^7^THE

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

Isaiah

VOLUME 19 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1996 NO. 1

WHERE ARE WE HEADED?

Now that is a good question and onethat we should ask at the beginning of anew year. As the Lord gives us years toserve Him, we must recognize that whatone year brings the next may not.Change is the rule of life and in our outreach to Central and East Europe thisalso applies. Yet, the message of theGospel remains the same, although howit is presented needs review and alteration according to the conditions of time.

During 1995 we observed even morechanges in the political and social life ofthe countries in which we minister. Ofcourse, they all experienced the collapseof communism and engaged in a drive fora more democratic form of government.In most cases, this has led to an extrememulti-party system which means no oneparty comes out as the dominant majority. As a result, nothing seems to be donedecisively. Personal economic hardshipspersist. Criminal activity is not abating,but growing. Still, in this crucible of flux ithas been easier to preach and conductChristian outreach ministry. For this weare thankful. But we err if we think thatmajor problems and roadblocks havebeen removed. In church life we seesome growth, and It is good, but also

materialism and strife grip some quarters.In some cases we have seen confusionamong believers about what is right andwrong in doctrine and approach. This hasled to some division.

In the early nineties we noticed a wideinterest in spiritual matters by people outside the Lord. Any evangelist could gather a large-size crowd during those earlymonths of freedom. Today that is not necessarily so. Somehow people's curiosityhas been satisfied. "If it's not Catholic orOrthodox," some would say, "then it's notour traditional religion and should be

George B. pointing toplaces of our Involvement

A Partnership Missionary Outreach to the Peoples of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine

avoided." To bring non-believers into aBible-preaching church presents a challenge.

Dear Christian friends, the battle rageson in the souls of men. This is a spiritualstruggle. Satan has not gone to sleep.We see this being acted out in Centraland East Europe, Paul speaks about theneed for us "to keep from being outsmarted by Satan, for we know what he is trying to do" (2 Cor. 6:11b). We need toadjust our strategies as directed by theLord and so we trust Him to show us theway we are to go.

What methods will we use? We willcontinue to preach and teach salvationthrough Christ. The message can neverchange. In all that we do this is central.We will concentrate our efforts in threecountries in 1996: Belarus, Poland andUkraine. There is so much work to bedone there.

In these places we will: produce and broadcast Christian

radio programs which will be broadcast over local radio stations. We willdo this with the involvement of people that live in the regions where theprograms are heard.

encourage and sponsor Christianchildren and youth camps in association with local churches.

assist in training and sponsoringyoung people for the Christian ministry.

produce, print and distribute Christianliterature for teaching Gospel truthsto its readers.

be involved in evangelism, assistingin starting and building new churches.

To realize these goals we must workever so closely with fellow believers thatlive in the lands, listening to their assess

ments and needs and being ready toreact quickly to explicit expressions ofpresent needs. More time will be spentwith local believers and their churches.We must work in close consultation withour coworkers out in the fields of Centraland East Europe. As we do this, we willcontinue to be a Christian PartnershipMissionary outreach to the peoples ofBelarus, Poland and Ukraine.

To accomplish this we need you, oursupporters and prayer warriors, to under-gird us by your prayers and finances.1996, we believe, will be a year of moreintense spiritual battle with new challenges and opportunities for our missionwork in Central and East Europe. Wepray the Lord will motivate our lives, sothat no matter where we liveeast orwest, we will stand on guard and togethercarry out the great command given to usby the Lord (Matt. 28:18-20) until Hecomes again.

HEAVENOUR REAL HOME

"HeavenYour Real Home" is thetitle of a new book written by Joni Eareck-son-Tada who was with us in Poland lastOctober. However, it is not this book towhich Iwould like to turn our attention justnow, but to this beautiful truth from Scripture, the truth that Jesus Himself spoke incomforting and encouraging his disciples: "there are many homes up there wheremy Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming..." John 14:2LB, or, as apostle Paul tells believers inColossians: "Your real life is in heaven with Christand God" Col. 3:3 LB.

What a beautiful picture God is presenting to us in these verses. We thankGod He has impressed this truth upon ourlives and soothes the sorrow so that we

can comfort and encourage others withthis happy news.

February will always be for Vera andmyself a time of reflection. Seven yearshave already passed as our son, Benjamin, left for school one morning and never returned. Yes, we believe that Benjamin, as a young believer in Christ, on theday that the accident took place, simplychanged his temporary earthly dwellingfor an eternal heavenly home.

We thank God that in memory of hisshort, yet beautiful life on earth, we wereable to establish a memorial fund in hisname that is used to help and encourageyoung students of the Bible in their preparation to serve the Master. Using thisfund, we were able last year to help onestudent from Russia and two from Polandwho are studying in the United States inBible colleges. We were also able to assist many young people from Ukraine,Belarus and Poland to attend variouschurch camps conducted by us inEurope.

We thank all of you, our friends andcasual readers of this mission publicationfor contributing last year to this BenjaminBajenski Memorial Fund. Please remember us now and throughout this year forthere are many challenges and opportunities before us by which we can help otheryoung people from Europe who are willing to give their lives fully to the Lord.

At the end of last year we had twovery special opportunities to visit withsome young people who knew Benjaminand who attribute their deeper commitment to the Lord to the unusual circumstance relating to Benjamin's life anddeath. On the December 3, 1995, twoyoung girls from two different continentsmet in Canada and gave their short testimonies in a local church. One of themwas a Canadian, Erin Beettam, with

whom Benjamin was going to school andwho shortly after Ben's death committedher life to the Lord. Now Erin is a student

Alyona and Erin atBenjamin's grave site

at York University in Toronto and is aleader of the Christian students* organization.

The other girl was Alyona Lazuta fromMinsk, Belarus. Alyona, Benjamin's distant relative, was very deeply touched bythis tragic event in February, 1989.Shortly after she, too, gave her life to theLord and is an active member of theGood News Church in Minsk. Now for thefirst time Erin and Alyona, new sisters inChrist, were able to be together in achurch here in the Toronto area and visitthe cemetery in Pickering, Ontario, whereBen is buried. Here they thanked theLord for Ben's life and testimony andthanked God for this on-going life in Hiswonderful paradise, where together weshall all spend eternity.

