministriesboard. Brother John K. Huk, Sr. one of the original ministers of the mission, his family and I attended the samechurch in Toronto for many years.

In the mid 80's there was a certain pessimism, even hopelessness to ministries that attempted to reacheastern European communist countries with the gospel. Communism ruled with the proverbial iron fist mockingthe gospel and those who believed. Most of us showed little faith in the gospel of Christ to break down the gates of hell.

Yet, there was a band ofcommitted Christians, headquartered in Toronto, who, along with many others believed that God would touch lives through the power of his word as well as preserving the saints living undertremendous oppression.

Their faith has been rewarded as we have been privileged to witness. Communism not only crumbled fromwithin because of the spiritual vacuum it created, but it also exploded from the spiritual forces that it tried tocap. Eastern Europe opened as winds of the Spirit blew through Timisoara, Rumania, Eastern Germany, Czechoslovakia and Russia.

Wails fell and doors opened. Evidence of a great spiritual movement are everywhere. The response to thegospel (and many false religions) is unprecedented in history.

It has been a delight to see the new opportunities for GMRM as country aftercountry opens up. It has alsobeen thrilling to begin to hear from the brothers and sisters who have suffered so long, as to what the ministriesof radio, literature, personal encouragement, church planting and camps have meant to so many over theyears.

My work in the business world and in full-time mission endeavours has taken me regularly to over 50 countries of the world. It has been a great privilege to be able to see first-hand the amazing things God is doing inour time. The missionary movement has been the most successful movement in human history. There is not acountry without the witness of the gospel. Church growth is unparalleled. Churches are exploding in communistcountries, in musiim countries and those places where we once looked at as mission fields now send Christianmissionaries around the globe.

These changes have brought great changes in how missions are carried out, a "new paradigm" is the popularway of expressing it. This "new" way revolves around enabling national leaders in their own countries, intheir own culture and language to bring the good news and plant churches. This "new way" has been practisedby the leaders of GMRM in a quiet way for decades. The effectiveness of the work they have done and that ofthose they have supported will only be known in eternity.

I would like to say that the job is done and we can sit back and celebrate the achievements of the church ofChrist and rejoice in the victories won. However, the job Is not done. There are countless millions who still die inignorance of the wonderful news of Jesus Christ. I believe, too, that we are entering the most dangerous andcritical last days of history as Satan's forces will launch the last desperate battle against humankind and thechildren of God. We are warned about the great apostasy. We see how quickly the doors can close in easternEurope. We see how quickly freedom turns to license. We witness the destruction of nationalistic forces in theBalkans. (continued on next page)

2655 North Sheridan Way, #280, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5K 2P6 Phone: (905) 855-2500 Fax: (905) 855-2725

George Repetski preachingin park, Asipovichy, Belarus

(continued from page 2)Then from June 1 we will be leading the first

Christian youth camp ever within the territory of thesovereign state of Belarus. For this purpose we arearranging the best possible team of Christian workers from Poland and Canada. George and TimRepetski, Lynda Wood (camp nurse) and Kevin Boldtwill join George Bajesnki and a group of Polish camppersonnel at the end of May and together will travelto Belarus.

We anticipate close to 200 local children, manyof whom will come from the areas affected by theChernobyl nuclear power station accident. On behalfof Tim Repetski we thank ail of you who, to this point,have encouraged him by your interest, prayers andspecial contributions covering his travel and campexpenses.

For your information, to date we have receivedapproximately $2,500 toward the cost of the camp.We would like to stress that all necessary expenses(rental of facilities, food) will cost GMRM over$10,000 US. We do not have, as yet, this amount,but we see the need, we see open doors and wehave faith that the Lord will provide. Also, we shouldadd that we have asked the local churches in thearea to pay for 10% of the cost. This is a sacrifice ontheir part given the hyper-inflation that Belarus isexperiencing today. This shows their commitment tothis first camp program. We will encourage them tothink in terms of having an annual camp program fortheir children of Belarus.

We would ask you to consider this worthy causeof sharing the Gospel of Christ with Belarusian chil>dren through us in June. It will cost $5 US per day foreach child. Would you consider sponsoring a child?The camp runs from June 1 to 12 in the formerPioneer village near the city of Pinsk in south-west-ern Belarus. Please send in your contribution toGMfl/W witti a special designation for the "Belarusian camp." We will be most thankful to you, butmore importantly, so will thechildren of Belarus.

