Christmas Greeting and Year End Update
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS
We are taking a short break from the field, and it’s time for a year-end update. We are maintaining the ministry, adding some staff, and adjusting for efficiency’s sake. However, everything looks much like it did a few years ago.
A recap of the year:
1) We were able to have camps in Moldova this past summer after two years of forced closure due to Covid. We also ran several camps in Central Asia. Considering all of these evangelistic youth camps, we saw about 700 youth make professions of faith in Christ. We are planning a full summer of camps in 2023.
2) Our Moldovan Bible School is doing well. Several years ago, we switched to a two-year program, but it was not as effective as we envisioned. This year we went back to a three-year program to better disciple and equip these young people for their work in God’s kingdom.
3) We still have around 35 Ukrainian refugees in the camp. All our refugees want to go back to their homes in the Ukraine. Pray for an end to the war and that peace will return to Eurasia.
4) The Malawian ministry is operating at full capacity under the leadership of Dr. Joshua Hutchens. He is developing the educational wing of the ministry there, and we are looking forward to great things in the future.
5) The camps in Central Asia far exceeded our expectations! Many young souls came to Christ, two new churches have been started from this ministry, and the team there is very enthusiastic.
As we look forward:
1) Pray for the national team in Moldova to keep up with all the ministry and work. We added two quality staff men there. The future is looking bright for the Moldovan ministry.
2) Pray for additional national team members for Malawi. As the Bible school grows, we need one teacher and more administrative help.
3) Pray for the people of Malawi. There is a new threat that could result in famine in all sub-Saharan Africa. The Russian-Ukrainian war has caused a severe shortage of the fertilizer required for a successful harvest.
4) Pray for God’s protection for our team in Central Asia, and pray God will give them the power to witness and disciple new believers.
During these days of expensive travel and concerns about disease, I am available to do Zoom meetings with my supporting churches. The Zoom meeting can be live or recorded. Contact me if there is an interest.
Christmas is celebrated very differently in each of the places we work, but it is the same Jesus who we all worship and celebrate. May God Bless each one of you. We thank each of you for your prayers and support.
Eric Chapman D.D.