THE

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

LIKE ATHOUSAND YEARS...

Greetings and a Happy 1999! Dearfriends, this is GMM's last January-Februarynewsletter for the millennium. This is a fact oflife and we are not intimidated by it, but thisone uplifting thought from Scripture speaks tous: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but Mywords will never pass away," as stated byJesus. Also, the apostle Peter reminds us inhis second letter: "Do ujgnot forget this one thing,dear friends, with the kfaiLord a day is like a thou-sand years and a thou-sand years are like aday and the Lord is notslow in keeping Hispromise..." Heues: "He is patient withyou, not wanting anyoneto perish, but for every-one to come to repen-tance. So, dear friends,since you are looking ^forward to this, make George and Vera Bevery effort to be found making |spotless, blameless andat peace with Him."

This is good and timely advice, and it iswith this very message that we at GMM areready to go to Poland, Belarus, Ukraine andLithuania. However, this needs to be stressednot only there, but also closer to home here inCanada and the United States.

Last year God blessed us with good

George and Vera Bajenski, George Repetskimaking plans for 1999.

health, safety in travel, and many opportunities to preach and teach in local churches,camps, conferences, over the radio and alsoto witness in many private home situations,thus building the Kingdom of God.

During 1998 the combined time spent byus in Central and Eastern Europe was justover 10 months. We would like to briefly men-ation some of the bless

ings that we experienced in the past year.One fact remains true.

The Church in this post-

growing and strong, butsatan is also working

I In the whole of Polandone of the largest evan-

'(Churches is thePulawska Street Chris-

tian Fellowship Churchin Warsaw. George Ba-

ki, George Repetski jenski came from thisfor 1999. congregation and for

many years now GMMhas been working with this church. If numberssay anything, then it is interesting to note thatthroughout last year this church conductedseveral services in which there were morethan a 1,000 people in attendance. We praisethe Lord for this.

Another promising work is the one takingplace in the city of Ciechanow which is locat-

VOLUME 22 JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 1999 NO. 1

ed some 100 kilometers from Warsaw. TheCiechanow Church has begun several homechurches in its area. One of these is a groupnow meeting in Lidzbark (about 80 kilometersaway). We are praying that this small groupwill become a fully functional congregation in1999. The Ciechanow Church's leadership isdeveloping a new School of Ministry whichwill foster growth through home groups. Withour involvement last year two Canadian ladiesfrom Calgary are now ministering as missionaries with the Ciechanow Church. One oftheir ministries is teaching English as a tool ofevangelism.

The Ostroda Camp ministry contributedmuch to church growth this year. Variouscamp sessions directed many younger andolder people to the Lord. As a result, therewere several baptismal services in localchurches.

In Belarus we participated in the life ofseveral congregations and encouraged thelocal believers. People in this country arebeing challenged by various political and economic difficulties, yet church life, as expressed by one of our coworkers, is like an"island of joy." The presidential regime continues to violate human rights and has takensteps to reunite Belarus with Russia. Be-larus's president seemingly desires a returnto the old Soviet-style of dictatorial rule. Inspite of this, for example, one newly established congregation with which we are working in Kobryn was able to start a new work ina neighboring town with an interesting name:Lenin's Village. Praise the Lord, the Gospel isbeing preached there! After studying at aChristian college in Canada for two years ourcoworkers, Dima and Alona Lazuta, are nowassuming a greater role in their ministries withthe Good News Church in Minsk and with a

Christian student outreach ministry inBelarus. One great aspect of the work inBelarus has been the completed translationof the Bible into contemporary literaryBelarusian—^the work of a professional liter

ary translator in Minsk. Now George Repetskiis completing the typeset of this text. We arepraying that the full Belarusian Bible will beprinted in 1999 or 2000. This will be particularly significant since the presidential regimein Belarus has been belittling the Belarusianlanguage.

Our involvement in Ukraine was very productive. We worked with churches in thenorth-western sector of Ukraine and withother churches in the southern part of thecountry. In the city of Kovel our coworker,Vasil, continues his weekly radio ministry Hisefforts contribute greatly to the life of the localchurch. In the past it was one of the leadingchurches of the Evangelical Christian movement in Ukraine. We are helping them in theprocess of building and enlarging their present church facility. We conducted a 2-weekevangelistic outreach in this area of Ukrainewith our Polish Missio Musica group ofsingers and musicians. Many heard andresponded to the Gospel. We also assisted inhaving children from an orphanage come fordaily vacation Bible school in the city of Lutsk.

In Lithuania we continue to help andencourage the ministry of the church inSalcininkai. The church's preacher wasordained last year. This congregation stillmeets in the Belarusian Cultural Center, butduring the past year we helped them in purchasing land where soon they will be able tomove into a temporary facility.

THE BENJAMIN BAJENSKI

MEMORIAL FUND

We are happy to inform you that since1989 we were able to assist Christian students studying for the Lord's work through theBenjamin Bajenski Memorial Fund. During1998 we helped 5 students. Through this fundwe also sponsored many young people participating in summer camp activities in Polandand Ukraine. The Benjamin BajenskiMemorial Fund was established 10 years ago

after the death of Vera and George Bajenski'sson, Ben, who was a promising young person. We thank you, dear friends, for sharingand designating gifts to this fund. Throughthis contribution many young people aregiven some help for study and work in God'skingdom.

STUDENTS'TESTIMONIES

Jeff Ponke

Hi, my name is Jeff Ponke. I am one of themany young people who came to believe inJesus since Benjamin Bajenski's death 10years ago. For me, God used Ben's death asa wake-up call, showing me that faith inChrist, like Ben had, is what really matters. Atthe funeral I remember seeing hope inGeorge and Vera Bajenski, and I knew thatJesus' victory over the grave was the reason.In Scripture I read of God's love shown inJesus Christ and in 1991 I became a believer,submitting in baptism to Jesus as my Lord. Hebecame my own Savior!

My life has been imbued with joy and purpose, and God has provided strength sincethen amidst the trials of life. Shortly after, Itook a short-term mission project to PapuaNew Guinea and there decided to set my goalto become a missionary. Later, I attendedJohnson Bible College and then WheatonCollege in Illinois. Currently I am 24 years oldand in my second year at Queen's UniversityMedical School. Lately, I have become

increasingly thankful to God for providingChristian friends, as we pray with and encourage each other, facing the challenges in thislife while waiting for the return of our LordJesus Christ.

George and Vera continue to be two suchChristian friends from whom I have received

much love and encouragement. I am thankfulfor the recent fellowship we shared at theirheadquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. I lookforward to another good year at Queen'slearning medicine. Overall, my goal is to knowGod's will for my life and see Colossians 2:10become more and more a reality. "Then theway you live will always honor and please theLord, and you will continually do good kindthings for others. All the while, you will learn toknow God better and better" (NLT).