(continued from page 3)There is an urgency to the work of GMRM as

there should be with every Christian who wants to bea disciple of Christ. We are exhorted by Scripture to"work while it is day for the night comes when no onecan work." The Slavic people have been deprived fordecades of the things we take for granted the fellowship of believers, freedom to worship, teaching,trained leadership and skills to share the good newsof Jesus Christ.

It is a delight and privilege to do whatever I can tohelp the cause of Christ through the work of GMRM.GMRM cannot do everything, but pray with us thatthe Lord of the harvest would lead us into thoseactivities which honour him and are most effective forthe proclamation of the gospel.

Phil Dempster

LIVING MEMORIALS

m

In memory of Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Roger & Rama Beard

R. D. & Carmen MarmionMr. & Mrs. John DavisLuise BullerEva NourseWayne & Ruth Wells

In memory of John NaydiukSam & Olga NaydiukEunice Physk

Given by: Lucas & Sadie Naydiuk

In memory of Paul NourseGiven by: Eva Nourse

In memory of Rodney ShakotkoGiven by: Peter & Zeena Naydiuk

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera Bajenski - Office AssistantGeorge Bajenski - Polish MinistryPaul Diatel > Ukrainian MinistryGeorge Repetski - Russ/Belarusian MinistryJacob Repetski - Belarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address Is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road. Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W/4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva, Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.

THE

"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."Isaiah

CHURCH CAMP IN BELARUS

What an exciting day June 1, 1994! It seemedas if it was mayhem in front of the EvangelicalChristian Church in the city of Pinsk, Belarus. Kidscame from different parts of the city and from othercities of Belarus and gathered in front of the churchto travel to a Christian children's camp that was totake place 35 kilometers from Pinsk. It seemed likeconfusion because there were 155 kids plus counselors. All totaled there must have been somewherearound 170 of us that had to pack ourselves and allour gear into three buses. We finally were off andrunning. You could feel the excitement in the raisedvoices of the children. It was their first experience ofattending a Christian camp.

The trip to the camp facility took an hour. Everyone was assigned his or her living quarters. Shortlythereafter we all had our first meal together in thedining hall. A Christian choir under the leadership ofAlexander Karakouts from Moscow also traveled withus from Pinsk. They had just returned from an evangelistic trip to Poland with G. Bajenski and were ontheir way back to Moscow. That evening they presented a rich program of Christian songs and musicalnumbers. This provided us with a perfect beginningto the camp program.

The next morning the children lined up in their sixteams in front of the dining hall for breakfast. Thedaily schedule was launched for the rest of the week.Under the leadership of George Bajenski of GMRMand Alena Lewczuk, an experienced camp workerfrom Poland, each day consisted of the followingactivities: brief morning devotions in groups, breakfast, Bible lessons in groups, organized game time,lunch, rest time, competitive sports and free time,supper, one hour free time and evening vespers service. Mrs. Lewczuk and her assistants from Polandprepared materials for daily Bible lessons that tookplace. The counselors greatly appreciated this organized teaching material and taught it with great enthusiasm.

Tim Repetski (George Repetski's son) and hiscousin from Western Canada, Kevin Boldt, guided

the local athletic director, Andrew, in planning gamesthat are well known throughout Christian camps inCanada and the USA. These games were new to thechildren of Belarus. From the campers' expressionsand comments it was obvious that they enjoyed themto the fullest extent. Through the efforts of LyndaWood, a Christian nurse from Toronto, who alsocame with us to provide medical help in caring for thechildren, we were able to provide greatly neededmedicines to the local Christian doctor at the camp.By the end of the camp all antibiotics brought fromCanada were used to treat various illnesses.

The weather, for the most part, cooperated withus. A couple of days turned out to be rather windyand wet but this did not dampen our spirits. Thecounselors found ways of keeping the children busyindoors both in study and play. Toward the close ofthe camp program, the Lord provided us with a perfect day for all the children to take a boat trip to thecity of Pinsk along the river. They spent time enjoyingamusement rides in the city park of Pinsk.

Another significant time was our two services inthe village next to the camp ground. The local collective farm director allowed us the use of the "Houseof Culture" to conduct Christian services. The firsttime was during Sunday morning for worship service.At that time only a few of the local villagers came.