On the eve of Christmas Eve last year

we had another very special visit at theGMRM office by three young men whoknew Benjamin from their church life inToronto. The decision to walk with deeper commitment to the Lord was impressed upon them by Ben's early departure.Paul Dyke who completed CincinnattiBible College now serves in a full-timeyouth ministry with a church in Illinois.Jeff Ponke, after one year of study atJohnson Bible College, now continueshis pre-medical study at WheatonCollege in Wheaton, Illinois. Andrew

Andrew, Jeff & Paul at GMRM

Deuitch is serving part-time as a youthminister in Michigan. It was a realChristmas celebration! What a joy it wasto be together with these Christian youngmen, to hear their testimonies, and to seetheir dedication. I know the Lord waspleased, and possibly even Benjaminwas permitted to be a part of these celebrations and share the joy of lives committed to the Master.

George Bajenski

LIVING MEMORIALS

cwttt:..

'% 0^anIn memory of: John Huk, Jr.Given by: Ruth Huk

Peter & Marsha Huk

In memory of: Benjamin BajenskiGiven by; Diane Beettam

Elkhart Christian Church, IL.George & Vera BajenskiNorth Industry Christian Church, OHRuth HukGordon & Rebecca SouderJoseph & Cfara Smith

In memory of: John & June NaydiukSam & Olga NaydiukEunice PhyskJohn K. & Mary Huk

Given by: Lucas & Sadie Naydiuk

In memory of: Peggy Keeling, Jim KeelingGiven by: Christine Keeling

In memory of: John & Mary Huk, Sr.Given by: Peter & Marsha Huk

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

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

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction Requested

Published 6 times a year Printed in Canada

THE

CR("O Crierof Good News... shout with the voiceof a trumpetblast... your God is coming."

Isaiah

VOLUME 19 MARCH-APRIL, 1996 NO. 2

NEW CHALLENGES IN COUNTRIES OF THE CIS

Over the last few months we are seeing a tightening up of the situation toopenly spread the Gospel message in theCommonwealth of Independent States.This is a reflection of the changes that aretaking place in the political life of somecountries of the CIS.

Late in 1995 Russia voted in a newParliament that showed signs of a returnto more communistically-minded members. The ordinary citizen continues to experience financial and economical difficulties and thinks that a return of the formergoverning officials is worth a try. This yearin the month of June we will see presidential elections in Russia. Vying for powerare some people with definite Russiannationalistic tendencies. If such an individual will become president, then we canexpect to see a definite shift in curtailingthe activities of Protestant groups withinRussia. Already in Belarus our coworkerstell us of new curtailments that have beenplaced on them as they conduct their ministries with government interference. Oneof them recently wrote:

"In the second half of January an edictwas issued by the president of Belarusthat the activities of private companieswill be checked. Those that are not involved in commercial activities, i.e. funds in

their bank accounts that have not changed within the last 3 to 6 months, are declared unprofitable and are subject to liquidation. Since prior to this we were notplanning to start a company on a commercial basis, we now have a problem ofintroducing points into our statutes thatwill allow us to conduct business."

She goes on to say: "We need yourprayer support. Conditions in Belarus areextremely unstable. Every passing daycan bring Protestant believers anotherrestriction for any possible activity. Wefirst were told that we cannot invite missionaries, then this matter of economicactivities. Now we are experiencing greatdifficulties In publishing our magazine aswell as in the matter of opening a radiostation."

Friends, our brothers and sisters areexperiencing increasing pressures again.We need to pray for them as they facenew challenges. We will work with themto assist them as much as we can. Onpages 2 and 3 you can read an interviewwith Dema Lazuta, one of our coworkersfrom Minsk, Belarus, as he describes today's opportunities and challenges inBelarus. In order that we can help them,we need your prayer and financial support.

A Partnership IWisslonary Outreach to the Peoples of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine

INTERVIEW WITH DEMA LAZUTA

Dema and Alyona Lazuta, BelarusGMRM: Dema, tell us a little bit aboutyourself. Where were you born, where didyou go to school, what have you done?Dema: I was born in the city of Minsk. Icompleted Grade 8 then I studied automechanics in technical college. For threeand a half years I studied the auto-building industry. Then I was drafted into thearmy. After military service I worked asthe manager of a garage. I then studiedchoir directing In the University of Culturefor five years.GMRM: I know that you've been aChristian since childhood. Who taughtyou Bible doctrines? What church do youattend?Dema: Iconsider that things went well forme. I lived in the village for eight yearswith my grandmother. My grandmotherwas a peasant, In fact, all of my relativesincluding grandfather and parents, werepeasants. Grandmother took me tochurch, she taught me how to pray.Already in childhood I became a believer.My life turned out to be quite interesting inrelation to church attendance. Up untilabout the time that I was fourteen yearsold I attended a registered church. At fifteen years of age I began attending anunregistered church. And when I was 25

years old we organized an independentcongregation. At the moment I attend andlabour in this church.GMRM: Yes, I understand this church iscalled "Good News" Church. In fact,you're a minister in this church. What kindof church is this? How was it started? Inother words, give us a brief history of thischurch.Dema: Six years ago 25 people organized the "Good News" Church. This is anindependent Bible-believing church.Right now we have about 200 members.The church is made up of many youngpeople, a lot of students. One of our maingoals is to evangelize the student world.We believe that there are too few welleducated Christians in Belarus.GMRM: What methods has your churchused to evangelize the Belarusian people?Dema: Afew years ago it was really popular to rent concert halls and conductChristian concerts and evangelistic services in them. We used this method in thepast. We also use camps and Christianconferences. Two times a year we rent aplace to conduct conferences for believers and non-believers. A large number ofstudents who attend our church madetheir decisions to accept Christ as a resultof attending such conferences.

Also, for about two years now we'vebeen having Bible studies with students.This is a missionary outreach. Today wehave about 10 such groups meeting invarious universities and institutes. Eachgroup meets weekly.

