An Unbelievable Place
Phyllis York

Kazakhstan, what an unbelievable place! A place that has been known for its darkness and depression is now coming alive with the gospel of Jesus Christ, thanks to the determined efforts of the believers at Bible Mission. These believers do not let anything hold them back, not even the flu. When you have been suppressed from sharing the gospel for years, you have a different perspective on hindrances. The keen awareness that the people around them are lost and in need of the Savior was evident everywhere we went, even in the westernized mall we visited.

The churches in Kazakhstan are actively involved in reaching the unchurched children in their communities. At each church there were many, many children accompanied by parents that attended the Joy of Christmas Program who did not normally participate in church activities. Paul Hagelgans, Central Asian Field Director, Bible Mission International, Inc., said, “ If we can reach the children, we will in turn reach their mamas and then in turn reach their dads.”  The combined efforts of both the churches and the Mission are doing just that, reaching children in order to reach moms and dads. 

Tired, yes, they are tired. Discouraged—no! I’m reminded of the Scripture in I Cor. 10:13, “No temptation (quit, slow down, give up), has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” And that is what the believers of Kazakhstan do—look for the way of escape for every roadblock.