MOLDOVA & RUSSIA, June 2006
Members of CCM began preaching work in Moldova in 1991, and
it's pleasing to see a community of over 60 brothers and
sisters now established there in healthy ecclesias. Growth has
slowed in recent times, and we were pleased to share with the
converts here the noble example of our South African brethren,
who have set a target of quadrupling the number of brethren and
sisters in their country by 2010. We suggested our Moldovan
members take inspiration from this and there is every reason to
think they will do so. The majority of our converts in Moldova
are sisters, many of them working long hours and living in very
difficult domestic situations here in one of the poorest nations
in Eastern Europe. Many try to work 2 or 3 jobs, often cleaning
or selling from market stalls, in order to pay ever rising fuel
bills, utilities and the basics for family survival. Sister Luba
for example works very long hours selling books and postcards
from a collapsible table, standing all hours, all weathers, 7
days / week. We're pleased to say that now she has a spot in
a subway, out of the weather. Many of the sisters drop by her
each day on the way to work.
Luba's mother is terminally ill and bedridden, needing
constant attention, but the cost of medicines and care is well
beyond what the family can afford to pay. Luba faithfully visits
her mum every morning and is very grateful for the Pampers /
nappies sent in response to a previous carelink message. Her
mother, sister Anna, is 'with it' and full of faith in
the return of Jesus and establishment of the Kingdom on earth.
Her elderly husband Bro Andrej, also an invalid, sleeps on a
narrow couch next to her [they only have a one room apartment].
He is deaf and she prods him with a stick at night if she needs
help, as she has no strength to call loudly. We gave what help we
could financially and pass on to you their gratitude for the
Pampers.
Sis Luba at her mother's bedside
Photo: Sis Luba and Br Andrej with the Pampers kindly sent.
Note Sis Anna's stick at her bedside with which to poke Br
Andrej. There's little he can do to help, and had a fall
recently whilst trying to assist her at night.
Sis Luba and Br Andrej with the Pampers kindly sent
We held a very succesful Bible School, attended by about 35,
and are pleased to announce the baptism of VITYA. The brothers
and sisters repeatedly asked us to relay to you their thanks for
your donations which make these vital gatherings possible. It was
great to see a sense of community has developed, and to hear how
these occasional gatherings are the key events in the lives of
many of the brothers and sisters, who live 'from Bible camp
to Bible camp' as they often say. It was good to have a
number of children present, and we really appreciate the Sunday
School material kindly sent over to Moldova by brothers and
sisters in Holland.
Sunday School material in use at the Bible
School
Most of the ecclesias in Moldova are comprised of sisters. We
were able to take one such group on a small excursion and hold an
outdoor breaking of bread.
An ecclesia of sisters holding an outdoor
breaking of bread
We travelled on to Russia, enjoying fellowship with the
ecclesia in Moscow, and going into areas in Central Russia.
We're pleased to report the baptisms of three sisters in
different locations, VERA, NADEZHDA and VALENTINA. Sister
Valentina is the wife of our faithful and elderly brother Viktor.
They live in a remote place and faithfully do their Bible
readings each day together. After assisting Brother Viktor with
hearing Valentina give an excellent confession of faith, we
walked through fields which were once part of a collective farm
but now hopelessly overgrown and lying waste, to a muddy stream.
We encouraged Brother Viktor to perform the baptism, and it was a
very moving ceremony to see this elderly couple united in the
Lord in the river.
Walking across the fields to Sis.
Valentina's baptism
'This is deep enough, dear'
A proud husband after baptizing his wife
We thank you all again and again for your prayers and support
without which none of this work would be possible. To God be the
glory.
We'd like to remind you of the plight of SIster Nina whose
farm was burnt down in Latvia. We're grateful for the
expressions of support so far received. God willing we have the
project in hand and hope to get something fixed soon God
willing.
With love from your brothers and sisters of CCM