A very effective method has been personal evangelism where our Christianstudents invite their non-Christian friendsand relatives. As a result they start attending church.GMRM: You also serve as director of theChristian student organization. What is

this?Dema: The Christian student mission hasas its goal the evangelization of students.The students' world is a special one andthe work of evangelizing them is of a particular nature. We use particular methodsand approaches in this work. That Is,what is applicable to students is not applicable to other people and vice versa.

Today we obsen/e a particular problemin that only a few Christians occupy strategic positions in government. It is ourgoal to make our country Christian. Andwe believe that Christian people need tobe prepared for such positions and notonly for such positions but also to beactive in the roles of journalism, teachingand such. Only through Christians will wesee the present radical situation in ourcountry turned around. God has usedsuch a mission to help and lead ourchurch to see and understand the needfor applying such a strategy in our outreach to others.GMRM: We hear that in your country'spolitical life some negative things are occurring. What significance does this havefor you, as believers, and your Christianwork?Dema: Unfortunately, the way things gopolitically does have an effect on religiouslife. Some tendencies towards totalitarianrule by government without doubt reflectthemselves in the attitude and relationship of our government to the ChristianChurch. In general, most Christians in Belarus think that the country's political lifeshould play no role in the life of believers.Therefore, they shy away from any participation in the political process. I don'tknow whether this is right or wrong, this isa very complex issue, but today we arelosing rights as religious entities. Christian organizations are being curtailed intheir political rights and I think we must

now reevaluate our approaches to this.I'm not suggesting that we must enterfully into the arena of political activity butthis is an area that should not be ignoredand done away with. By this I mean thatwe should not come to the conclusionthat we should not and cannot enter intoany form of political life in the country andplay no part whatsoever, thus allowing thegovernment to become fully totalitarian.GMRM: What kind of plans do you see foryourself and your coworkers in your efforts to further the cause of the Gospel?Dema: One of our final goals is to establish a seminary, that is a quality seminaryat a university academic level that couldproduce pastors and people who knowlanguages, cultural issues, philosophy,psychology and possess oratory skills. Ofcourse, these would have to be peoplethat know the Bible very well and areexperienced in working with others. Wewould like to see a radio station established. We would like to have our ownprinting presses, yes, our own publicationhouse. We would like to have a schoolfor children where education would beoffered with a Christian bent to it. We'dlike to have a Christian kindergartenwhere children could receive Christianteaching. These are some of our goals forthe future.

GREAT CAMP OPPORTUNITIESFOR SUMMER OF 1996

Another summer season will soon beupon us and this means that Christians inPoland, Belarus and Ukraine are makingplans to run summer camp programs forchildren, teenagers and even adults. Weat GMRM know that this is a great opportunity to assist our fellow Christians inthese countries. Already in Poland we

have seen the positive results of Christian camp as many of today's leaders inthe churches either met the Lord or recommitted themselves to Christ at campas young people. It was an importantstepping stone in their Christian growth.

This year the Ostruda Camp Christianwill continue with its slate of full summerprograms. Some 1800 young people andadults will be involved in the different programs from the end of June to the beginning of September. GMRM will continueto support this effort financially and by ourpersonal involvement.

We have also received requests toassist in two camps in Ukraine and one inBelarus. In Nikolayev, Ukraine, a group ofChristians te!l us that they need $1,000 torun a camp in a nearby forest. The children can be housed in tents beside alake. Our friends from Lutsk, with whomwe operated a camp last year, require ourhelp to finance a camp for children for a3-5 day period. We have also committedourselves to assist in a camp with "Bethany" Church from Kobryn, Belarus. Thischildren's camp will run during the lastweek of June and first week of July. It willcost around $4,000.

These are wonderful opportunities toreach the youth of these nations and wewould invite you to get Involved financially. You can be a participant in changing the lives of children for the Lord.Please send in your contribution earmarked for "Camp Fund."Checks shouldbe made out to "Global Missionary RadioMinistries" with the above designation.The children of these countries will bemost grateful to you.

Children at camp

"Christ has indeed been raised from thedead... for as in Adam all die, so in Christ willall be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:20, 22).

MEMORIAL LIST

In memory of: Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Luise Buller

Pat IngRobert ZachrichIrene NevilleV\/anda IsaacEva NourseLee & Velma Farrell

In memory of: Fred PosnikoffGiven by: the Posnikoff Family

In honor to God!Given by: Valentine Wagoner

In memory of: Paul NourseGiven by: Eva Nourse

In memory of: Dan C. CalhounGiven by: Ron Calhoun

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

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Fonwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction Requested

Published 6 times a year Printed in Canada

THE

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

Isaiah

"REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR..."

The 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes hasgood advice for young people. It states:"Remember your Creator in the days ofyour youth, before the days of troublecome and the years approach when youwill say, 1find no pleasure in them." Thispassage contains an important truth forall of us. We have only today. Tomorrowis uncertain.

It is with this attitude that we look atthe challenges facing us this year. Thelast years have brought on many changes in life and work in Central and EastEurope. This process of changes hasnot stopped. We see that there havebeen a few steps forward towards democracy and freedom, then a step or twobackwards with new restrictions and

dictatorship. The most obvious exampleof this process Is seen in Belarus. You

must have heard of our police encounterlast year at the Christian Students'Conference. Recently we received a letter with a picture of a burned out churchbuilding that someone set fire to lastFebruary in the city of Asipovichy,Belarus. Even a formal letter of invitation for us with which we apply for anentry visa stipulates that we cannot conduct religious activities in Belarus thisyear. Only God knows what the futureholds. Leaning on His promises, we aregoing and obeying his command; we willbe His witnesses, for "...now is the dayof salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

Has it ever occurred to you that oneof these days will be our last duringwhich we will be able to speak on His behalf? Somehow this text of Scripturecomes to mind: "Remember your Creator nowb&ioxe the days of trouble come."