G. Repetski preaching at evening service

VOLUME 17 JULY-AUGUST 1994 NO. 4

The second sen/ice was on a Thursday. This timemany of the villagers came and listened with avid attention. The children and camp staff presented a program of Christian testimony to them. One of the staffmembers, for the first time, told her story of how shefound the Lord and how, as a result, her life dramatically changed for good. At the conclusion of the service several local women remained behind to askprobing questions of this staff member and pray withher for their own spiritual welfare. Praise the Lord forthis opportunity of Christian witness. Many tookChristian literature.

The most meaningful moments came during theevening services. The first part of each service wasdevoted to singing favorite songs. You should haveheard how the children sang choruses with enthusi-asm and fervor. Some evenings included story time.Mrs. Lewczuk told stories that illustrated Bible truths.George Repetski preached the Gospel each evening.During the first couple evening sessions no formalinvitation was given but he challenged each camperto think seriously about his or her relationship to theLord and be prepared to make an appropriateresponse to the Lord's calling. Later in the week weinvited the children to come fonward, express theirneeds and pray for those needs. Many came to personally repent and ask the Lord to become theirSavior and Lord. By the end of the camp some 60children took this initial step of faith and obedience. Itwas thrilling to see such a number respond. Once theevening program was over, those that stepped forward stayed behind to speak and pray further withtheir group counselors. Their prayers and sinceritytouched us all.

The children that came to the camp were fromChristian and non-Christian homes alike. We ask youto pray for those that did respond to the invitation,especially for those who came from non-believingfamilies that they will continue to attend churchservices in their home town, that they will all be baptized and step out with a clear Christian testimonybefore their parents and friends, that they will grow intheir Christian lives. We believe that decisions weremade which will last a lifetime and throughout eternity.

MY VISIT TO BELARUS(by Tim Repetski)

Greetings from the Christian youth in Belarus! Asmost of you know, from May 30 to June 21 I was inPoland and Belarus along with my dad, cousin KevinBolt, and a family friend, Lynda Wood. It was an awesome experience, to say the least, but I will try to put

-

T. Repetski with campers on boat ride

into words some of my impressions and feelingsabout the whole trip.

My very first sight of eastern Europe was at theWarsaw airport in Poland. To my North Americaneyes everything looked very dark and dreary, but Isoon got accustomed to the different atmosphere. Iwas surprised to see that the cab drivers would pushtheir cars instead of starting them while waiting for acustomer. It took both Kevin and me a few days toget used to driving on Belarusian roads - not just thepotholes, but the drivers! We were also glad to seethat the Lada (the most popular Russian car) didn'thave any seat belts!

We spent only a few hours in Warsaw before wehad to take a train to neighboring Belarus. The trainwas a new experience for Lynda, Kevin and me. Wehad to shove all of our luggage (and we had a lot)through the windows into our compartment, hopingthe train wouldn't leave on us.

We stopped off in different cities and saw someof our relatives, usually spending the night. I beganto see that the average living conditions of theBelarusian people were far below our standards ofliving. People told us stories of not being paid formonths, but not quitting their jobs because therewouldn't be any work anywhere else. Inflation is hitting them harder than ever before. In spite of this,everyone we stayed with gave us their best andmade sure we didn't go hungry.

Having visited our relatives in Brest, Belarus, wetraveled to the city of Pinsk. The camp was about anhour's ride out of Pinsk by bus. The night before,while in Pinsk, I got to speak for the very first time ina small typical church. However, that night there wasa music group performing at the church, so it waspacked. My dad translated as I shared my testimonywith the crowd. I was very nervous at first, but as Igot relaxed, I began to enjoy it. Little did I know Iwould be speaking a great deal more.

We arrived at the camp at around 12:00 noon the

G. Bajenski organizing meai line-upnext day, and were amazed at what we found. Thecamp had been used by the "Pioneers" or youngcommunists. There was a beachfront "hotel" (trustme, not like a North American resort hotel), a volleyball court, tennis courts (which we used for most ofour group games), and a mess hall with waitresses.Both Kevin and I didn't even think this sort of thingexisted in Belarus, and we were even more surprisedthat the local children couldn't believe their eyeseither! Since this was the first Christian camp in thatarea since 1926, the leaders and youth leaders werekind of rusty, but as the camp went on, the programstarted to run more smoothly.