:;:;"4>V-?'-';iii;^\'-'11# ••"* f ,•

Adam Szumorek

God sometimes puts us into situations andplaces in which we had never expected to be.That is the shortest summary of my story. Myname is Adam and I am 24 years old. I wasborn in a beautiful city in the northern part ofPoland called Olsztyn. Although 1 had theprivilege of growing up in a Christian family, Ifelt that God was very far away from me. Iknew that I did not have any relationship withHim. When I was 10 years old I went to summer Christian Camp in Ostroda where I madethe most important decision of my life. Iaccepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. So I also

realized that God called me to ministry and Idecided to prepare myself to be able toaccomplish this task.

Two years ago I graduated from theWarsaw Theological Seminary, and I gotinvolved in Christian ministry in my homechurch in Oisztyn as an assistant to the pastor. After one-year's work I was given anopportunity to continue my education as a 4thyear college student in Canada. I am completing my work for a Bachelor of Theologydegree with a major in Pastoral Ministry Aftermy graduation during this coming spring I amgoing to go back to my home church inOisztyn to serve the Lord there.

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

I heard of a father who was a business

man. At his desk he received a phone call.They said: "Sir, we hate to tell you this, butthere's been an accident. A young man hasbeen hit by an automobile. We don't have allof the details, but we believe he's your son."He said: "I'llbe right there." He ran out of hisoffice, got in his automobile and drove to thisparticular place where his son, according tothe report, had been hit by an automobile. Hesaid: "Where's the boy that was hit? Where'smy son?" Someone, not knowing the situation, said: "Oh, you mean the boy who waskilled?" He said: "What?" And he looked, andthere was a pool of blood right there in thestreet. A pool of blood! And he knew it was hisson's blood. And the automobiles there on

that busy street were driving right through thatblood—one car after another, driving throughthat pool of blood. When the father looked atit and realized that was the blood of his own

dear son. He couldn't take it. He ripped off his

coat and he stood in front of it and cried:"Stop! Stop! You'll not drive through my son'sblood like that!" I don't know of a greater sinthan to deal lightly with the blood of JesusChrist. Adrian Rogers

We just received this rich and personaltestimony from a friend. We could not help butthank the Lord for carrying us through a similar experience 10 years ago when our son,Ben, went to be with the Lord. Vera & George

LIVING MEMORIALS .

In memory of/ Given by

Mike Borlsenko 7

Mary &Levi Borlsenko V/John Huk K

Ruth Huk

Benjamin BajenskiRuth Huk "Henryk & Edyta OswieclmkaVictor & Cheryl Castillo

Mike Zidkovich

Samuel & Anna Ficych

Katherine Wandich

Ron & Judy Nayduk

Our deepest apologies for wrong recognitiongiven in the last issue of "The Crier." We

include the following corrections:

Tena & Joe Forsluk

Olga ForstukTom Shawlinski

Ed Shawlinski

A. Nettie Forsiuk

Fred Posnikoff

Alice HumenyA. Nettie Forsluk

The Posnikoff Family

GMM Missionaries; George &Vera Bajenski. George RepetskiGlobal Missionary Ministries

4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4X9Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year Printed in Canada

HzTHE '1

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

/9 URGENCY IN BELARUS

Political and National Unrest

If what is happening in Belarus todaywere happening in Russia, the whole worldwould hear about it. But Belarus is a smallcountry and few know or hear anythingabout her. Yet there is a crucial politicalstruggle taking place within her borders.The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has increasingly taken ail reins ofpower into his hands and become a dictator. This also has had its effect on churchlife for our fellow believers. Their earlier opportunities for open evangelism have beensignificantly curtailed.

In January of this year several politicalparties came together with members of theearlier nullified Parliament and created aCentral Commission for presidential elections. The head of the sacked Parliament,Mr. Hanchar, became its leader and thecommission declared that they are settingup electoral committees throughout Belarusand calling May 16, 1999, as the day forpresidential elections in Belarus. This wasdone on the strength of the Constitutionthat was instituted by the earlier electedParliament. Lukashenko replaced that constitution with his own which gives him theright to remain as president until the year of2001. Already some of the leaders in theCommission for presidential elections havebeen imprisoned, including Mr. Hanchar,and forewarned of future arrests. It is clearthat Belarus' president wants to bring in thesame type of dictatorial rule not only in Belarus but across Russia and other republicsof the former Soviet Union. He sees the

need to form an alliance which will opposeNATO. If he succeeds, there could be extremely serious repercussions in world politics and religious life.

People living In Belarus speak one orboth of two languages: Russian and Belaru-sian. Many Belarusians in rural areas of thiscountry speak Belarusian, although nowthere are many educated Belarusians thatalso prefer to use this language.

Following the break up of the SovietUnion, the Belarusian Parliament declaredBelarus to be a sovereign independentstate. At one point during our present post-communist decade, the Belarusian language was declared to be the only officiallanguage in Belarus. New independent Belarusian journals and newspapers suddenlyappeared. Many deputies in the Parliamentbegan using Belarusian in their speeches. I(George R.) personally preach in Belarusian when I am in Belarus.

The Belarusian Parliament drew up anew constitution that included the electionof a president by the people. As a result Lukashenko became the first elected president in 1994. Since his coming to powerhe reinstated Russian as an official language together with Belarusian.

The Belarusian opposition is fightinghard to have presidential elections this yearwith an opportunity for other more democratic candidates to gain exposure throughBelarus's media. A part of the opposition'spolicy includes the reinstatement of Belarusian to a more prominent position in the lifeof the country, including education. Since

VOLUME 22 MARCH-APRIL, 1999 NO. 2

all political power is presently held by Lukashenko, this continues to be an arduoustask, nevertheless, the opposition presseson. We need to be in prayer for God's will toprevail and provide the Belarusians todaywith the Bible and other Christian literaturethat will point them to God.

Spiritual Need

Several years ago GMM assisted intypesetting and printing a new translation ofthe New Testament and Psalms in contemporary Belarusian. George Repetski worked together with a Belarusian translator andwriter, Vasil Syomukha, to produce it. It wasprinted in Minsk and distributed to Belaru-sian-speaking people in their country. Manynationally conscious citizens have expressed their thanks for this translation and awaitthe printing of the full Bible. Mr. Syomukhatranslated the Old Testament, George Repetski has completed the typeset for thatpart and is now retypesetting the New Testament. It is our hope that the typeset of thefull Bible will be completed within this year.At that point we will look for an opportunityto have it printed in Belarus.