Dear friend, this is our motto for thissummer's ministry as we go to Belarus,Ukraine and Poland. Please rememberus, but not only in prayer; we need yourfinancial support now. This summer promises to be more challenging and morecostly for us than any previous summer.We will continue to be on the air with ourChristian programs, broadcasting themover different local radio stations in Europe, but we are also intensifying our

(continued on page 4)VOLUME 19 MAY-JUNE, 1996 NO. 3

PRAYERS, GRATITUDE AND TESTIMONIESFrom Ukraine

Recently we received a letter fromVaientyna of Lutsk, Ukraine, who workedwith us last summer at the children'scamp. She writes; "I greet you, dearbrothers and sisters. We are filled withgratitude for the fact that you do not forgetus and we thank God for this. As we lookon the lives of the children from theboarding school that were at the camp,we see that they have been changed andnow many of their parents are attendingour church services. We know that is theresult of your work. We want to tell youthat your labour is not in vain. We and thechildren cannot adequately express ourthanks to you for those blessed days thatwere spent together with you in thecamp."

Vaientyna with husband, Roman, andtheir three children, Lutsk, Ukraine

Here are three testimonies from lastyear's camp program in Ukraine:

1) "One twelve-year old girl from a

non-betieving family came to her motherand told her how fearful she was that sheand her mother will not be together whenJesus will come to take her to be withHim. The girl's mother thought about herlife and did not expect that she herselfwould repent as a result of words spokenby her daughter."

George B. with children from lastsummer's camp In Ukraine

2) "One teacher from the school metme and said: "What have you done withthe school children? They're completelydifferent from what they were before."Now it is much easier to tell the teachersthat Jesus changes every sinner thatcomes to Him. The students were givenan assignment to tell how they spent theirsummer and what was interesting in theirlives. All the children really wrote sermonstelling how they spent time in camp, thatthey repented, that their lives changedand now Jesus lives in their hearts. Theywrote how wonderful it was. They, in fact,became witnesses. One teacher couldnot read through their work, as tears filledher eyes and she also fell on her kneesbefore the Lord."

3) "We Invited neighbouring campersand adults to attend our closing camp

service. Many people came. Also, a groupof students from a teacher's college. Onegirl from this group saw how our childrenwere repenting and asked herself thequestion: 'Why do they have to repent?are they sinful?' This question did not giveher any peace. So she came to us tochurch and repented and is already baptized."

From BelarusTwo years ago a new church was es

tablished in the city of Kobryn. This congregation is meeting in a public schoolbuilding. They have had several baptismal services as people are turning to theLord and growing in their Christian lives.From the beginning of this work GMRMhas been assisting the young preacher,Vladimir, in his work with this congregation. This year they have requested thatwe help them in sponsoring and conducting their first full camp program. Last yearthey ran a weekend retreat for childrenand family member of their congregation.This year they would like to have anevangelistic outreach to 100 children fromtheir own congregation and surroundingvillages. About another 50 children willcome from Minsk. GMRM staff will be participating In the program of this camp at

Last year's retreat for familiesof a new church In Kobryn

the end of June and beginning of July.

From PolandLast year we had a very successful

camp season at Ostruda, Poland. Over1,000 people participated in differentcamps. There was a Bible camp forjuniors, intermediate, high school age anduniversity students. There were also twoseparate camps with special interests:Bible and basketball and Bible and Music. The latter was favored by many sinceIts purpose was to help churches to improve their music and worship ministries.We had several guest campers andspeakers from outside of Poland. Themost important thing is that God was withus. Over 300 people made commitmentsfor Christ during this camp season. Weare looking fonward to another busy campseason in Ostruda this year.

(continued from page 1)evangelistic outreach. In every one ofthese three countries we will be involvedin conducting children's and youthcamps. There will be 12 weeks for different age groups of campers in Poland,4 weeks in Ukraine and 2 weeks in Belarus. To cover expenses for these programs we need to raise approximately$15,000 in US funds. There will also be agroup of young Christian musicians fromPoland going to Belarus for 10 days ofour youth camp at Kobryn to presentseveral concerts and hold evangelisticmeetings in the area. This will cost usapproximately 2,000 US dollars.

We are anticipating a great harvest,therefore, we must sow the good seed ofthe Word of God. We are challenged bythe words of our partner in Ukraine whowrites: "We are bringing our needs toGod with fasting and prayer, believingGod will answer them. Our HeavenlyFather has given us the right to savechildren's souls and we must fulfill Hiswill in spite of all difficulties."

Dear friends, we depend on yourpartnership through prayer and finances. Please send vour contribution forthese summer camo ministries inUkraine. Belarus and Poland to GlobalMissionary Radio Ministries with thedesignation of "Camp Ministries." Maythe happy faces of the children who willattend the camp programs be your joy,inspiration and reward.

TT

LIVING MEMORIALS

In memory of: Sophie ZalinkoGiven by: Paul Zalinko

In memory of: Fred PosnikoffGiven by: the Guenther Family

In memory of: Mike BorisenkoGiven by: Mary Borisenko

In memory of; John & June NaydukSam & Olga NaydukEunice Physk

Given by: Madge llchyshyn

In memory of: Emil & Erna RossolGiven by: Frieda Rossol

In memory of: Benjamin BajenskiGiven by: Lynn, IN Church of Christ

Elsie TabakBob & Phyllis Walker

GMRM Missionaries:George & Vera Bajenski

George RepetskiPaul Diatel

Canadian Board of Directors:Ernie Atkinson, Phil Dempster, Michael Isaac,

Harold Smith, Jim Tune

American Board of Directors:Jim Hensley, Rod Huron, Steve Kimbrel, David

McFadden, Harold Smith

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

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Forwarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Ohio 44041 Address Correction Requested

Published 6 times a year Printed in Canada

Li. THE

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

Isaiah

1 THOUGHT IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME, BUT NOT ANYMORE...'

The title of this article are words spoken by acounsellor, Sasha, who was present at a children'scamp that GMRM sponsored June 29 - July 4 inBelarus. He went on to tell us that In the past heused to think that Christian camps for children werenothing but fun only. "Now I understand that childrenreally do decide to follow Christ in the setting of suchcamps," he stated. We conducted this particularcamp in cooperation with Bethany Church of Kobryn.The church brought children to the camp from theirSunday Bible School and from surrounding villages.Also, our friends from Minsk sent a group of 42 children. All totalled some105 children attendedthe 10-day event.