Kevin and I were excited and prepared to do thegames. We had prizes upon prizes to give away, andwe were eager to do so. A couple from our churchgave us half a suitcase full of prizes, and we provided the second half. With the prizes we had at the endof the camp, we were able to give a small bag ofthree different items to each child.

Kevin and I were responsible for providing fromone to one and a half hours per day of games, whichusually took place at 11:30 in the morning. Weplanned in advance what games we would do,weather permitting. Unfortunately, it rained quite abit, and we couldn't implement all of our summer outdoor water games. In spite of this, the kids absolutelyloved the games Kevin and 1 put forward. The onethey seemed to enjoy the most was a game whereeverybody takes off their shoes, and puts them in apile (that's 300 shoes for our group). Then, eachteam has to go up one player at a time, and find hisor her shoe, and race back. They loved it!

Kevin and I just loved planning games. We founda great youth leader named Andre, and got him toimplement the games for us. Because he had no language barrier to cross, he could get the kids all riledup to play the game. Kevin and I would laugh ourselves silly watching these "new" games beingplayed by young children. Such ordinary things like

tennis balls and balloons seemed to fascinate thechildren, so we took advantage of this, and playedgames with such props. The kids gave us a marvelous response.

We also had fun with the kids during the day. Amoment wouldn't pass where you didn't have a trailof children running after you, wanting to play "keepaway" or "everybody jump on Tim." I personally hadthe pleasure of introducing the revolutionary "thumbwar" game to Belarus. We had the whole camp saying: "Un tvo sree fowe, I declara a sump wor!" (i.e."One two three four, I declare a thumb war"). Kevinand I were always hamming it up during sports. Atthe end of the camp there probably wasn't one child Ihadn't come in contact with.

On the other side of things, the camp wasn't alljust fun. For me, it was an eye opener to just seehow poor some of these kids are, but yet they stillremain happy. The camp was also spiritually uplifting.Part of the Belarusian culture includes recitingChristian poetry. This is done also by the very youngchildren. Countless children, maybe 10 years old,would recite 5 minutes of poetry, totally memorizedthat afternoon. The children would pray from theirheart, with tears running down their cheeks. I wasamazed at how sincere and mature these young children were about their commitment to Jesus Christ. Ifone child out of the 150 would have come to knowChrist through the camp It would have been worth it,but praise God, 60 children gave their lives to Christduring the 10 days of camp. Kevin and I were sad toleave the camp and the kids, but it was time to moveon. Back in Pinsk, children some with tears in theireyes said "goodbye" and "thank you."

After the camp we boarded a train to Minsk, thecapital of Belarus. We spoke in many churches, andvisited the downtown area everyday. We even got tosee a Christian Belarusian wedding on the last daythere.

I was praying about the train trip back towards

Enthusiastic campers (maidnga Joyful noise unto the Lord)

Warsaw. Just the three of us Lynda, Kevin and I would be traveling, and we didn't speak anyRussian or Polish. We had to go through four customs officials on our overnight train trip. We hadpassed through three of them by morning, and onthe fourth one of my fears became reality. Customsofficers aren't known for their patience and understanding, to say the least. On the fourth customs official we got the shock of our lives. This final officialhad the power not to let us back into the country. Asit turned out, at the very beginning of our trip, thecustoms official had taken both copies of our visas,instead of just one. We didn't have a visa to get backinto Poland. As the color drained from my face, theofficial walked out of our compartment. I was positiveit was to get his rifle from his truck! But, in a few minutes, he came whistling back, and continued to whistle while he backdated some forms, stamped theapproval himself, and handed us our ready-madevisas. Whoa. Heavy. Prayer answered.

1want to thank all of you who supported me bothfinancially or in prayer. I appreciated all the faithfulness you have shown to furthering God's work in Belarus. Oh yeah, and one more thing: the kids thankyou too!

BELARUSIAN CAMP FINANCES

For those of you that gave financially and supported the Belarusian camp effort by your prayers,we say "thank you" and can report that the Lordheard your prayers. It was a worthwhile effort. Liveswere affected for God's glory and for eternity bythose souls that responded to the Lord's call. It is ourprayer and hope that such a camp will continue onan annual basis in future years. At the end of thecamp we shared this vision with the counselors andlocal church leaders. We challenged them to take upthe cause.

