September 18, 2024

Blog by Jerry Benge, Missions Pastor

Last month, our Missions Team chairman, John Hutek, and I had the opportunity to visit two of our missions’ partners in Central Asia (all of which were part of the former Soviet Union and have in common the suffix “-stan”). One other feature is that none of them is friendly to the Gospel nor to those who seek to bring its message. We were able to see the challenges of navigating a culture that is thoroughly committed to Islam.

At the same time, we saw God’s faithfulness which was evident in the lives of our partners and in their persevering efforts to evangelize, disciple, and in the case of one of them, to co-lead in the gathering and development of a healthy church. John and I attended that church - not only the worship service but also their congregational meeting. We experienced a congregation that relishes the reading, praying, praising, preaching, and evangelizing of God’s Word.

Most of you likely have heard Arman (one of the co-pastors) whom we support and who late last year was featured in one of our Missions Moments. The other co-pastor, Dennis (an ethnic Russian) has likewise played a key role in the development of this strategic church. He is a dear brother with a remarkable testimony. We wish you could have heard it like we did when we were there. Well, actually, you can! Just last week he was interviewed by Jonathan Leeman on the 9Marks podcast, Pastor’s Talk. Listen to it (about 30 minutes) and your soul will be stirred by how God has worked in and through this humble pastor to lead a church that is making an impact for the Gospel in a hard place. You will also be amazed by some of his insights about what American believers are facing. To listen, click this link.