And what a blessing it was! The directorand counselors askedfor our active inputthrough suggestionsand teaching sessions.It was great having ouryoung friend from Toronto, Andrew Praha-lad, take an active rolein teaching both theBible and sports. Weteamed up with localleaders to teach thechildren who Christ isto the believer: the living bread, the light, ourgreat shepherd andfriend. When an invitation was given to repent andaccept Jesus as personal Saviour and Lord, some 40of the 105 campers responded. We can only say,"We thank and praise you, Lord, for working in theseyoung hearts." Please pray for them as these arenow being taught further in the faith and in theirChristian growth by those churches that they attend.

Following the camp, one mother came up to uswith her daughter that had attended and with tears Inher eyes stated, "Brothers, I just want to thank youvery, very much for providing for the camp. Mydaughter has returned a changed person. Over the10-day period she has grown so much in her

Christian life. May God bless you as you serve Himand our children In such a wonderful way." This Is living proof of God's mighty working in young lives.

And, friends, please accept such thanks from ourfriends. It was also your funds and your prayers thatmade this possible. We are, indeed, partners with ourChristian friends in Belarus, Ukraine and Poland. Theyoung lives of those that responded for the first timeto the Lord's call and of those that grew in their faithwill continue to be a witness of God's power.

Please remember to pray for the ministry of othersuch camps where we, the staff of GMRM, could not

be physically present,but very much Involvedfinancially. For example. In Lutsk, Ukraine,two week-long DailyVacation Bible Schoolsin June were conducted. Also, in Nikolaev,Ukraine, a week-longcamp in the middle ofJuly will be run for 10to 15 year old campers. A whole summer's worth of programs are planned atCamp Christian locatednext to the city of Ost-ruda, Poland.

Already we arereceiving reports ofmost encouraging re

sults. The Lord Is using this medium to reach out toyoung people. Many children come from non-Christian homes and give their hearts to the Lordthen bring their parents to church. Again, we thankyou for your part, friends. We are still in need of substantial funds to come in to cover all costs related tothese camps. We ask for your kind support for thesecamps since we had to provide funds in advanceand, thus, need to replenish our general fund. Pleasesend your contribution to GMRM with the designationof "Camp Ministries."

We thank you for your continued support. So doyour friends in Europe!

Sasha, a convinced counsellor,with boys from his cabin

VOLUME 19 JULY-AUGUST 1996 NO. 4

MEMORIALS

IN MEMOR Y OF/ Given byMOTHER

BENJAMIN BAJENSta

Elsie Tabak

David & Margaret EubanksSam & Gwen Stone

ALICE (POSNIKOFF) HUMINYThe Posnlkoff Family

EMIL & ERNA ROSSOLNicholas & Peggy Messersmlth

IN HONOR OF/Given byFRIEDA ROSSOL

Nicholas & Peggy Messersmlth

CAMP LIFEA TIME FOR

FUN AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

A happy camper

GMRM's coworkers andcamp leaders from Lutsk, Ukraine

Campers who committedtheir lives to Jesus

Last evening of campfire devotions,songs, poetry and skits

Campers challenging oneanother In group game fun

BAPTISM BY THE RIVER

What a wonderful day it should be, the day that 12people from Good News Church in Minsk, Belarus,will be baptized! That is what we all thought onFriday night, June 28. But Saturday morning, as wegot up, our spirits were a bit dampenedheavyclouds covered Minsk and It was raining. I know thatmany people prayed, "Lord, please stop the rain forour baptismal service."

And guess what, it did stop raining in time for theservice to take place In the mid-afternoon beside theriver. A couple of tents were set up to serve aschanging rooms. The temperature was a mild 18degrees Centigrade. The natural setting was simple,delightful and calm.

The congregation sang songs of joy. Prayers ofthanksgiving were offered for God's working in thelives of those that were preparing to be baptized.The preacher talked about how baptism so beautifully depicts our "dying to the old life" and "being raisedwith Christ to a new life of godliness." Five ladieswere baptized first. Each baptism was interspersedwith a verse of a hymn. Then seven men followed.After they all changed, the newly-baptized werehanded flowers and gathered at the riverbank for apicture. It was so beautiful and inspiring. And as weall started heading back, it began to pour rain again.God did answer our prayer! But there was more.

We all went to the church building for a mealtogether. You should have heard the testimonies ofthe newly-baptized! Almost in all cases they camefrom non-believing backgrounds. Take the case ofone such brother. He told how he had heard suchawful things about this sect of Christians. They "sacrificed children" and the like. But a friend invited himto come and see how normal and loving they reallywere. He was greatly surprised by what he saw.They prayed to God as to a Friend. God seemed soclose. After some time, he too believed in Jesus.Yes, God came to each one in his or her own way.How touching it all was to us. God certainly Is In thebusiness of changing lives today! All praise to Him!

"O, happy day... when Jesus washed my sins awayl"

EVANGELISM THROUGH MUSIC IN BELARUS

MIssIa Musica sings to the glory of God

From June 29 to July 6 a group of 19 Christianmusicians and singers came from Poland to Belarusto present a musical program in several churches. Allmembers of this group belong to "Missia Musica," aPolish music mission. These are accomplished musicians and singers that have joined their talents topraise the Lord in song and testimony. MissiaMusica's goal is to present the Gospel through thismedium. They have made evangelistic trips to several East European countries.

This year, through GMRM's invitation and financial undergirding, they came to Belarus for the firsttime. How were they received? With great enthusiasm! This is important because the style of musicand singing of "Missia Musica" is more contemporary. The traditional Bible-believing churches ofBelarus use a completely different style of music(slower pace, often in a minor key). In Brest thepreacher of the church was present as the groupwas "warming up." Having listened to a number ortwo, he came to one of us and jokingly asked: "Andwill they dance, too?" "No," I answered with a wrysmile. Often Christians from Belarus, Russia andUkraine feel that Christian songs must be sungaccording to the style that they and their parents hadgrown up with in their churches. Things such as theuse of all sorts of instruments including drums andbase guitar somehow were frowned upon. However,once "Missia Musica's" program was over, that pastor in Brest could not thank the singers and musicians enough. He invited them to come again.