Does Belarus really need a Belarusiantranslation of the Bible when the RussianBible is readily available? After all, do not ailBelarusians understand Russian? Yes, theydo, but, in our view, they also need to havethe Bible in Belarusian. Why? Because formany people Belarusian is the language ofthe heart and reading God's Word in thislanguage will come to them with greaterforce and convicting power. Once the fullBible will become available to them in theirlanguage, they will read it more readily if forno other reason than for the novelty of it.We believe that the entrance of God's Wordwill bring light because faith comes byreading God's Word. During their strugglefor national identity the Bible in their language will be a major event for them. Yes,many of them eagerly await this momentand we are doing all we can to make thishappen as soon as possible. Dear friends,we will keep you informed as this project

moves along and would ask you to remember this need in your prayers.

An Orthodox Priest Writes

Today nationally conscious activists inBelarus are fighting for their own languageand a democratic government. Recently weread an interesting letter written by a priestof the Belarusian Autocephalous OrthodoxChurch in Belarus who comments on thisissue and the nation's need to give God firstplace:

"Peace and God's blessing to you, dearbrothers and sisters in Christ, children ofour Belarusian land who are dear to ourhearts. As we look at the political processes taking place in our Motherland, I seethat, unfortunately, there is no place for theOne who created the universe and who isour Heavenly Father!

As I speak with the activists of the national movement for [language and cultural]renewal, I fearfully notice that for educatedpeople God is not the Lord of all thingsseen and unseen, rather he is some kind oflegendary person and even an abstraction.The majority of our people fighting for thecause of the Belarusian language and culture have remained in their atheistic pastand do not want to recognize the existenceof God and give the true Lord of history firstplace in politics which they are conductingon Belarus' behalf. Indeed, the present language and cultural renewal movement hasin its ranks many true honorable fighters forour nationality. They are doing much for therebuilding of an independent Belarus.However, in their struggle they do not seekGod's help. This is not only their problem,but the problem of us all. On the one hand,we do not stop saying that we are aEuropean nation, while, on the other, weignore Christ's teaching—the very thingthat has made Europe the Europe of today.If we desire to become a true Europeannation, then we, first of all, must become aChristian nation.

Brothers Belarusians! We have hadenough of depending on the idea that Godwill help us build an independent Belarus if

we will continue being atheists or nominalChristians who remain indifferent to the lifeof the Church and to whom she remains unnecessary. If in any country the Churchdoes not exist, then the Lord does not rulein that land. What rules in such cases isonly trouble, hunger and a government thatis hostile to its own people. On the pages ofthe Holy Gospel God says, 'the one that isnot with me, he is against me; the one whodoes not gather with me, he is wasting histime.'"

This shows that many Beiarusians are,for the most part, atheistic or agnostic. Theyneed to be challengedby the Gospel message. They need tohear from God. That iswhy we urgently feelthat they need to havethe Bible in their ownlanguage today. Onmany occasions Beiarusians have told usthat they will gladlyread any kind of religious material if it iswritten in their language. Here is an opportunity to reach outto this people with theGospel message andchallenge them tochange their thinkingabout God and his rolein their lives.

work into Belarusian, had it edited in Minskand prepared the camera-ready typesetcopy. It is now in the hands of fellow Christians in Belarus. We wish to print 3,000copies of it in Belarus with their help. Theproject will cost $5,400.

Kanatush's book contains 550 pagesand deals with each individual mentioned inthe 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews.The author analyzes their lives and showsthe reader why they are listed as heroes offaith. He gleans lessons from each caseand this serves as examples for us today.The book calls its readers to faith and

genuine trust inGod. This book willundoubtedly playa crucial role in calling Beiarusians tofaith in God, especially those who areeither atheistic, agnostic or simply indifferent to God. Weneed only raise theneeded funds tohave it printed assoon as possible.Can we count on youto help us in raisingthe needed funds forthe printing of OldTestament Heroesof the Faith and,later, the Belarusian

Bible?From Scripture it is abundantly clear

that God's Word is to be made available inthe languages that people speak today. TheBelarusian people have not had the Biblenor other solid Christian evangelical material available in their language. We want tochange that through the printing of OldTestament Heroes of the Faith and the fullBible in Belarusian translation. Please remember this need in your prayers and, asthe Lord leads you, please support us financially in these printing pro ects. We willbe grateful to you and so wil those Beiarusians.

Latvia

LithuaniaPolatsak

Vitsiebsk

Hrodna

BELARUSBabruysk

Minsk Mahilou

PoiandBaranavichy

• Pinsk Homel

Ukraine

Other Christian Literature

In keeping with this goal GMM has typeset an important book in Belarusian calledOld Testament Heroes of the Faith. This is abook that was written by a well-known laypreacher who lives in Minsk today. Hisname is Vladimir Kanatush. Some time agohe gave a series of expository messageson the 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews. He put these sermons together inbook form. The original was written in Russian and George Repetski translated the

Russia

God's Word to the World

G. Repetski, W. Hoitwing, G, Bajenski

Warmolt Houwing is a friend with whomwe have worked and prayed. God has usedhim to do a great work of spreading hisWord to literally millions around the world.We thought that it would be good toacquaint you with this servant of God andhis special ministry.

Warmolt, by profession, is a seamanfrom Holland. For many years he sailed theseas and oceans of the world. After turningto Christ he started to share the Gospelwith fellow seamen. He eventually started tovisit Russian ships in Dutch harbors andshared Bibles and Christian literature withthem. One of books that he handed out wasan illustrated book on the life of Christcalled He Lived Among Us. God ledWarmolt to understand that the book couldbe used of God to reach not only Russianseamen, but many peoples around theworld.

At first he printed a few thousand. Soonhe was enabled by God to print and distribute 1.5 million in Russia. In 1993 the bookwas translated into Spanish, Dutch andChinese. The Spanish books were distributed in Cuba, Central and South America. Ashipment went to China. From 1994 to 1997Brother Warmolt continued to print and dis

tribute this book together with anotherbook. He developed a campaign to raisefunds for further printing. After 1997 5.3million copies in 12 major languages wereprinted and distributed. In India He LivedAmong Us was translated into 16 languages of that country and distributed. Reports came back telling of how families andwhole villages were believing in Christ andbeing baptized after reading the book. Weof GMM have distributed some copies ofthis book in East Europe. In all God enabled this brother to print some 9 millionbooks. Warmolt just says that it was allGod's doing. He was only the instrument inhis hands. Together with Warmolt we praisethe Lord for what he has done through thishumble servant.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of/Given by

Valentine Petrovski Talarczyk

Valentine Wagoner

Benjamin Bajenski

Wanda Isaac

James & Ruth Fitzpatrick

Patricia Ing

Irene Neville

Leann Womacks

Fred Posnikoff & Alice Humeny

The Posnikoff Family

Terry Tanner

Frieda Rossol

George & Vera Bajenski

GMM Missionaries: George & Vera Bajensl<i, George Repetski

Global Missionary Ministries4141 Dixie Road. Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4X9

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPubiistied 6 times a year Printed in Canada

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

Isaiah

OUR 'MACEDONIAN CALL

And once again disturbing events aretaking place in Europe. In the South, i. e. inthe Balkans, there is human tragedy, forcedrelocation, bombings, death, tears andagony. In the East, i. e. in the former Sovietempire, there is a rather precarious situation. Ukraine, for instance, is greatly unsettled in her economic and political life.Belarus also finds herself under ^severe political pressures. Her pre- Isent leaders are moving the nationand neighboring countries awayfrom a democratic way of thinking toher dictatorial past. Poland and twoother nations from the previous ironcurtain domain are pressing west-ward to democracy and a marketeconomy. They have joined NATO.They even claim to have anew reli-gion now—the supermarket mall.

