What we are doing - as the Lord enables us

The training of nationals continues to be our main focus, with programmes running in thirteen schools in eight of the countries in which we minister, thus giving opportunity to many who otherwise would not be able to study for Christian service. The Schools are not academic institutions but teach to the level of a good Bible College in the west. Over the years hundreds of students who have completed the course are now in Christian ministry. Last year three hundred and sixty five students attended the schools in the different countries. The evangelical church leaders in Eastern Europe have asked us to continue this vital ministry as it provides workers for the sharp end of missionary work. All students are selected by the local churches and are therefore under their discipline.

At the present time SGA is supporting one hundred and eighteen nationals in different areas of ministry.

• Some are planting new churches in unevangelised areas, while others are seeking to revive struggling churches that do not have the finances to support a worker.
  
• Some are either writing their own books and commentaries, or are translating literature into their national language, thus promoting the whole work of the Gospel by providing good conservative evangelical books. Every year we are able to finance the printing and publishing of many new titles. Last year the revision of the Bulgarian New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs has given new impetus to the work of evangelism in Bulgaria. The impact of this ministry is far-reaching in that it provides tools for the ministry.
  
• Twelve nationals, who are completing advanced studies either in UK or Eastern Europe, are being funded by SGA in their studies. These are recognised as key people for the work of the Gospel in their respective countries and their further study is to better equip them in that ministry.
  
• The children’s side of our ministry has grown in recent years with ongoing support for those engaged in orphanage work in Ukraine and Moldova, as well as having a part in the re-housing of an orphanage in Cherbog, Tajikistan, which was burnt down last year.
  

It was a great encouragement, through our Crisis Response Project, to help in the provision of homes to replace some of those that were washed away in the floods of southern Romania. Many Romanian churches had come together and their initial plan was to replace about seventeen, but at the time of writing seventy-five have been provided. This project has had a tremendous impact in an area known for its hostility to the Gospel. What is now happening is described as a mini revival, with between fifty and a hundred unsaved in every service in a newly-founded church. This is the result of the testimony of the Christians who went there to help.

The Widow’s project continues to meet real needs during the winter months and this is ongoing.
Last year we were able to provide some resources for three church buildings in Romania and Macedonia and several Prayer Houses in Moldova. It is a special joy for some of these fledgling churches to have their own buildings.

The Radio ministry in Romania and Poland, which we help to finance, is reaching out to many lost souls who otherwise would not hear the Gospel, as they have no contact with Christians or churches.

These highlighted situations in no way exhaust what the Lord is enabling us to do in His name. Indeed it is only a thumbnail sketch. You are very much a part of this as you stand with us in prayerful and practical support in the work of the Gospel and we sincerely thank you.