Why was this so? Because the content of thesongs and personal testimonies of the participantsspoke of the Lord in such a powerful way. They didthis in many congregations, even in Gorky Park inthe city of Minsk. In several churches peopleresponded at the end of the program in repentance.God used "Missia Musica" in a astoundingly uniqueway and. Lord willing, we plan to use them again inevangelistic outreach to the peoples of the formerSoviet Union.

MY IMPRESSIONSby Andrew Prahalad

Andrew Prahalad and George RepetskIministering at children's camp

Andrew Prahalad is a young Christian from Toronto,Canada, that took up the challenge to be used byGod to minister to the children of Belarus and Polandat the camp programs. We thought you would like tohear some of his impressions of his ministry afterbeing in Belarus:

Where does one find a word that describes a potent, moving and heart wrenching experience? I certainly am bereft of any such word because the diversity of experiences which I witnessed and became apart of cannot be easily summed up into one neatlypackaged statement or word. In fact, only one ideaor statement could scratch the surface of my experiences..."God's Spirit is moving in the country ofBelarus".

During my stay in Belarus I practised threeimportant procedures to insure my understandingand total awareness of Belarusian culture and lifestyleobser>/e, record and reflect. God used thismethod to reveal to me some very powerful observations which shaped my entire outlook on missions.

The first of these observations was the attitude ofthe people in Belarus. The people of this countryhave experienced many hard times politically, economically and socially, and are still involuntarily participating in these difficult times.

The first simple contributing factor to this is thegovernment. Under the communist government,

Belarus has been destroyed 13 times in the country'shistory, thus forcing many generations to constantlyrestart life. Economically, Belarus has been a countryof poverty. Many are forced to rely on what their gardens produce in order to survive. Socially, Belarushas opened up to the ideas and lifestyle of theWestern World, promoting and facilitating manyproblems, amongst which alcoholism, narcotics andpromiscuity are prominent. Finally, the religious life ofthe country has been a situation directly connectedto the above mentioned factors. Bible-believingChristianity has been labelled as "cultic" and theOrthodox church has increased in power.

Yet, despite all the mentioned above, the Spirit ofGod has moved within the borders of this country inan indescribable way. Many young church leadersare beginning to emerge and new congregations arebeing planted. The population of Belarus is approximately 10 million, 20,000 of which are evangelicals.Although the numbers are few, those few are strong.I have encountered many strong, devoted and faithful believers who have visions of revival in this country. There are 6 evangelical churches in Minsk and 2more under construction that I am aware of.Although the numbers do not favour our brethren,the gaze of God is upon Belarus, and consequently,so the heart of God will follow.

It is my belief that God's Spirit will move acrossthis land and that His right hand of blessing andhealing will surely follow. The brethren here arestrong and on fire. They are in the lions' den, butthey will know victory because of their faith. Never inmy Christian life's experience have 1 seen a moredetermined and spiritually hungry people. The needfor evangelism is understood and many are beginning to heed the call to spiritual battle.

I participated in a two-week youth camp, spoke 8times in 6 churches, attended 1 baptism and 1 communion service. No greater blessing have I everreceived than attending these functions. The Spirit ofGod orchestrated an outpouring of grace which sawabout 50 people repent, 40 of which were children atthe Kobryn camp.

During my brief stay I was repeatedly asked if Iwould return or consider staying here in Belarus. Itell you this, there is no other place I would rather bethan where the Spirit of God is moving. And if God isgoing to move in BelarusI am talking about revival,a real outpouring of His Spiritthen 'yss' I want tobe there. I want to be back in Belarus as soon as Ican and for as long as I can.

GMRM Missionaries: George & Vera Bajenski, George Repetskt, Paul DiatelGlobal Missionary Radio Ministries 4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W4X9

Tel. (905) 564-3578 Fax. (905) 564-6732Fonvarding USA address: Box 104 Geneva, Olio 44041 Address Correction Requested

Published 6 times a year Printed in Canada

THE

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

Isaiah

GMRM'S EUROPEAN EVANGELISM

Radio, literature, youth camps, benevolentassistance, lectures, conferences, visitation,short-term mission assignmentthese are justsome of our mission involvements by which weassist local believers in Poland, Belarus andUkraine in their efforts to reach unchurchedpeople with the Gospel.

Each year we come here not as all-knowingmasters with unlimited financial resources,ready to buy everything with money. We alsodo not come to these post-communist democracies with a new religion, for truly Bible truthsare well preserved In these lands. But we gladly come here as servants of the Lord willing towork in a partnership relationship with localbelievers, sharing the good news of salvation

with many searching souls.At the end of each summer season our hearts

are full of joy and thanksgiving for we are ableto witness and feel as the Church of our LordJesus Christ is growing here. We can clearlysee what apostle Peter bravely spoke about inCornelius' house (Acts 10:34) that God indeeddoes not show favourtism but accepts menfrom every nation who fear him and do what isright.

Friends, there is no such thing before God asa Canadian or American Church, a Polish orRussian Church. We are all one body in ChristJesus. Oh how wonderful it looks; if we couldonly see the Church as God sees it.

We claim no credit for the success of ourefforts. We do not prescribe any accomplishments to our organization or us, as a matter offact, to any particular denomination, for we arejust His servants,Christians. Therefore, allglory, praise and honour we give to Jesus...and to you, our dear Friends and supporters,who so faithfully pray and send us your loveofferings and monthly contributions for our support and on-going ministry. We just say an eternal "thank you!"