And here we are as Christians inthe midst of all of these develop-ments. What is our response? Is this thetime to compliment ourselves for all of ouraccomplishments or is there reason forconcern?

For me one thing is certain—we are notcalled to change the world's political systems, but to preach the Word. As apostlePaul states: "I give you this charge, preachthe Word... in season and out of season" (2Tim. 4:1-2). We do not have enough material resources to satisfy all the world's needstoday, but we go in the name of Jesus (Acts

3:6), in his power (Matt. 28:18), offering thegreatest of all gifts—eternal life in ChristJesus (Rom. 6:23).

Without question, God knows what ishappening down here on earth and He hasthe solutions for man's restlessness. Heknows how to bring peace among the(nations and He commits to us the

message of reconciliation. Paulwrote: "We implore you, on

I Christ's behalf, be reconciled toP God" (2 Cor. 5:19-20). This is yet

another significant moment in history that God has given us topreach the Gospel. I rememberthat not long ago we heard thestatement, "Albania is the onlytrue atheistic communist state

where churches and religious lifehave been fully eliminated." Now

I these very people live under' extreme distress. Many have

become homeless and lost everything. Dowe still hear that "Macedonian Call" today?

Friends, this call continues to resoundand touch all of us. Let us be good stewardsof the time, talents and resources that Godhas given us. When the time will come forsettling final accounts, will we hear thesewords from our Master's lips: "Well done,good and faithful servant, you have beenfaithful with a few things; I will put you incharge of many things. Come and shareyour Master's happiness"? (Matt. 25:21).

VOLUME 22 MAY-JUNE, 1999 NO. 3

WARSAW MESSIANIC OUTREACH

During the month of March we had theprivilege of hosting Danuta Ryzyk who isone of GMM's close coworkers in Poland.She shared many interesting pieces of information with us concerning their work inWarsaw. Here is one of them.

Preaching the Gospel to Polish Jewshas its difficulties. Although they still vividlyremember some Jewish traditions that were

carried on in their earlier life at home, themajority of them claim to be atheists. Themany difficulties that they experienced during the war, in the ghettos and concentration camps, and the whole anti-semiticatmosphere that was propagated throughthe church did not foster friendly feelings inthem towards Christians and their God.These deeply wounded people constantlyrecall the atrocities that were committedagainst them. In conversation with themtheir first question almost always is, "Wherewas God when our people were being murdered and ruthlessly victimized?"

It is not easy to develop a close warmrelationship with these survivors of theHolocaust. In spite of this we have beenworking systematically within the Jewishcommunity in Warsaw. Every Fridayevening we gather around a set of tables inthe Warsaw Christian Church basement toconduct a traditional Sabbath meeting. Onaverage some 50 people attend.

We begin with prayer and the lighting ofcandles that is traditionally done by aJewish lady. Prayer over the bread followsand it is broken and passed around thetables for all to participate. Then comes theprayer over the cup of wine. After this allgreet one another with the greeting ofpeace: "Shabbat Shalom." We then sing joyful songs in the Hebrew and Polish languages. This is followed by the reading ofthe Scripture by our pastor, Rabbi KazikBarchuk, who is himself of Jewish descent.

At this point he brings the message for theday. These meetings last for at least 3 to 4hours. Everyone usually wants to lingerafterwards and converse with each other.

We thank God for His blessings in thisoutreach, for already we have seen somepositive results. Several of our Jewishfriends have accepted Jesus as the Christ(Messiah) and some are now even attending our Sunday morning worship services.

One of my Jewish friends, Ewa, who iswell educated and a reasonably well established person in our society, confided withme recently in sharing the following: "Youare the first person to whom I'm telling this.You see, I was reared to be an atheist. Mygrandfather was a rabbi and we, as a family, suffered much because of our Jewishheritage. Therefore, my father determinedto bring us up in the spirit of godlessness.But now 1 believe that Jesus is the Messiahand I am contemplating on my need tomake a public confession and follow Him. Iwant to be baptized."

We thank God that GMM has been givena significant part in this outreach, and for allHis blessings as together we witness ofChrist the Messiah to these remnants of His"chosen people" that live in Poland.

CIECHANOW SCHOOL OF MISSIONS

One of GMM's major emphasis in Poland this year is working with a group ofnew home churches that are just coming tolife. This is a new church evangelistic outreach that is being developed by the Cie-chanow Church, which is located about 60miles (100 km.) from Warsaw. Actually, theWarsaw Church gave birth to this congregation some 12 years ago. The CiechanowChurch believers consist of about 85 members. Their spirit is strong and very evangelistic. They are rapidly outgrowing their present-day building facility but this does notdampen their evangelistic fervor. They continue to reach out to new communitiesbeyond their city limits.

In recent years they established sevenadditional home Bible study groups inneighboring communities. Some of thesecities are 30, 40, 50 and even 60 kilometersfrom Ciechanow. Yet, Ciechanow Christiansfaithfully commute each week, teaching andpreaching the Word.

However, the time has come that eachindividual community would like to establishtheir own autonomous church in theirrespective city. The Christians of thesegroups are asking us for help. Each one ofthese places needs appropriate local leadership. Thus, they are looking for capableChristian families or mature individual Biblestudent-teachers, who will commit themselves to ministry with them for at least a 5-year period, and help the believers in theindividual groups to develop into matureautonomous churches. All of these leaderswill be under the guidance of the Ciechanow Church's elders and their minister,Grzegorz Baczewski. To date four such student-teachers have been located, and inSeptember Ciechanow intends to beginspecial on-field training and use them forregular ministry in designated communities.In Poland this is being called School of

Minister of Ciechanow Churcfi,Grzegorz Baczewsid

Missions that specializes in practical methods for church development and growth.