This was a costly effort. We requested that theparents of the children who attended pay for part ofthe camp's cost. Right now people in Belarus arestruggling financially. Given today's situation, theywere able to pay only 10% of the total cost. GMRMpaid 90% of the remainder.

To date about $6,000 of designated funds havecome in for the camp, but the cost to GMRM for running the camp turned out to be about $11,000. Wesimply had to dip into our general fund to pay for thiseffort. The summer is upon us and our funds arequite low. Would you kindly consider sending insome contribution to help cover the cost of the camp

and help us free up funds for other ongoing efforts ofGMRM? We are trusting that the Lord will lead you,His people, to assist us at this time so that otherevangelistic programs of GMRM will not be curtailed.We thank you ahead of time.

For all we experienced and observed, we thankthe Lord and you.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of Mike BorisenkoGiven by: Mary Borisenko

In memory of Ann PetelskiAndy KudrickMom & Dad Kudrick

Given by: Nellie Kudrick

In memory of Olga Shwetz HicksGiven by: Dora & Tatiana Shwetz

In memory of Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: John & Helen Martin

Nellie KudrickMargaret & David EubanksLucas & Sadie Naydiuk

In memory of John K. Huk, Sr.Given by: Nellie Kudrick

Antonio & Linda AlbisLucas & Sadie Naydiuk

In memory of Mary HukGiven by: Nellie Kudrick

Lucas & Sadie Naydiuk

In memory of John Huk, Jr.Given by: Nellie Kudrick

Lucas & Sadie Naydiuk

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera BajenskiGeorge BajenskiPaul DiatelGeorge RepetskiJacob Repetski

Office AssistantPolish MinistryUkrainian MinistryRuss/Belarusian MinistryBelarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address Is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva. Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.

THE

C(R"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved"(Jeremiah 8:20)

Harvest Time

Global Missionary Radio Ministries is the legalname of our mission incorporation in Canada and theUnited States. It clearly states a major part of ourmissionary involvement which is preparing andbroadcasting Christian radio programs in Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. However, our second major involvement in the life of the local church in thesecountries is youth ministry. We have just ended oneof the busiest and most encouraging summer schedules of church camp activities here in Central andEastern Europe.

Yes, GMRM assisted in organizing, conductingand sponsoring this summer's fourteen weeks ofchurch camp activities in three different countries:Poland, Belarus and the Ukraine. Over 1500 peopleattended these camps, and around 600 decisionsand commitments for the Lord have been made. Thisis not our doing, but we believe that God himself hassent a time of spiritual refreshing and opportunity inthis part of the world. This was done so that hundreds and even thousands of people who were previously deprived of hearing the Gospel might hearabout his dear Son, Jesus. We are witnesses of suchgreat things. We are coworkers in God's field, and wethank you, dear friends, who did remember us thissummer and who help us financially to make this ministry a success.

Some of you possibly heard from our past newsletter about the joys and inspiration of our first Beia-rusian youth camp conducted by us this summer in apioneer village near the city of Pinsk. It was a memorable experience for all of us: young people, localchurches and church leaders and many people insurrounding communities. But it was especiallymeaningful for one man who was'not part of the staffbut who, nevertheless, was with us at the camp justabout every day. It was one of the directors of thisparticular camp site. Today he is a friendly and cordial director, but a few years back the same personwas a harsh member of the local police squad thatoften dismissed similar Christian gatherings andyouth meetings in this area. Actually, some young

Christians who were harassed at one time by thisparticular individual were with us during the campprogram. We sang, prayed and praised God togetherfor only he could have arranged such an unexpectedmeeting. Indeed, God's love is greater than we cancomprehend it. He loves us all, and he is not willingthat any should perish. He is patient and giving usmore time for repentance (II Peter 3:9).

Another first for us this summer was our involvement in a Christian youth camp in the Ukraine. Wewere able to help a group from the city of Lutsk whogathered at beautiful Lake Switezh near the Polishborder for a week of Bible study and inspiration.