Great Moments in Our Summer Ministry

The summer of 1996 was once again a verybusy and fruitful one. Three of our GMRM missionaries, George Repetski, George and VeraBajenski, spent a considerable amount of timein Europe. Between the three countries of our

VOLUME 19 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 1996 NO. 5

involvement we were Involved in organizing 12weeks of church camps, one vacation BibleSchool, two large church conferences, severalBible lectures and evangelistic meetings andmany individual discussions and prayer groups.The immediate results and statistics are veryencouraging but only God knows the full impactof this ministry. However, we can safely say thatseveral thousand different people were touchedby the Gospel throughout our ministry this summer.

1) We conducted an evangelistic meeting in

one Belarusian village near the Polish border.There used to be in that village one OrthodoxChurch and an evangelical House of Prayer.Now people are praying and asking to helpthem to start a new church.

2) In another village were preached to a largegroup of people who were standing out on thestreet in front of their village church building.We were about ready to start a prayer and invitation time when suddenly several cows thatwere returning home from the pasture enteredour meeting. I had to stop preaching for a few

minutes. As soon as the dust settled down weresumed our service.

3) Another service was conducted in a smallcity in Western Belarus. The authorities of thiscity had just recently returned to a group ofbelievers their House of Prayer that previouslywas confiscated. Their music, joy and enthusiasm in praising the Lord was overwhelming.

4) A young boy from Minsk brought his grandfather to church for the first time on the day thathis grandmother died. Both of them were comforted by the Lord and encouraged by thechurch and returned home with peace.

5) Andrew K. is a young Christian who isassisting us in youth ministry at Ostruda Campin Poland. How happy he was and all of uswhen his mother gave her life to the Lord thissummer during Family Camp at Ostruda.

6) For 10 days during our August Bible andMusic Camp in Ostruda we had a special groupof gueststen Jewish ladies from Belarus.They sang with us, prayed and worshiped theLord. Together we learned more about theirMessiah and our Lord, Jesus Christ. They werevery open to the Gospel and thanked us for theopportunity of being with us.

7) During Family Week at Ostruda Camp wehad a special guest visit usa Christian gentleman who is 80+ years old, Mr. MorganGriffith from Ohio. He came by himself to minister to children and adults with his Bible andmissionary stories.

9) Very unexpectedly George Bajenski's fami

ly in Poland had to conduct a funeral service inAugust. George's brother-in-law, Zenon, husband of Dona, went to be with the Lord. Donacontinues to be very active in our mission andchurch activities in Warsaw. It was good to be

together with family during this time of sadness.

Songbook Printed

We are thankful to the Lord for the fact that inJune of this year a songbook paid for by GMRMwas printed in Lutsk, Ukraine. Our Ukrainiancoworker, Paul Diatel, translated around 100Christian hymns from English and Spanish intoUkrainian. Last year we made arrangements tohave these songs typeset on computer by theMusic Department of the Irpen TheologicalSeminary located near Kiev. They completedthe job in April and in June it was printed by aChristian printer in Lutsk. And now the song-

m

book is being distributed among the churchesof Ukraine. Already many people haveexpressed their deepest thanks and joy for thesongbook. Most of the songs are completelynew to the Christians of Ukraine. They will besung by choirs, smaller groups and soloists. Itis our prayer that the Lord will use this hymnalto His glory and for the salvation of many souls.

Looking for New Radio Opportunities

The political situation in Belarus continues tochange. The present government has closeddown the only functioning private FM station inMinsk. This is the station that GMRM's Bela-rusian programs were being broadcast with theparticipation of local believers there. Since thisopportunity has closed, we are now looking tobroadcasting from Vilnius, Lithuania, into Belarus and Russia. Please pray for success in thisarea. Some of our friends from Vilnius havealready contacted us and told us of this newopportunity. George Bajenski, being in Poland,will travel to Vilnius to make arrangements forthis new opportunity of broadcasting.

GMRM at the NationalMissionary Convention

GMRM wiil be present at tiie NationaiMissionary Convention from November1 -3, 1996, in Lexington, Kentucky, ifyou are planning to come to the convention, then we would invite you tocome by and stop by our exhibit booth.GMRfvl's exhibit booth's number wiil be709. Looking fonward to a visit with you.

MEMORIALS

IN MEMORYOF/Given by

BENJAMIN BAJENSKIMary Prociuk

FRED SHAkOTKOOlga Shakotko

ELLA MILLER

Howard Millar

MR. S MRS. JOHN HUK, SR.Mary Prociuk

GMRM Missionaries: George & Vera Bajenski, George Repetski, Paul DiatelGlobal Missionary Radio Ministries

4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W4X9Tel. (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

THE

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

Isaiah

PREPARING THE WAY... Duringthis time of

the year we oftenhear the following

words from Scripture:"A voice of one calling In

the desert: 'Prepare the wayfor the Lord'..." (Luke 3:4-6).

And so, we are "preparing"decorating our homes, shopping,

singing, cooking, having partiesall

JESUS IS COMING!

VOLUME 19

x!-

the way until December 25. For this isChristmas, we say, and we try to remember

Jesus' birth, His childhood, His ministry, Hisdeath and triumphal resurrection. Somehow all of

these historical facts are brought closer to us during^ this season, for Jesus is the reason for the season. He

came to save us. How thankful we are that He came! J}-But there is yet more to this story as we continue to

read: "...prepare the way for the Lord, make a straight pathfor Him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and ^

hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the ^rough ways smooth; and all mankind will see God's salvation."

You see, Jesus, the Mighty God, is coming again, but this timeHe is coming to claim wtiat is His. He came the first time as a child

In Bethlehem, the Lamb of God, but now He is coming as a roaringLion, as the King of kings, to establish His ever expanding peaceful

government that will never end. When He comes. He will rule with perfectfairness and justice. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations

of the world (Isaiah 9). Oh, how this new order is needed In our world today.Thus, as we Joyfully celebrate Christmas this year, let us set our minds on Jesus,

unfolding for Him the best of our Ilves, preparing the way, making everything rightand straight... for He Is comlngi Of that we can be one hundred percent certain!