This is an enormous undertaking. Theyhave the people, they have places for ministry, they have faith and the desire to work.All they need now is financial support.

To provide housing for each worker $200per month will be needed. For living expenses—an additional $300.

This whole project is a step of faith thatthese folks are taking, and they ask for ourhelp. But even for us this is a tremendouschallenge and opportunity to be involved inmission training and building the Church.

We pray that God will provide a sponsoring church or individuals who will commit themselves to this building-of-the-Church program and School of Missions inPoland. You will hear from us in the futureabout the progress of this work. Today weask you to pray with us about this need.Please let us know if there is any encouraging decision on your part regarding thisschool and mission project.

A LETTER FROM A FRIEND

We receive lettersfrom our friends allthe time. One came

that really encouragedus and we thought that it

would be good to shareits contents with you. Adear sister in the Lordwrites:

"Dear friends in Christ,This morning when I opened my eyes, it

was raining and there were 'severe stormwarnings' for Steuben County. Then, Ithought of a triple murder near here, also ofthe terrible mud slides in Honduras, the critical situation in the Mid-East, the immorality in our White House—and there was plenty more to hear in the news. Ifelt like seceding from the human race!

THEN, I picked up your bulletins fromPoland, Belarus, Ukraine and Lithuania.What a difference! Here were children inChristian camps, adults working for theLord. People with smiles on their faces,though they didn't have much materialwealth. They were seeing the lack of faith inour Lord and trying to get the message outto them. My spirits rose and I said: 'Praisethe Lord from whom all blessings flow!' And,I could be a 'Partner in Ministry.' So, here ismy little contribution to your efforts to reachthe lost for Christ. I know the Lord will multiply it and someone, if not many, will hearthe Gospel.

My prayers for you continue. I hope youhave a harvest of souls.

Thank you for lifting my spirits. In

January I should be 85 and my sister, withwhom I live, is a few days from 87.

We've always been very active in thechurch, but time moves along. We'd like tobe right in the center of the work. So weread of your successes and thank the Lordfor each of you. See you again as the Lordprospers us. In Christ, M.S."

LIVING MEMORIALS

"Listen, I teCC you a mystery: We ziHfC not aCC sCeep,But toe vriCC fl/T Be cfiang-edr—in afCasfi, in tfie tzidn-k^ing of an eye, at the Casttrumpet, ^or the trumpetuMsound, the dead urilCBeraisedimperishaBCe, and weiiM Be changed."

In memory of/Remembered by

Harasim Sachar

The Sachar Family

Benjamin Bajenski

David & Margaret EubanksDiane Beettam

Raymond & Bernice PowellLloyd & Alice Strickland

Tom Shawlinski, Edward Shawlinski,

Walter Shawlinski, Olga Forsiuk,Tena & Joe Forsiuk

Eileen & Lydia Shawlinski

GMM Missionaries: George &Vera Bajenski, George Repetski

Global Missionary Ministries4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Misslssauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4X9

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year Printed in Canada

CKiCH 1

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

SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES

The Apostle Paul expresses so powerfullywhat we at GMM deeply fee! that, "I am notashamed of the Gospel, because it is the powerof God for the salvation of everyone whobelieves: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Aswe travel and visit friends and coworkers inCentral and Eastern Europe, we see that they,too, are not ashamed of the Gospel, but seekevery possible means to share the Gospel storywith non-believing fellow countrymen. In thestates of the former Soviet Union this is particularly the case. Because of the worsening economic situation and its resultant frustrations thatso many face today, there is a sense that theforces of the left will gain greater political powerin the future. This could result in still greater curtailment of religious freedom to openly evangelize. Thus, the prevailing view is that Christiansmuch seize the opportunities that are alreadythere.

Ministry in Ukraine

The singing Rostvit Twin sisters, Janice andFaye, of Colorado Springs, CO., and I (GeorgeRepetski) were privileged to spend three weeksin mutual ministry in Ukraine and Belarus duringMay and June of this year. Throughout our first

Bro. Vasil (2nd left) and G. Repetski withmayor of Kovel (2nd right) and his assistants

Bra. Vasil with his speal<er system connected tohis car battery. He uses this method to invite villagers to attnd evangelistic services and to take

Christian literature home.

week we worked with our coworker, Brother Vasil,in the Kovel and Lutsk area of northwesternUkraine. Of course, we spoke in several established churches in the area, but what made this aspecial time was the opportunity to visit threetechnical schools and two hospitals. Full freedomwas given to us to share the Gospel story andchallenge the listeners to consider Christ and hisWord in each one of these public places. One ofthe hospitals was in Kovel and Is for Ukraine's military personnel. The soldiers and staff listenedwith great interest. Following such meetingsBrother Vasil handed out Christian literature. Heis well known in the city as a result of his localizedChristian radio ministry which is supported byGMM. Brother Vasil and George Repetski paid apersonal visit with the mayor of Kovel and hisassistants. The mayor stated that teaching moralprinciples is necessary for Ukrainian society andwas happy to see Brother Vasil do this in hiswork.

In Lutsk we sang and spoke in the localorphanage where our coworker. Sister Valya, hasfaithfully labored to share the Good News ofJesus with unfortunate children who either haveno parents or, if they do, are not capable of offer-

VOLUME 22 JULY-AUGUST, 1999 NO. 4

ing normal parental care to their children. Valyaand her coworkers will again conduct a specialDaily Vacation Bible School for this group of children. During the summer some of these childrenmust find food by themselves, although they cansleep at the orphanage. Valya and her churchgroup help to feed these children. Because ofthese efforts there are people who have becomebelievers and attend church.

G. Repetski speaking to childrenin orphanage, Lutsk, Ukraine

Ministry in Belarus

In Belarus we also saw how believers arelearning to cope with new restrictions that thegovernment places on them. For example, it is nolonger wise for a church to talk about running acamp program for their children. Yet, they do it butunder a different name. Strict rules apply if achurch or religious organization operates a campprogram. One organization in Belarus maintainsa piece of property for that specifically designat-

ra / T ^

Dynamic 18 year old youth leaderpreaching in Kovel church

Christian literature being offered and taken by sfu-dents at the technical high school, Kovel, Ukraine

ed purpose. To date, however, they had notreceived government approval to conduct thecamp, but they have, nonetheless, launched outin their normal camp season. So far the officialshave not closed it down.

Most churches now do not say that they areconducting an official camp. Rather, they taketheir young people to some forest for a campingexperience, but it is seen as only some adultsand young people getting together to do somecamping. At other times a church will run aSummer Bible School program within the walls oftheir church. We would call that a Daily VacationBible School. The Rostvit Twins and I participatedin such a program in the city of Pinsk. Close to ahundred children from the surrounding areacame every day for Bible lessons and a time ofrelaxation and fun. While there were church children in the group, many were their friends fromnon-believing families.

