Pakistan murder, Medical, Italy March 2009
Paul wrote to the Corinthians of how generosity to others leads to those who witness it being thankful to God and in turn praying and caring for others:
"For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you" (2 Cor. 9:12-14).
This was witnessed this Sunday at the Riga ecclesia, when Sister Tanya [wearing dark glasses after the operation, seated far right] shared with the ecclesia her deep gratitude for having her sight saved; and there was quite spontaneous thanks to God from her sister friends:
However, the financial crisis is biting very deep in Eastern Europe. A realistic and accurate insight into the financial crisis in Russia is to be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7973084.stm . The BBC report how literally millions of workers have been laid off in recent months- and bear in mind the total population of Russia is only 142 million. The report enables you to see the situation that so many of our brethren and sisters in Russia, Ukraine and elsewhere are living in at the moment. We're regularly sending assistance to one here and one there, especially the elderly and those without families, as the inability to buy food and medication is a very real issue for more and more.
Cindy's doing a great job in trying to care for medical needs, and she wonders if anyone could send over an electronic blood pressure meter. Over 50% of deaths in the former USSR are from cardiovascular issues. If anyone has one or is willing to obtain one, please contact her direct at cindy@apollo.lv
PAKISTAN
We've received the following sad news from Brother Steve Cook:
"I received some very sad and shocking news today from Pakistan. A young brother, Amir Yousuf, has been killed in a hand-grenade attack in Turbat, Balochistan. Brother Amir was 24 years of age. He was baptized in 2005. Amir was from Punjab province in Pakistan and had gone to Turbat six months ago and was working as a painter. The grenade attack was carried out by members of the Balochistan Liberation Army which has been targetting settlers from Punjab and accusing them of spying for the government. This is their first attack on Punjabi Christians. This is a great loss and very tragic news for us and for Amir's parents and brothers and sisters. He belonged to a very poor family and that is why he dared to go to the other end of country to help his family just six months earlier. His parents have requested his fellow-workers (Christians from other parts of Punjab working in Turbat) to bring his body to his native village in Sahiwal - a distance of more than 1800 KM.
Urgent meetings of the brothers and sisters in Pakistan have been called to pray for Amir's family. Please join us in praying for them".
ITALY
For some time we've enjoyed tutoring FESTUS and PETER in their studies of Bible Basics. They run a small group of around 25 people in Napoli [Naples]. They are exceptionally humble to God's word, and it was a pleasure to visit them recently. Festus had rejected the trinity a while back, and had come closer and closer to the Truth through reading the Bible- he has a phenomenal familiarity with the Bible- and the use of Strong's concordance.
Here's his small library, perched on a radiator in his room:
It's so encouraging that by sincere Bible reading, people come to the Truth if they have humility.
Festus went right through the Bible Basics course and gave 100% correct answers to all the questions; he presented us with a final sheaf of answers which we checked through. It may seem that baptisms happen so easily, but this gives an insight into the long process of thought and study which there is in the lives of our baptismal candidates :
We find the multiple choice questions usually enable us to see whether folk are still influenced by the many theological misunderstandings which there are around, but Festus has really grasped the Truth so very thoroughly.
Here's Festus emerging from the bath tub after his baptism- a real climax for him of his devotion to the Father and Son and their word:
He and his friend Peter take their responsibilities to the rest of their group very seriously, and we prayed together intensely for God's blessing upon the work they have before them of continuing teaching the others with a view to their baptisms.
Here we are intently praying for God's blessing upon Peter's ministry in the Truth as he too emerged from the bath tub:
Our wonderful backup team in London UK are rushing out multiple copies of Bible Basics for them to teach their group with- here they are being wrapped up for mailing:
We're hoping to make another visit to them and we ask for your prayers, as it seems that slowly the Lord is raising up an entire ecclesia in Naples. Any interested in visiting with us are welcome to contact us at info@carelinks.net
With love from your brothers and sisters of Carelinks