This a a call to prayer for refugees from the Russian-Georgian conflict and the churches and Next Generation Christians caring for them.

Peter Deyneka Russian Ministries calls upon the churches and people of the world to pray for the grieving families and thousands of displaced people in the wake of last week’s clash between Russia and Georgia. There may be 180,000 refugees in Georgia and 40,000-50,000 refugees in South and North Ossetia. Massive aid is needed by both sides. The US and international organizations are shipping relief supplies to Georgia, but are restricted from sending relief assistance to North Ossetia and areas of South Ossetia under Russian control.

Many of the refugees are near Belsan, the site of the terrorist murders at the Beslan School in 2004. Christians there who suffered so greatly and believers in other regions of North Ossetia want to reach out to the thousands of suffering, homeless people almost at their doorstep. They are doing all they can but need funds to buy food, clothing, and other supplies for the refugees, which will be given by national Christians and churches with the love and compassion of Jesus. Please pray for the funds needed to purchase emergency supplies and Christian literature for the refugees.

Pray for God to use the caring outreach of churches and Next Generation Christians to break through ethnic barriers of race and the horrors of war with the peace of Christ. In North Ossetia, of the 35,000-50,000 refugees who have fled there for safety, an estimated 5,000 refugee children from South Ossetia are currently housed in schools, orphanages and Internats. Some of these children are with their parents; others are not. Pray for local churches and Next Generation Christians as they reach out to these refugee children.

In a region of the world where the rates of new HIV infections continue to rise, there is often little hope for people living with HIV/AIDS.

That is why young Next Generation Christian leaders in Chisinau, Moldova are intentional about addressing some of their country’s pressing social problems through the Beginning of Life Center in Chisinau.

In July, a team from the center held a five-day camp for 67 adults and children who are living with HIV/AIDS. The camp not only provided friendship and activities, but also an opportunity for campers to discover the hope of God and learn from His Word.

After the first day’s Bible study on Zacchaeus, Ludmila could identify with Zacchaeus’ isolation. “When my friends and relatives found out that I had AIDS, they left me,” Ludmila declares, “but here in this camp no one avoids me because I have AIDS.”

After a look in the gospels, Ludmila commented, “It seemed that it was me in that tree, and God invited me to come down and share the time of fellowship with Him.”

Surrounded by caring young Next Generation Christian leaders, Ludmila discovered “on the very first day that I am important to God and He accepts me the way I am!”

As camp staff shared their personal stories of faith, Olga reflected on her life, “What an interesting people we are. [For us] to hear God we wait till He forces us to stop. Why didn’t I listen to my mother and my grandma who told me about God? It seems that I had to go through everything, through drugs and only stop when I found out about my disease. I know that it wasn’t God who punished me. Now I hear about God, and I understand how much I need Him.”

The last day of camp, the campers participated in a “Calvary Way,” where campers went from station to station that described the Last Supper, Jesus in Gethsemane, Peter’s denial, Jesus’ trial before Pilate and finally the Cross. It was a powerful experience that helped many campers turn to Christ.

Before Natasha left camp, she jotted this note to the staff, which best describes the ministry of these compassionate, young Next Generation Christians in Chisinau.

“Thank you very much for this wonderful time of rest. People like you make our life brighter, better and happier. I thank the Lord that He made Himself known to me through you. I am grateful for your encouragement, since with you my life became more peaceful. You became very close to my heart, and I know that when I feel bad, I can always come to you, talk to you, and I will feel better.”

To read more about the AIDS crisis in Russia, click here: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gNi5RtC-D-o6OmjIUFzVA81o7w5w

Russian Ministries’ in-country affilate, the Association for Spiritual Renewal, is passionate about puppets, and this was abundantly evident at the Puppet Festival that took place by the shores of the Sea of Azov in Ukraine.