One pastor in Minsk gave us an opportunity toshare the Gospel message in two special children's sanitariums, a hospital and a resort area.His church has visited the sanitariums by specialarrangement in the past. Because of the RostvitTwins' unique program, he was able to receivepermission for us to come and give a Gospel presentation using song, the spoken word, slidesand puppets. In the first sanitarium three hundredchildren attended, while in the second there wereabout one hundred. In both cases the local pastor handed out Christian literature to all the children. During one evening he took us to a resortarea near Minsk where Belaruslan governmentofficials and their families go to relax. The RostvitTwins gave a concert of Christian music andGeorge Repetski shared the Word of God withthose present. Many of these people thanked usheartily for our coming to share our faith withthem. They, too, took literature for their furtherconsideration.

Three ladies (beside Janice and Faye Rostvit) inthis group repented during the evening house

meeting, Bierosichy, Belarus

Ministry in Lithuania

For several years we have been working witha church in Solechniki, Lithuania. This year theLord moved children's workers from Beaverton,OR, to come and help us conduct a DailyVacation Bible School in that town. Initially, permission was granted to use a couple of roomsfor the program in the House of Culture, but byWednesday of that week we were told that wecould not. Apparently the local Catholic priestput pressure on the officials to not allow us theright to use the cultural center. However, afterBrother Victor, who tabors in Solechniki, spokewith officials higher than the ones that forbadeus the right to use the rooms, he receivedpermission to continue. It was a great 5 daysof ministry to children and included an excursionto an old castle and a trip to MacDonald's in

Two ladies that repented being greeted byJanice and Faye Rostvit, Mikashevichy, Belarus

Vacation Bible School excursion to old castle

taken by a group of very enthusiatic children,Trakai, Lithuania

Vilnius. More importantly, however, the childrenwere taught about the Lord's Prayer and aboutthe possibility of having a personal relationshipwith the Author of that prayer. Brother Victor willcontinue to be there to help those children andtheir parents find the Lord.

Global IVIissionary Ministries' One-dayConference in Warsaw

Some of Global Missionary Ministry's coworkersfrom Central and Eastern Europe that attended

the special mission meeting in Warsaw

June 26 was a special day for GMM. Co-workers from Poland, Belarus, Ukraine andLithuania were present for a one-day missionsmeeting in Warsaw. Also, a couple of GMM'sBoard of Directors were present as well asfriends from Poland, USA and Canada. Everycoworker from the lands of our mission work toldtheir story. It was wonderful to hear of how they

labor for God, and of God's blessings in theirarea of ministry. One came away feeling that,indeed, God is at work in many places in spite ofthe problems that Christians face locally. And wewant to thank you, our fellow partners, that support us by your prayers and finances. Most of all,we thank the Lord that he has allowed us theprivilege to seize the opportunities with our fellowbrothers and sisters in Christ that live and work inCentral and Eastern Europe.

Funds Needed forSummer Camp Programs

Clown from Oregon group with girlthat attended the DVBS in

Solechniki, Lithuania

Once again we are well into the summer campseason. For those of us living in the USA andCanada this is understood by all. Until recently,however, this could not be said for manyChristians that lived in Eastern Europe. But todaythey, too, see summer as the ideal time to conduct camps for Christian children and, also, forchildren of non-believing parents.

For many years GMM has supported CampChristian in Ostroda, Poand, and continues todo so today. We also support other camp effortsand Daily Vacation Bible Schools in EasternEurope. During June we had Jewish childrenfrom Belarus, Ukraine and Russia attend yet

another camp specifically for them. It was a greatsuccess. Right now youth camp is taking place atOstroda and will continue right through to the firstweek in September.

All of the camp programs that GMM supportsrequire funding. Perhaps some of you, our partners, will recall how church camp played a crucialrole in developing your walk with the Lord. This isalso the case for Central and Eastern Europe. Wewant to see more children and youth come toJesus as a result of being at one of the camps. Ithas been shown over and over that children whohave found the Lord in Christian camps or duringVacation Bible Schools eventually bring their parents to church. As a result of this many of themfind the Lord.

We would kindly ask you to support our CampFund, so that even this year there will be childrenand young people that have found the Lord ordeepened their walk with Him. Please send inyour contribution designated for Camp Fund. Thechildren and young people of Central andEastern Europe will be most grateful to you foryour part in making it possible for them to cometo camp, learn and be changed.

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of/Given by

Fred PosnlkoffAlice Humeny

Posnikoff Family

Benjamin BajensklElsie Tabak

John KriegLester LeMay

Ard HovenHarry &Theresa Randolph

David & Mary MaksimowNadia Maksimow

GMM Missionaries; George &Vera Bajenski, George Repetsl<iGlobal Missionary Ministries 4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4X9

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year Printed in Canada

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

GIVE THANKS

As we were leaving Poland, the WarsawChurch was making final preparations fortheir annual Thanksgiving services. Everything was set: summer vacation—drawingto an end, students—returning to theirclassrooms. One could see excitement and

eagerness in people wanting to be involvedin another season of the Lord's work in their

city. It was really gladdening to be in thecompany of Christians who are ready toserve the Lord.

Unfortunately, as though to spoil thisspirit, a few days before their scheduledThanksgiving service, the "Warshavianka"sports center, where the service was to beheld, declined to offer this facility for rent tothe church. By now it was too late; it wouldbe impossible to find an appropriate placeto have over one thousand persons inattendance. Of course, many were deeplydisappointed, however, in spite of this setback, there was something beautiful in thespirit and attitude of the leaders and localbelievers. They simply said: "God must betelling us something through this."

Indeed, the Warsaw Church continues togrow, but their chapel remains the same incapacity. As a matter of fact, they are nowfacing a major decision conceming theirfuture. I know they would appreciate ourprayers so that they could clearly hearGod's Word relating to their future ministryin their large city and that God would grant

them courage and vision to obey what Hetells them.

We believe it is important to give thanksto God for everything IHe gives us todaybefore He can give us tomon'ow's blessings. This principle apply to all of us. Wewant our lives to speak louder than ourwords. "For we do not preach ourselves, butJesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as yourservants for Jesus' sake, and... we havethis treasure in jars of clay to show that thisall-surpassing power is from God and notfrom us. We are are hardpressed on everyside, but not crushed, perplexed, but not indespair; persecuted, but not abandoned;struck down, but not destroyed... so thatthe life of Jesus may also be revealed in ourbody" (1 Cor. 4:5-10).