Merry Christmas!and

Maranathal

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 1996

4-

NO. 6

CHRISnVIAS WISHES FROMGEORGE AND VERA BAJENSKI

To all our friends, missionary partnersand casual readers of this "Crier" issue, wewish for this Christmas season to be a special time of reflection and celebration foryou. May the joy of heaven which alreadyonce filled the fields of Bethlehem, fill yourhearts and homes, as you share thosewonderful moments with each other thisyear.

But as you prepare for this happy occasion, consider the advice given to us by theapostle Paul: "Set your heart on thingsabove, where Christ is sitting at the righthand of God. Set your mind on thingsabove, not on earthly things" (Col. 3). Yousee, this holy Child who was born inBethlehem is now sealed beside God theFather and He is going to appear again, asPaul continues to write. When He comesthe second time. He wants us to share withHim in His glory. This truly will be the greatest celebration of Christ's birth, death andresurrection. We will be there, surroundedby hosts of angels praising Him, with ail ofGod's family who will be thanking Him forail that He has done for us. Are you able to

imagine something more magnificent thanthat? Think on these things as you celebrate this Christmas.

Yours because of Him,George and Vera Bajenski

Just a couple more highlights from ourlives this year. Throughout the past yearswe often would comment how special itwould be to see Jerusalem, Bethlehem,Nazareth and other places where Jesuswalked. So we continued to dream, but thissummer some Christian friends gave usjust such an opportunity to see this 3,000year old city of Jerusalem. I could not helpbut sing the song, "I Walked Today WhereJesus Walked," over and over again. Welearned many valuable lessons. It helpedus to better understand some teaching fromthe Scriptures. I think that now we know alittle more about what it means to pray forthe peace of Jerusalem. It was a true highlight for us.

Another meaningful event took place inPoland. It relates to our involvement withthe youth work at the Ostruda Camp. Againthis year we had over a thousand peopleattend various camp programs, conferences and church meetings. There weremany decisions for Christ and new friendships developed. We had perhaps thelargest number of guests from other countries visiting us this summer. But one special event that will not be repeated was the25th Anniversary of the Ostruda Camp ministry. It was an exciting and moving experience for me. We reunited with manycampers from twenty and more years ago.We recalled the humble beginnings of thisministry we started. We thanked the Lordfor protecting us and blessing our efforts tobuild and strengthen His Church in Poland.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGSFROM THE REPETSKIS

Here are some words from Scripturethat befit Christmas very well, yet onewould be hard-pressed to hear them readduring the Christmas season. In the Epistleto the Hebrews 10:5-7 we read: "WhenChrist came into the world, he said:'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,but a body you prepared for me; with bumtofferings and sin offerings you were notpleased. Then I said: 'Here I amit is written about me in the scrollI have come todo your will, o God'" (NIV). When we, asbelievers, read these words and relatethem to Christmas, we realize that they docontain special meaning for us. Jesuscame to present himself as a sacrifice forus. In order to do that, he had to take on theform of a human body. He became like us.It boggles the mind as one realizes thatJesus, a part of the Godhead, becameman. He suffered and offered his body asthe perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins.There Is nothing like it In the world. TheChristian message is unique. It Is the truth.

Our mandate is to go and make disciples of Christ In all nations, baptizing themIn the Lord's name and teaching them toobserve all that he has taught (Mat.28:19-20). This is an act of our obedienceto the call of Jesus. So, in our festivities let

us recall the tremendous significance ofChrist's coming and our role, as individuals,in spreading the Gospel message. This Isour goal at GMRM and we want to thankyou for partnering with us in working outJesus' command.

We, the RepetskisGeorge, Lucille,Tim and Ian, wish you a blessed and joyousChristmas. We thank you for rememberingus in your prayers throughout 1996. In afew words we want you to know that all ofus are doing well.

Lucille continues to work at two part-time jobs and is enjoying them. As we writethese words we must say that one of herpart-time jobs may terminate at the end of1996. In any event we will continue to tnjstthe Lord for further guidance.

Elder son Tim is now in his third year ofstudy at York University in Toronto. He student teaches one day of the week. He willneed to study another two years at York tocomplete his arts and education degrees.

Ian is In his final year of high schooland, at the moment, is not certain what heshould do upon completion. We will continue to pray about that matter.

George enjoys his work with GMRf\/l,preparing the typesetting and editing a Be-larusian version of the Bible as one of hispresent projects.

Once again we wish you God's peaceand joy as you celebrate Jesus' coming.May he fill you with his presence aridpower.

Sincerely,A :.***" The Repetskis

CHRISTMAS GREETINGSFROM THE DIATELS

My family and I would like to wish allreaders of 'The Crier" God's richest blessings during this Christmas season.

I would like to share my joy concerningthe fact that in 1996 a Ukrainian songbookcalled, New Life, on which I worked, waspublished in Ukraine. It has been distributed in the country and many churches andchoirs are now using it. I am thankful to theLord that he has brought me to my 71styear of life. Although this is officially retirement age, I continue to translate moresongs into Ukrainian for the second song-book of a series.

The cassette ministry continues as I prepare cassettes that we send out to variouslisteners. Christian radio workers in Ukraineare using them from time to time as part oftheir programing.

I am excited about reading the NewTestament In Ukrainian on cassette. Thesetapes will be sent out, upon request, to

Ukraine and other parts of the world.Mywife, Lydia, and Icontinue to trust the

Lord for the future. The Lord's richest blessings to all of you.

Sincerely,Paul and Lydia Diatel

LIVING MEMORIALS

m

In memory of/Given by

Harasim SacharAnastasia Sachar

Fred G. PosnikoffPosnikoff Family

Nick & Nellie YacknowecJohn & Helen Martin

Paul BrucklJohn & Helen Martin

Benjamin BajensklGeorge & Lucille RepetskiFrist Christian Church,

Springfield, OhioRuth Huk

My Grandmother's people andout of love for her

Valentine Wagoner

David & Mary MakslmowNadia Maksimow

John Huk, Jr.Ruth Huk

GMRM Missionaries: George & Vera Bajensid, George Repetski. Paul DiatelGlobal Missionary Radio Ministries

4141 Dixie Road, Box 20 Misslssauga, 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