In describing the purpose of the ministry, Sofia Gorbatiuk, who was part of the puppet festival team, said, “This is not just an excellent opportunity for Christian artistry, but it is a very effective means to witness to the secular world. Children are our future, and the puppet theater is a unique way to tell them about God and faith.”

Elena Milua, who conducted scriptwriting workshops at the puppet festival, wrote the following article.

They Came to Learn
By Elena Milua
Kiev, Ukraine
Editor of Pathways Magazine

Each of the puppet teams is unique, and each is needed and valuable because it conveys the good news about Christ to a dying world. We know that each team is actively involved in ministry. We heard amazing testimonies about presenting shows in Internats, hospitals, nursing homes and juvenile prisons. All of these performances are achieving one goal: to show people the way to God’s Kingdom.

No proof is needed to show that children love puppet shows. It is even difficult for adults to hide their emotions when fairy tales are brought to life on the stage. But these tales have meaning and wisdom behind them—the wisdom of God.

This was the first time I attended the Puppet Festival that the Association for Spiritual Renewal has held for six years. Sixty teams with 400 participants came from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Azerbaijan. Some of these teams were formed recently; others have been in existence for several years. Children are members of many of the teams, while other teams are made up of adults.

The shows presented during the five-day festival represented various topics and themes including Christmas shows, Bible stories, moral fables and fairy tales.

During the festival, we discussed topics such as: What is the difference between a miracle and magic? How should evil be portrayed on the stage in a way that does not make it too attractive for the viewer? How can biblical truths be included in the plot so that the plot affirms and explains those truths using the puppet show as a vehicle?

At the evening discussions, festival participants shared their opinions, which varied widely. But they were unanimous about one thing: these festivals are absolutely necessary for puppet teams.

Experienced and strong puppet theaters such as “Candle” from Zaporozhye, Ukraine, “Rainbow” from Odessa, Ukraine ,“God’s Colors” from Kislovodsk, Ukraine and others set the standard that the less experienced theaters strive toward. A valuable aspect of the festival was the generous sharing of ideas, scripts and other resources among teams.

Classes provided participants with the opportunity to improve their skills in the art of puppetry. These classes were taught by professional puppet theater actors and directors. I taught a seminar on scriptwriting during the festival.

During the festival we saw a variety of performances. The “Magic Lantern” theater from Sevastopol gave an effective presentation that used shadows along with live actors. The “Candle” Theater from Zaporozhye made a very vivid impression with its use of actors and marionettes.

But the undisputed favorite of the competition was the show presented by the theater from Makeeva called “My Enemy” which combined live actors with puppets. They used dramatic effects including a battle scene with very realistic weapons and a cannon that actually fired!

A theater from Kislovodsk simply charmed the audience with its surprise storyline, excellent puppet work, and the way that the personalities of the puppets came through in their voices, dialogue and humor.

I would also like to say a few words about the newer puppet theaters. The team from Samara won first place for its performance, “Believe in Miracles.” This team immediately won over the audience. Puppet theater teams from Dnepropetrovsk, Brovarov, Azov, Belaya Tserkov and Tyumen presented interesting shows that revealed a great amount of effort and artistry.

In July, 700 young people attended the Rovno (Ukraine) Youth Festival. While the majority of the young people were followers of Jesus, about a third were young people who didn’t know Christ and were curious about the festival.

Each day featured biblical teaching, workshops and team sports such as soccer, volleyball and Frisbee competitions. The theme of the festival was “The Life of Faith,” and young people were challenged to live a life of faith and produce positive fruit.

During the festival, some of the young people went into the nearby village to share the gospel. They helped the old, the physically challenged and the poor—encouraging them and sharing the good news. Later, several people from the village came to one of the open evening sessions and discovered more about God’s grace and love.

Festival organizers knew God was at work during the festival as they saw young people trust Christ for the first time, and many others make a stronger commitment to God. “All the time during the festival, the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of the young people,” said one young Next Generation Christian leader.