At the entrance of the Putawska Street

Congregation, Warsaw, Poland

VOLUME 22 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1999 NO. 5

FROM OUR SUMMER MINISTRY

Throughout the summer we have been working much with our Polish, Belarusian,Ukrainian, Lithuanian and even Czech brethren. We were able to see their struggles, as theyadjust to rapidly changing situations in their countries. We could rejoice with them in their victories, as they continue to grow in the Lord. But we could also share in their sorrows and disappointments. We were able to talk and pray with them. We preached and taught the Gospel,witnessing as many gave their lives to the Loid. In all of this we made one very encouragingobservation—the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in Central and Eastern Europe is growingand is eagerly longing and praying for the soon return of Jesus. May we, as their partners,encourage and join them in saying with one accord: "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!"

George Bajenski preaching in one of thechurches in the Czech Republic

f

The summer of 1999 was full of activi

ties at our Ostroda Youth Camp. Over athousand participated in different camp programs and Bible conferences. BasketballCamp brought in the most non-churchedyoung people. They came to play basketball under the skillful eye of Christiancoaches from the USA, but were alsotaught the Bible.

This was the third summer that we wereable to bring Jewish children from Russia,Belarus and Ukaine, and teach them fromthe Scriptures about their true Messiah.

During the month of August we had aspecial opportunity to give a Gospel witness among people with physical disabilities in Warsaw. This was possible thanks toJoni and Ken Eareckson-Tada's visit to

Poland. Joni came to receive an Intema-

tional Smiling Award that was awarded toher by Polish children. Her visit gave usopportunity to testify about Christ at a pressconference, give a lecture to church leadersdealing with the subject of the church'sresponsibility to the disabled communityand hold a large evangelistic meeting,which was attended by over a thousandpeople. GMM has been involved in this outreach for the last several years.

During the month of September wehosted a series of meetings with Dr. DavidReagan of Lamb & Lion Ministries. This

gave us opportunities to speak at severallarger churches in Poland on the timelysubject of the fulfillment of important Bibleprophecies in the 20th century. Unexpectedly we were also invited to have Dr.Reagan interviewed by national Polish television on the subject of what the Bibleteaches about the Church being takensomeday from this earth. This taped interview will be broadcast later this year overnational Polish television.

Dr. Reagan's messages and previouslyprinted books in Polish translation wereeagerly received by those who came tohear him.

GMM is working with several new homeBible study and prayer groups such as theone pictured above. This will lead to theplanting of new churches. This particulargroup is located in Lidzbark, a small city incentral Poland. It now has about 25 adultbaptized believers. Earlier this year in thisgroup a 92-year old lady accepted the Lordas her Saviour. During the summer of thisyear a young teenage boy committed hislife to the Lord. This Bible study group isbeing guided by the elders of theCiechanow Church This is part of theirchurch planting mission with which GMMpartners.

Church Planting Mission

During the month of May we shared withyou that GMM is entering into partnershipwith the Ciechanow Church's church planting mission. We are happy to announcethat to date all seven chosen places wherenew churches are to be started have locat

ed and approved a slate of candidates tobecome intern preachers. They all havecommitted themselves to work in this project for the next five years. One of therequirements is that each intern preacher isto move to the city where a new church willbe started.

These decisions have been made

already by both the preachers and leadership of the program. Now the time hascome to fulfill this requirement. This, however, requires a step of faith. The programis to start in the month of January, 2000. Upuntil this time each family has to be relocated, which means they need to find a placeto live and a local additional job; also, theywill have to make the actual move. GMM

would like to encourage and help thesefamilies in relocating by raising funds forhousing.

As previously stated, housing for eachworker requires $200 per month per family.Piease consider this need with prayerand, if the Lord ieads you, please sendfunds designated for the Intern preachers.

In this issue of "The Crier" we would like

to introduce you to one such family—Marcln and Anna Beluch, who will ministerin the city of Puttusk. Marcin is 28 years old.He is a member of the Warsaw Putawska„Street Church. He completed^&'V^saw

Bible Seminary. His passion is for "ministryin the church, theology and Biblical studies,but most of all, discipling." His wife, Anna,is a school teacher and loves to work withpeople. She writes: "We are moving toPuttusk to work with a group of youngbelievers who, for some time, have beenmeeting in this city and praying that theLord will send someone to work with them."

Marcin & Anna Beluch

LIVING MEMODIALS

In memory oi/Civcn h '̂

John Huk, Jr.Diilh Huk

benjamin BajenskiQiiLh nukbcrl, & Daffol OIL

MichacI Zidkovich6nmiiel & Anna Rcych

Mike BorisenloDMi^rv Corisenko

GMM MissSooaries; George &Vera Bajenski, George Repetski^obal MissiOTrary Mihlstrles

4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 MIssissauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 1V5Tei. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year Printed in Canada

CR(€R"O Crier of Good News... shout with the voice of a trumpet blast... your God Is coming."

Isaiah

DOWN FROM HIS GLORY

"(Dcmmfrom MsgCory,T-ver Civing story,

94y QodandSaviour camesiidJesus loas Ms name.

'Bom in a manger,lb ^His ozma stranger.

Si(Man ofsorrows, tears andagony."(Hbrds by'E. 'SootH-CRBBom)

The words of the well known hymn. "Down FromHis Glory," remind us that Jesus left the glories ofheaven to dwell on our sin-infested planet. How lowdid He come from the splendours of heaven?

The Bible answers that question. From beingequal with God He made Himself"nothing"and tookon human flesh. The Creator became the "servant"

(Phil. 2;7). Well did the author of "Down From HisGlory"express it in the second verse ;

"Wftat condescension,'Bringing us redemption;^at in tfie deadofnight,

9{gt onefaint fwpe insight.Qoa, gracious tender.

Laidaside J-hs spkndour,Stooping to tvoo, to urin,

lb save my soul."

Scripture goes on to remind us thatJesus Christ paid the ultimate price,

"He humbled himself and became obe- ^dient to death—even death on across!" Death ^on a cross?... but in the first century was that notconsidered just punishment for criminals only? Yes.Then why this hideous form of death? It was theransom price for our sins, to become the perfectsacrifice that would satisfy all of God's demand forjust payment.

There is no sacrifice that can rival this one and

in the third stanza the author of tiie song expre-sesses this truth:

"OgCorious myst'ry.Sacrifice ofC^v 'ry;

S^nd now I IqimvThou art thegreat 7 "

Yes, this can only be explained by the fact that,from start to finish, it was God Himself that enactedHis plan to rescue us from sin and its penalty.

I wonder, during this Christmas season can weall individually respond to God's love and grace withthe words of the song's chorus:

"O hoiu I (ove 9-fim,9{ovj I adore 9{im,

!My Breath, my sunshine,'MyalCinad."

Lord, may this be so in word anddeed.