However, most of our time and mission involvement took place this summer at Ostruda Camp inPoland. From the middle of June until the middle ofSeptember there were constant activities: Bibleteaching, recreation, inspiration, children and youngpeople, students' oral youth activities, church conferences and Christian Bible Institute classes, even aspecial session for Polish Bible translators. Our placeof meeting and our time were used to the fullest.God's name was praised and lifted high, and many,many good things happened. Eternity will tell us allabout it, but now maybe even these few pictures willshow you some of the things that took place. Wetrust you will enjoy them and rejoice with us for whathas been accomplished.

Some members of OstrudaChristian Camp Directors

VOLUME 17 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 1994 NO. 5

SUMMER OF 1 9 9 4 IN POLAND, BEL

Preparing material for building ofa new cabin at Ostruda Camp

A favourite spot at Ostruda Camp: playing andsinging making joyful noise to the Lord

I

One of many childrens' camp meetingsat Ostruda camp this summer

George Bajenski with guest fromBelarus at Ostruda Camp

One of many weeks of camp at Ostruda Camp: group of juniorcampers beside a newly constructed summer cabin

Campers with somat our first Belaru

ARUS AND UKRAINE WITH G M R M

Campers pray in Belarusian camp afterevening service in own group witti counselors

OSTRUDA CAMP CHALLENGE

As you can see, good things are happening inchurch life in Poland and other neighbouring countries, thanks to the ministry of the Ostruda Camp.Until this year, we were only using these facilities during the warm summer season. But now, because ofthe active involvement of TCM's educational outreachministry and the Polish Christian Bible institute, wewill be able to use the Ostruda Camp for year-roundactivities. During the summer camps offseason theBible Institute will be using the facility. Major construction has been completed, but funds have run outbefore full completion. We still need to improve roofconditions on the main building, change the plumbingin the kitchen and washrooms and be connected tothe city sewer system. This is still a large job and attoday's prices it will cost approximately $30,000US.

We sincerely appeal to you, friends, to help uscomplete this project so that the Ostruda Camp canfully function and that the Bible Institute can use thisfacility for God's glory. Please send any designationfor the "Ostruda Camp" to our address:

GMRM4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W 4X9

Chlidren at Ostruda Camp departing forhome after a week's session

e staff and guestssian Youth Camp

Group of children from Ukraine withChristian teachers from Lutsk at Lake Switezh

ANDREW BAJENSKI ANDFAMILY IN CALIFORNIA

Andrew, Urszula, Luke and Ola Bajenskiat Pacific Christian College

Andrew Bajenski, with his wife Urszula, sonLuke, and daughter Ola, from Warsaw, Poland, havesafely arrived in southern California for one year ofgraduate studies at Pacific Christian College. Andrew is in his 13th year of ministry with the PulawskaStreet Christian Fellowship Church in Warsaw.

Many of you, our friends and partners of GMRM,know Andrew and have possibly been in the WarsawChurch. By sharing this information with you wewould like to give you the opportunity to rememberthem in your prayers during this time when they areout of their home environment, away from their homechurch and maybe even at times feeling homesick.

We are sure they would be very happy to hearsome encouraging words from their friends. Also, wewould like to say that their 10-month stay at PacificChristian College very much depends upon ourprayers and financial support. Their present addressand phone number are;

Andrew Bajenski4360 Casa Grande CircleApt. 287Cypress, California 90630USAPhone/fax: (714) 826-7576

To date Russia and other East Europeancountries do not have a day called Thanksgiving.This does not mean, however, that Christians do notcelebrate it. Quite the contrary. During these dayschurches everywhere throughout Russia and otherEast European states celebrate a Sunday chosen bythe local congregation that they call IHan/est Festival.The term itself is taken from the Bible. In Exodus weread about it as a command given to the nation of

ancient Israel: "Celebrate the Feast of Harvest withthe firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field" (Ex.23:16). Later in Biblical history this was named TheFeast of Weeks. It was celebrated annually duringthe time of wheat harvest.

Russian believers have adopted this celebrationas a regular part of their thanks to God. Specialemphasis is given to the fact that God has providedduring the year. Thus, special thanks is offered to theLord for his physical care of his children. A spiritualapplication is also drawn out, namely, that we, asbelievers, must be fruitful bringing others to Christ.As the one grand old hymn states it: "We shall comerejoicing bringing in the sheaves." This song is wellknown in Russia and sung without fail in virtually allChristian congregations at this time of the year.

