Eastern Mediterranean Report

To all the brothers and sisters in Austin, the disciples of Cyprus, Turkey and Israel send their greetings! Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of an exciting work. The Austin church has been devoted to supporting missions since it’s beginning in 1995. Over the years we have supported mission work in Texas, Russia, Ukraine, the Baltics and the Middle East. This year marks a change in the way in which we support missions. Rather than contributing to a “Mission Society” or “World Sector” as we have done in the past, together with the Central Jersey Church, we’ll begin directly supporting the churches in Cyprus, Turkey and Israel. This is a very exciting and faith-stretching development as it calls us to shoulder the responsibility of evangelizing this world in a very real way.

God has always found a way to put us in some of the most “impossible” situations. When the first mission team went to Russia in 1991, no one dreamed that there would be dozens of churches and over 10,000 disciples in what was the USSR! We face an equal, or perhaps even greater challenge with the countries we are calling the Eastern Mediterranean. The disciples in each of these churches face the daunting challenge of testifying to Christ in a culture where not only is it frowned upon, but it is illegal to do so. Nonetheless, they have persevered through rejection from their countrymen and have persevered through deep cuts in funding from support churches in the US. 2 of the 4 church leaders serve the church and hold secular jobs.

While the particulars of their needs will be presented to the congregation during the service today, let us all heed the call to be constantly in prayer for our brothers and sisters. Pray for workers; pray for open doors. Financially, the weakening dollar poses a huge problem as money sent from here has lost 30% of its value over the past 2 years. While the budget for the two churches was $50,000 two years ago, it will take $70,000 to accomplish the same thing in today’s economy. Please pray and consider carefully what you can contribute to the cause as we collect a special offering for them on May 18th. Our stated goal is $65,000 though sadly, this will not be enough. I believe God will bless the churches in the Eastern Mediterranean through the generosity and love of the Austin disciples.

Let us consider that it will take all of us giving at least 10 times a normal weekly contribution to meet their needs. Let us give generously because we know that God loves a cheerful giver! To God, be the glory!