Iranian Refugees, Ukraine, Congo, Kosovo opportunity, May 2008
The work of supporting the various needs of our brave brothers and sisters from Iran continues. Thanks to the generosity of brethren and sisters, we've been able to support Brother Ali, who fled to Turkey 18 months ago from death threats in Iran. His situation has been referred to from time to time in these reports. We're delighted to tell you that the United Nations have accepted his case as genuine and he is now in process of being transferred to a Western country. He writes [through translation]:
"Miss Caroline head of UNHCR called me to congratulation my acceptance and asked me few questions ... I have to say that I am really appreciated your help and support and all those that respond your call to help us in this hard days. God be with you and all our brother and sisters all around the world. Thanks my dear brother and thanks our Lord, It was your prays and other brothers and sister and God will . I am appriciated for your help and support for this times.
God bless you
Your brother Ali"
The terrible situation in Iran is ongoing and we do have brothers and sisters in real fear for their lives who are still so bravely preaching the Gospel. We are putting together some of the material we have in video format, and invite you to view it and share it with others. You can view what we've done so far at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOed0UUHH4o
MURDER OF BR. VALERIJ ISMAILOV IN UKRAINE
We were shocked to hear that Br Valerij Ismailov was murdered in Poltava recently. Apparently over an allegation that he had taken old flowers from a war cemetry to re-sell. Valerij was a contact of Ludmila and Valerij Chernyahovets in Poltava. He was baptized at the Kazan, Russia Bible School in December 2004 and subsequently attended the Poltava ecclesia and Bible Schools. "Blessed are they that die in the Lord". There are far too many guns around over here and this kind of killing is sadly quite common. Sister Ludmila informs us that he was murdered not far from where she works, and there was an article in the local newspaper which mentioned his faith.
You can see from the following that Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belarus are all in the top 10 world countries for murder- so please do remember the brothers and sisters who live in such situations. Although walking around here one wouldn't get that impression, a lot goes on behind the scenes.
TOP TEN COUNTRIES FOR HOMICIDE, 2003
- Colombia ....... 63
- South Africa .. 51
- Jamaica ........ 32
- Venezuela ..... 32
- Russia ......... 19
- Mexico ........ 13
- Lithuania ..... 10
- Estonia ....... 10
- Latvia ......... 10
- Belarus ........ 9
from http://www.benbest.com/lifeext/murder.html Obviously prayers are required for the rather shaken community in Poltava.
Valerij's baptism in Kazan, Dec. 2004 [you can see dear Sis Ludmila Kuritsyna on the left in the first photo]
Valerij's first breaking of bread / receiving into fellowship:
Valerij at the Kazan Bible School [2nd from right, circled]
Valerij at the Poltava Bible School
CONGO
Carelink readers will recall the tragic case of the sister who is languishing in hospital in Eastern Congo, having been raped and with her arm almost severed from being hacked at with machettes. Her son [pictured] stays in the hospital with her. We've heard from a local brother that her wounds haven't responded well to the limited treatment available, and gangrene has set in. Please do pray for her and for the whole situation there.
Here are some file photos of her from the last visit made there:
KOSOVO OPPORTUNITY
God willing, we're planning on driving aid down from Latvia to Kosovo some this Summer, God willing. This would be a trip from the north to the south of Europe; and it struck us that it'd be a great opportunity for anyone who wanted to come over and see some of Europe's most fascinating territory, including Auschwitz, Bosnia etc. So, any who are interested who would be so welcome to come along with us- do get in touch.
We're pleased to report that the Carelinks 30 Day Chicken projects are beginning. Here's brother Dani with some of the day old chicks and the feeding mechanism:
Brother Dani [Ramadan] also has shared with us the possibility of constructing a small building on land belonging to his family in a village, and having 100 hens there. His idea is that the 100 eggs produced each day could be partly sold, partly incubated and sold as day old chicks or provided to those wishing to run the 30 day chicken fattening program; and partly given to brothers / sisters and contacts / local people in need. He thinks the project would cost 1000 Euro to set up. Our brother is of integrity and also has some experience raising chickens and dealing with hens from his youth on the farm.
Here he is with the family's hens on the land we would use:
We explained that we cannot guarantee the funds for this project; but if anyone would like to fund it, then we can gladly forward the funds and assist practically with the construction. So we pass it over to your prayerful consideration.
Here's a lovely letter recently received from one of the new sisters in Kosovo:
Dear my sister Cindy
First of all thank you very much for your coming to visit us in Kosovo. I am so glad to meet you again. I am grateful for your encourage for baptism. I am glad that I have new friend like you.
I had success in my exams this year, for this success I thank God. I pray for your studies and I know that you will have success.
I know for me is new beginning, I will help Dani in our ministry here in Kosovo. Ahead we have a lot of work to do for God. Of course for us will be easier if I will marry him. I believe we will be together soon, I have hope in my heart. We are praying; keep us in your prayer. You know our situation here is difficulties. But for us is easier because we believe in God and we have brothers and sisters like you, thank you for your trying to help us.
I will stay in touch with Agnesa, Mimoza and Egzona to encourage reading Bible every day, you know they are young and need to grow in faith.
Please pray when we are planning to share Gospel, pray for new fruits in Kosovo.
Let’s keep in touch.
Read: 1 John 4/13-17, Psalm 119/167, Jeremiah 29/12-14
Find attach pictures and materials to learn Albanian language.
God Bless you
Your sister
Dita
With love from your brothers and sisters of CCM