We, too, at GMRM feel compelled to thank theLord for his care of us and many provisions. All goodthings come from God, James tells us. We alsothank him for friends who undergird us in the manydifferent ministries that we do. What a privilegedpeople we are to serve the Lord together inpartnership with you and our fellow believers in theCIS and Poland. All praise for this to the Lord.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of John & Mary MelashenkoGiven by: Walter &Margaret Friesen

In memory of Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Elkhart Christian Church

Philathea Class, Springfield, OH

In memory of Ruth F. BrownGiven by: Sunday School Class, Panama, NY

Glenn & Eleanor Styers

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera Bajenski - Office AssistantGeorge Bajenski - Polish MinistryPaul Diatel Ukrainian MinistryGeorge Repetski - Russ/Beiarusian MinistryJacob Repetski - Belarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W 4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva, Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.

39^THE

CK(R"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

"A CHILD IS BORN, tous a Son is given andthe government will beon His shoulders andHe will be called Wonderful Counselor, MightyGod, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace. Of theincrease of His government and peace therewill be no end...

VOLUME 17

saiah 9:6-7

HE WILL REIGN on

David's throne and

over his kingdomestablishing and upholding it with justiceand righteousnessfrom that time on and

forever."

NOVEMBER-DECEI^BER 1994 NO. 6

We, George and Vera Bajenski, wishyou happiness during this season when traditionally all of us think and talk more about thehumble birth of Jesus. We would like to sharewith you our secret, simply telling you whatkeeps us happy during these days.

Possibly some of you still remember ourson, Benjamin, who, one morning five yearsago, left for school and did not return to us,but went straight up to be with the Lord.There is sadness that does not leave ourearthly bodies, especially as we rememberthe days when we were together shopping,cooking, decorating and celebrating Christmas. It hurts that this cannot be repeated. Atthe same time we thank the Lord that He putsomething beautiful and more permanent inthis tender place in our lives.

You see, with all due respect for tradition,from this time we stopped singing lullabys forthe "the sweet little Jesus boy," for He is notlittle any more. We still like the sound of the"the little drummer boy," and many othersuch stories. But since we were touched bythe Lord's mighty hand, a new source ofpeace and joy started to flow in us, not onlybecause of Bethlehem but also because ofCalvary and because of the firm promise ofJesus' second coming. We cannot separatethese events anymore.

The personal testimony of the apostlePaul, saying: "When I was a child, I spokeand thought and reasoned as a child does.But when I became a man my thoughts grewfar beyond those of my childhood..This hasdeep spiritual application and we thank theLord for it.

Though we cannot fully understand everything about Jesus' birth, death and resurrection...

We do thank God for His matchless lovefor He did it all for us.

We thank Him for His Master Plan inwhich He included us and all of His creation.

We thank Him that Heaven is a realplace for real people and that Benjamin anda multitude of God's cfiildren are alreadyenjoying this place, God's paradise.

We thank Him that He is so faithful andtrue and that soon we, too, shall see Him.

We thank Him that He did not abandonus or leave us as orphans but sent theComforter, His Holy Spirit.

We thank him for his Living Word that Isa lampto our feet and a li^ht for our path.

We thank Him for His unspeakable gift,eternal life through Christ Jesus.

We thank Him for friends and family ofwhich you are a part.

What else could we ask for Christmas?This list could be much longer, but the realtruth is that in Himwe have everything!

We wish you, friends, the same for thisChristmas.

Paul and Lydia Diatel wish you aBlessed Christmas, peace and blessingsfrom the Lord. Another year is coming to itsend. We do not know what the future willbring, although we can be sure of one thing that, according to Holy Scripture, the endof all things is nearing and the Lord will soonappear to take his own from this sad earth.There is still time to work for Him in His vine-

yard while it is day. We will continue towatch, work and wait for His coming.

As your coworker in the preaching ofChrist's Gospel, according to opportunitiesthat God gives, 1 continue to prepare sermons for use in radio broadcasts in theUkraine. Along with this, I am working onnew translations of Christian songs that Itrust will be published with the help of ourmission in the not-too-distant future.

in daily life there have been few changeswith the exception that our eldest son, fvlark.was married. Also, my wife, who had notseen her parents for eight years, took theopportunity to visit them in Argentina for a sixweek period of time. Our younger son, Paul,continues his university studies in the city ofHamilton, Ontario. Keeping in mind theupcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, we wish you happy holidays in celebrating Christ's birth and in meeting the NewYear. We wish you God's richest blessings Inall the days of your life.

