HISTORY’S MAKER
Acts 17:26-27
From one man he (God) made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
I read the news on the internet most mornings and it can be quite discouraging. Some events have more of an impact on us then others. In August, during the Olympics, the news broke of the conflict between Russia and Georgia over the area known as South Ossetia and Abkhazia. These seem to be small out-of-the—way places but they grabbed a lot of attention, and have created problems for us here. But God is not out of this picture, in fact as the above verse tells us, he is quite active, His purpose has never changed.
In September a group of four Russian leaders from the ECMU, Pavel, Ilya, Victor and Victors wife, Luda visited the city of Tsinval in Southern Ossetia where most of the fighting was centered. They brought with them gifts for the children and words of hope. They wanted to “test the spiritual atmosphere in the city and look into the possibility of sending a missionary/church planter to the city”. The CMA in Russia was able to pass along financial help for the trip from our relief agency. In early October the Missionary Committee of the Krasnodar district of the ECMU met and agreed to move ahead with plans to continue pursuing a church plant in Tsinval. Although we as Americans cannot enter the area in that part of the country, I am glad to serve on that missionary committee and be a part of that decision.
Since 1991 the people living in these areas have experienced three wars producing a number of refugees. Many of these refugees have found a place to stay just outside the city of Vladikavkaz. It was my privilege to meet with Gennady Terkun a pastor of a church in that city and has been working with refugees. He has opened a small bread factory in the area settled by most of the refugees. The Russia field of the CMA with the help of our relief agency was able to help him purchase the equipment to get the bakery into production. The bakery will employ a number of refugees. Pastor Terkun’s church has recently decided to come under the umbrella of the ECMU organization.
The conflict in that part of the world and the international tensions that resulted from it has caused problems for foreigners here the Krasnodar area, especially Americans. The organizations that have invited us in the past, are finding it extremely difficult to do so and may not be able to at all. Especially in this area, within 500 miles of the fighting, the restrictions on social and religious organizations have tightened, with the stated reason being the conflict in Georgia. As a member of the Field Leadership Team, I appreciate your prayers concerning this situation. Pray also for Tim Crouch our Field Director and his staff in the field office and the leaders in the organizations that we work with in this country. While missionaries from some other organizations are now planning to leave by the end of the year, we will continue to pursue ways of staying in this area.
I am reminded of a hymn written not that long ago called “God of the Ages”. The first line reads; God of the ages, History's Maker, Planning our pathway, holding us fast, Shaping in mercy all that concerns us. God remains the God of history, and his purpose, “that all men would seek Him” has not changed. Our enemy, Satan, certainly wants to cause and use events to stop or hinder men from seeking God. God however is the one who is ultimately in control and these events become doors of opportunities. We wait to see what God is doing and how we might be part of it. Join with History’s Maker through prayer and if you are a member of a C&MA Church, by giving to the Great Commission Fund. Thank you to all of you who support the ministry here.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!
For the first time in seven years I will spend Christmas in the U. S. I am scheduled for my three month furlough and will arrive home on December 15th. As a missionary associate, I spend three months at home every other year. I hope to be able to visit with a number of you when I am home.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Visa situation here in Russia. We want to stay and minister here as long as possible.
Pray for the missionary effort in Tsinval. Pray that it would light a fire for missions in the ECMU
Pray for the health and safety of our missionaries here in Russia
Pray for the support of the Great Commission Fund.
Don Plummer
Acts 17:26-27
From one man he (God) made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
I read the news on the internet most mornings and it can be quite discouraging. Some events have more of an impact on us then others. In August, during the Olympics, the news broke of the conflict between Russia and Georgia over the area known as South Ossetia and Abkhazia. These seem to be small out-of-the—way places but they grabbed a lot of attention, and have created problems for us here. But God is not out of this picture, in fact as the above verse tells us, he is quite active, His purpose has never changed.
In September a group of four Russian leaders from the ECMU, Pavel, Ilya, Victor and Victors wife, Luda visited the city of Tsinval in Southern Ossetia where most of the fighting was centered. They brought with them gifts for the children and words of hope. They wanted to “test the spiritual atmosphere in the city and look into the possibility of sending a missionary/church planter to the city”. The CMA in Russia was able to pass along financial help for the trip from our relief agency. In early October the Missionary Committee of the Krasnodar district of the ECMU met and agreed to move ahead with plans to continue pursuing a church plant in Tsinval. Although we as Americans cannot enter the area in that part of the country, I am glad to serve on that missionary committee and be a part of that decision.
Since 1991 the people living in these areas have experienced three wars producing a number of refugees. Many of these refugees have found a place to stay just outside the city of Vladikavkaz. It was my privilege to meet with Gennady Terkun a pastor of a church in that city and has been working with refugees. He has opened a small bread factory in the area settled by most of the refugees. The Russia field of the CMA with the help of our relief agency was able to help him purchase the equipment to get the bakery into production. The bakery will employ a number of refugees. Pastor Terkun’s church has recently decided to come under the umbrella of the ECMU organization.
The conflict in that part of the world and the international tensions that resulted from it has caused problems for foreigners here the Krasnodar area, especially Americans. The organizations that have invited us in the past, are finding it extremely difficult to do so and may not be able to at all. Especially in this area, within 500 miles of the fighting, the restrictions on social and religious organizations have tightened, with the stated reason being the conflict in Georgia. As a member of the Field Leadership Team, I appreciate your prayers concerning this situation. Pray also for Tim Crouch our Field Director and his staff in the field office and the leaders in the organizations that we work with in this country. While missionaries from some other organizations are now planning to leave by the end of the year, we will continue to pursue ways of staying in this area.
I am reminded of a hymn written not that long ago called “God of the Ages”. The first line reads; God of the ages, History's Maker, Planning our pathway, holding us fast, Shaping in mercy all that concerns us. God remains the God of history, and his purpose, “that all men would seek Him” has not changed. Our enemy, Satan, certainly wants to cause and use events to stop or hinder men from seeking God. God however is the one who is ultimately in control and these events become doors of opportunities. We wait to see what God is doing and how we might be part of it. Join with History’s Maker through prayer and if you are a member of a C&MA Church, by giving to the Great Commission Fund. Thank you to all of you who support the ministry here.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!
For the first time in seven years I will spend Christmas in the U. S. I am scheduled for my three month furlough and will arrive home on December 15th. As a missionary associate, I spend three months at home every other year. I hope to be able to visit with a number of you when I am home.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Visa situation here in Russia. We want to stay and minister here as long as possible.
Pray for the missionary effort in Tsinval. Pray that it would light a fire for missions in the ECMU
Pray for the health and safety of our missionaries here in Russia
Pray for the support of the Great Commission Fund.
Don Plummer