Here are some comments from a few of the young people who attended the festival.

It is my first time at the festival. Even though I’m not a Christian, I am very much impressed with what took place here. I enjoyed this time very much and I hope that it is not my last time at such a festival.

Actually, I didn’t expect that God would be working in our hearts with such strength. He talked to my heart, revealed a lot to me. I am grateful for all of you! May the Lord bless you!

The festival was great! I gained a lot of useful and valuable knowledge here that caused me to evaluate my faith and my personal relationship with God.

Left in the wake of the week-old conflict between Russia and Georgia are thousands of grieving and displaced men, women and children.

In North Ossetia, of the 35,000-50,000 refugees, an estimated 5,000 refugee children from South Ossetia are currently housed in schools, orphanages and Internats. Some of these children are with their parents; others are not.

Even as U.S. aid is arriving in Georgia, national churches in this Northern Caucasus region are mobilizing to help these displaced little ones and their families who have suffered the horrors or war.

For a map of the region click here:

http://www.npr.org/news/graphics/2008/aug/georgia_flash/georgia.html

For current news reports of the Russian-Georgian conflict, follow these links, which will be updated for your convenience.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL768040420080814

http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/428574.aspx

Both Russian and Georgian troops set fire to the violence that lies smoldering in the tinderbox region of the Northern Caucasus, specifically in South Ossetia. The conflict began late last week, and escalated over the weekend.

News sources now estimate that 1,500-2,000 people have been killed, and 40,000-50,000 of the 70,000 residents of South Ossetia may have fled their homes to North Ossetia and other parts of Georgia. They were promised safe passageway and refuge.

On Tuesday, Russia ordered a halt to the fighting, although Georgia insists there is still action.

As Georgian troops retreated from South Ossetia, conflict erupted in Abkhazia, a breakaway republic by the Black Sea.

Sergey Rakhuba, senior vice-president of Russian Ministries, explained that these ethnic areas of North and South Ossetia and other regions of the Caucasus have been trapped in territorial disputes for years, which flared again in the early 1990s. However, they had enjoyed comparatively peaceful times until a couple of years ago.

“It’s a hard issue to resolve,” said Rakhuba.

Sergey Rakhuba’s main concern is for the well-being of the refugees, many of them families and children.

“I am worried that international aid might not be allowed to get to the region because of politics,” said Rakhuba. “I also am praying that the authorities can come to a peaceful, diplomatic solution to this fighting, for the sake of the thousands of people who have already been killed and injured, and those who will be if this war continues.”

Rakhuba fears that the turmoil could drag on for a long time, especially with families wanting revenge for the civilians who were killed in the fighting.

He also received a report that three evangelical churches, with which Russian Ministries has worked, were damaged over the weekend in Zhinvali, South Ossetia.

Meanwhile, Gennady Terkun, Russian Ministries’ ministry director for the Northern Caucasus ministry center in Vladikavkaz, reports that young Next Generation Christian leaders are standing by to provide comfort and counsel to the grieving and displaced.

Terkun and his team are located in Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia, where refugees are pouring in. Many families in South Ossetia have lost what little they had to begin with.

In addition to its ongoing humanitarian assistance to this region, the Vladikavkaz ministry team is already planning additional aid, including medical assistance, food and crisis counseling.

Also, in Beslan—a city well-acquainted with violence and death—Russian Ministries’ center is prepared to welcome and assist at least 30-35 refugee families.

“I want to encourage believers to pray,” said Sergey Rakhuba. “Pray for the families and children trapped in the fighting. Also pray for Mikhail Saakashvili, president of Georgia, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Pray that God will give them wisdom to resolve this conflict.”

Russian Ministries has been serving in the Northern Caucasus region for over ten years, including the regions of South Ossetia and Chechnya—another region that has been marked by violence and conflict.

With Russian Ministries’ strategic base in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia, young Next Generation Christians promote Christian reconciliation and teach Christian values that can help bring stability to families and communities in this shaken region.