VOLUME 22 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER, 1999

From many different hap-i|K^ penings in our personal life and3Ki\ ministry during this past year, one^ thing seems tobe most appropriate

to share with you at this time.In September of this year, both Vera

and I were ministering with churches inPoland. During one particular journeyBrother Dave Reagan of Lamb and LionMinistries in Texas was with us. We weresharing with a large group of believers inthe city of Katowice during the morningservice.

Dave told us how during the month ofDecember in his ^radio broadcasts hemakes it his practiceto specifically speak iWi

Mother of Jesus. Hepoints out how exem-plary and dedicated

Dave stressed what aperfect example sheis to all young teen-

Remember that of

this was taking placein Poland, whereMary occupies a highly elevated place inthe hearts of Poles that are predominantlyCatholic.

During the service I was asked to lead inthe communion meditation. We had justexperienced such an inspiring worshiptime. All of us felt close to the Lord. Wedecided it appropriate for Vera to share apersonal reflection that the Lord gave her.These thoughts came as we passed theplace where our son, Benjamin, was killed

by a vehicle. This happened ten years agoin front of his high school,

h Seeing a large pool of blood onthe road and knowing it was theblood of our only son was a very

•Eti difficult moment. But God

impressed on Vera's heart this timelesstruth of just how precious that blood was.Just a few minutes earlier this was life-giving blood in our son, and at that momentGod reminded us how precious was theblood of His only Son, Jesus Christ. All ofthis found its place in our communionmeditation.The whole congregation wasmoved and ready for some encouragingword from the Lord.

In his first words of preaching BrotherDave, expressing his joy in sharing in thisfellowship, said something we had neverheard before, something that had nevera previously entered our

minds. All of us weretouched by this. Obviously, it must havebeen from the Lord.

David began, "Letme tell you somethingthat the Lord spokeabout to my heart thismorning. One dayVera is going to standface to face with Mary,the Mother of ourLord, and she andMary will embraceeach other, and they

will whisper in each other's ears thesewords: 'I know how you felt.' And they will beable to enjoy fellowship with their sonsforever. Only a mother who believes in theLord Jesus can express victory over thedeath of her son."

Friends, these words brought tears andjoy to our hearts. We clung to these precious words in September and now inDecember we share them with you according to tradition, we wish you peace and joyduring this festive season, in rememberingChrist's first coming to this earth. But evenmore than that, we share with you theblessed hope of the glorious appearing ofour Lord and Saviour who said, "Behold, Iam coming soon." George & Vera

Another year comes to its end, and we,followers of Jesus Christ, turn our attentionto remember our Lord's first coming. Howwonderful are those words penned so longago by the prophet Isaiah and repeated byMatthew in relation to Jesus' birth: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to ason, and they will call him 'Immanuel'—which means, 'God with us'." That is thewonder of Christmas—God coming to thehuman race.

And what blessings we have in Jesus.He brought life, eternal life, and hope to uswho, without Him, could only await death.Jesus' comingmeans everythingto Lucille and me, ^and it is our hopethat you can saythe same. Jesus

has made all the

difference ourWe can only

for His

spiritualblessings, for Hiscare us our

children over the

years. What a Hi^^^K-BiL.^1privilege to belongto Him and to continue in serving Him.

We so much appreciate the words of theapostle Paul in his letter to Titus: "For thegrace of God that brings salvation hasappeared to all men. It teaches us to say'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions,and to live self-controlled, upright and godlylives in this present age, while we wait forthe blessed hope—the glorious appearingof our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ."These words remind us that Christ's com

ing brought salvation, and we personallyhave found salvation through Him. But thechallenge today is to live in Christ's powerforsaking all forms of ungodliness and livingaccording to His will.

Jesus came the first time,but, as stated in this passage ofScripture, we also await His secondcoming with great anticipation. ^Indeed, this is our blessed hope. Evenwhen difficulties come our way, we can livein the light of a better time coming.

We want to say "thank you" to all of youthat romember us in your prayers andthrough your financial support. We feelblessed by the Lord through folks such asyou. Our hope is that this Christmas seasonwill be especially joyful and meaningful toyou.

We would like toadd a few wordsabout our

Our olderTimothy, nowmarried spe-cial Melissa.

They theirown apartment

from time to

time. Tim is finish-ing up his school-ing at York Univer-sity and will belooking for perma

nent employment at the beginning of 2000.Ian is studying "tool and die" and will complete his course at the end of April, 2000.He, too, will be seeking permanent employment. Lucille works in a local health department as a nurse giving immunization information to those who call in asking for it.Included in her duties is running immunization clinics for children who are new toCanada.

We thank the Lord for his goodness tous. We also would like to wish you theLord's blessings during the Christmasseason and on into the year of ^2000. Yours in Christ's love,

George and Lucille ^.^^B

A Reminder: Year-end Tax Receipts

With this issue of The Crier we bid

farewell to the year of 1999 and, thus, endthis decade, century and miilennium forspreading God's Word on planet Earth.What the New Year will bring for us fullyrests in God's hands. We are looking forward to new opportunities and challengesas we work together with the Lord duringthese fleeting moments of history as He is"...reconciling this world to Himself inChrist" {II Cor. 5:19).

We want to be found busy in the Lord'sservice. We want to be found faithful. We

want to be ready when He comes. Thankyou, dear friends, for partnering with us byyour prayers and financial support. We prayGod's blessings on your life and service inthe days ahead.

As Christmas comes upon us, we thinkabout God's gift in the birth of our preciousSaviour and Lord Jesus. We also remember your gifts to the ministry of GMM, asyou partner with us in spreading God'sWord.

Please keep in mind that, if you wish toreceive a 1999 income tax-deductible

receipt from GMM, it needs to be mailed byDecember 31. Any donation with a Januarypostmark on the envelope must be receipted for the year of 2000.

To avoid disappointment please postyour gift on or before December 31, 1999.

LIVING MEMODIALS

Inmemory ol/Given by

MichBel ZidkovichSamuel & Anna ficych

Jim HillNancy Hill

Fred PosnikoffAlice HumenyFred & Lydia Gnida

The Posnikoff Family

Fred <ShakotkoOlga Shakolko

Mr. & Mrs. Job Forsiuk, Olga ForsiukFred Posnikoff, Alicc HumenyTom (Shawlinski, Ed tShawlinsluFred Sal2

A, Nellie rorsiuk

Metro YacknowecJohn & Helen Martin

Edith SmithChristview Christian Church

Benjamin BajenskiThomas rorney, Jr.

GMM Missionaries: George &Vera Bajenski._^&&^rge RepetskiGlobal Missionary Ministries

4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 1V5Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732

Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction RequestedPublished 6 times a year Printed in Canada