Christmas is many things to us: familytraditions, the joy of giving and, let's be honest, receiving, Christmas carols, specialmeals with friends and family (with that feeling of being too full) and special programs atschool and church. As one song says it: "It'sthe hap... happiest time of the year." In manycases it is that. I know for us Repetskis it wi Ibe that. For us as believers, though, Christmas is a time of remembering and reviewing

in our minds and hearts the great truth ofGod putting on human flesh and becominglike us. "The Word was God... the Wordbecame flesh and made his dwelling amongus... full of grace and truth" (John 1:1-14). Inthis life we need God's grace for living andHis truth for guidance. In Christ we have thattoday and we hope you are experiencing it.

God's enabling grace flowed to us in ministry during 1994. For example, take thecamp with children that we enjoyed in Junein southwestern Belarus. God providedfunds, personnel, a place, and eager campers that heard the claims of Christ in relation to their lives. But there were other suchopportunities in Poland and the Ukraine.Commitments were made that will last a lifetime and into eternity.

We were given ample opportunity toshare the Gospel through the spoken word inchurches, homes, on the street or in vehiclesof public transportation. We saw those whohave responded by prayer, repentance, public confession of Christ as Lord and Saviourand baptism. We have seen people matureIn Christ with each passing day and month.This is the result of God's grace and truth inaction.

Radio programs have gone out to a public that, for the most part, does not know theSaviour. We receive reports that many listenand respond. One listener recently wrote: "Ioften listen to your broadcast over radio. Ilike it a lot. Thank you very much for it... 1really do want to believe in Jesus Christ andlove Him. But my faith is still so small and Iwant to believe in God with my whole heart,and not doubt in my faith. Therefore, I try tolisten and watch broadcasts about Him. Iread my New Testament. But I would like toknow more about God. Please send mesome literature about Jesus Christ."

The Lord's grace was poured out to us inproviding opportunities to have Christian literature produced in various parts of the EastEuropean world. Dear Agnos by ProfessorArlie Hoover in Russian translation (a bookon Christian apologetics) appeared in Moscow. My book New Life in Christ in theBelarusian language has now been printed inMinsk. These were originally done inGMRM's office. Now they are being read bymany and their message continues to affectlives for eternity.

Yes, we have been blessed by Godbecoming man. The Word in the person ofJesus Christ has affected us so that we canaffect others with His message. We, theRepetskis (George, Lucille, Tim and Ian),wish you the fullest realization of God'sgrace and His truth in your lives during yourcelebration of Christmas.

Andrzej, Urszula, Luke and Ola Bajen-ski wish you all joyous celebrations ofChrist's birth and the meeting of a New Year.

A year ago together with Urszula, we,with hesitation, asked God whether after 13years of ministry I could have some time freefrom daily responsibilities in order to study, toreflect, and to get a new perspective on ourpresent and future ministry.

Eight months ago we began to ask someof our friends whether they would be willingto help us come to the USA to spend thistime in study at the School of ChurchDynamics at Pacific Christian College.

Three months ago we arrived in southernCalifornia and began our absolutely new lifein a new culture, with new friends andchurches, in new schools where no onespeaks Polish, and new stores where theyhave everything but Polish bread!

Today we thank God and all those whohave helped us to have this wonderfully difficult time of study, and reflecting and buildingstronger fellowship with God and enjoyingcloser family relationships, and a time forgrowing for future ministry.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of: Oiga ForsiukMr. & Mrs. Joe Forsiuk

Given by: A. Nellie Forsiuk

In memory of: Fred PosnikoffGiven by: The Posnikoff Family

in memory of: Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Rudy & Evelyn Penner

Bill & Helen Ponke

In memory of: Harasim SacharGiven by: Paul Sachar

In memory of: Fred ShakotkoGiven by: Olga Shakotko

GMRM MISSIONARIES

Vera BajenskiGeorge BajenskiPaul DiatelGeorge RepetskiJacob Repetski

Office AssistantPolish MinistryUkrainian MinistryRuss/Belarusian MinistryBelarusian Ministry

Our Mailing Address Is:Global Missionary Radio Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20Mississauga, OntarioCanada L4W4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Box 104, Geneva, Ohio 44041Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year. Printed in Canada.