Raul Dzhoiyev perhaps best understands the plight of the refugees who are fleeing the region. Almost two years ago, he moved from South Ossetia to Vladikavkaz as a refugee and became involved with the ministry of missionary Gennady Terkun’s church.

Raul is planning to move back to South Ossetia for ministry outreach through the evangelical church in the village of Kvays, helping the church reach out to non-believing families in the community. Pray that the violence and conflict do not hinder his plans for ministry in South Ossetia.

South Ossetia is not forgotten by young Next Generation Christians throughout the year. They distribute humanitarian assistance to needy families, present special Christmas programs and distribute Christmas presents, hold evangelistic summer camps as well as sports camps. They are conducting training seminars for youth, pastors, children’s ministry leaders, and aiding existing churches and helping new churches to begin and grow.

MINISTRY REPORT ON NORTHERN CAUCASUS–click here

International Evangelical Missions Forum
Irpen (Kiev Region), Ukraine
October 24-25, 2008

If you represent an organization that has been involved in ministry to Russia, Ukraine or another former Soviet country, you are cordially invited to participate in an International Evangelical Missions Forum sponsored by Russian Ministries/Association for Spiritual Renewal on the topic: “Missions Today: History, Analysis, and New Approaches: Perspectives for International Partnerships in Countries of the CIS.” This Forum will take place at our ministry training center headquarters located in Irpen (Kiev region), Ukraine on October 24-25, 2008, and will begin with a dedication ceremony for this new facility which is already serving as a national center for our national affiliate, Association for Spiritual Renewal.

During the International Evangelical Missions Forum, leaders and representatives from many different national and international organizations, missiologists and theologians will analyze the experience, results, new opportunities and strategies for ministry in the countries of the CIS. Specific goals of the Forum include:

• To analyze missions during the past 20 years of religious freedom in the CIS;
• To understand the reasons for the crises facing national evangelical churches;
• To outline prospects for partnerships between churches and Christian organizations;
• To study successful models of church growth and effective missions.

The Forum will be designed to encourage networking and the sharing of experiences between national churches and foreign missions, as well as promote future fellowship and expand partnerships between leaders of churches, missions, educational institutions and international organizations.

In addition to plenary sessions, the following four workshops will be organized to discuss:

• Planting new churches: experience and new models;
• Social evangelism as a new form of missions ministry;
• Education as a form of ministry training: diverse approaches with a single goal;
• Theology of missions: in search of new paradigms.

The Forum organizational committee consists of the following representatives: Gregory I. Komendant, Ukrainian Bible Society and UUECB (Ukraine); Sergey N. Rakhuba, Association for Spiritual Renewal/Russian Ministries (USA/CIS); Victor Hamm, “Vozrozhdeniye” Christian Center/ Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (Canada/USA/CIS); Victor K. Kulbich, Center for Christian Cooperation (Ukraine) Alexei I. Melnichuk, Connect International (USA/Ukraine); Valery S. Antoniuk, All-Ukrainian Union of Evangelical Christian-Baptist Churches (Ukraine); Konstantin V. Goncharov, Movement “For A Healthy Church” (Ukraine); Sergey V. Sannikov, Euro-Asian Accrediting Association (Ukraine); Yuri K. Sipko, Russian Union of Evangelical Christian-Baptists (Russia); Sergey Golovin, Christian Scientific-Apologetic Center (Ukraine); Peter Panner, International Baptist Theological Seminary (Czech Republic); Malcolm Johnson, Youth for Christ (Ireland); Gennady Brutsky-Stepanovsky, ASR Director (Belarus); Vladimir Ubeyvolk, MCPC/ASR (Moldova); Ted Rodgers, Russian Leadership Ministries (US); and others.

We would greatly value your attendance and participation in the International Evangelical Missions Forum. To register, please click here. NOTE: Online registration for this event is now closed.