Greetings to you, dear friends, brothers and sisters!
This is pastor Ruslan Buryachok from Lubar writing to you. I am extremely thankful to the Lord for you! We are delighted to work together with you in serving the Lord!
First, I would like to share about God’s blessings in spreading the Gospel through the street outreach program, when we present paintings depicting the episodes from the life of Jesus on the earth to the people. Recently we could visit three villages where we had an opportunity to share the Gospel in schools and on the streets. People would receive the message very well, after an explanatory tour with the paintings, many stayed to ask questions and talk, were interested in Christian literature. However, the most important thing for us was to get an opportunity for an outreach to children in public schools through this ministry. (Photo 1)
Last time I briefly mentioned about our ministry for teenagers, so today I would like to report on it in more detail. For nearly four years, our church has been holding a Day Center for children; moreover, since last year we have started working with teenagers from disadvantaged families who lack adequate parental care. We are delighted that by God’s grace we are able now to welcome these teens five times a week at our place, interact with them, counsel and take care of them. (Photo 2)
Not much time has passed, and we started to notice major changes in their attitude towards the church and to each other. Through this ministry, we can also outreach to parents of these children. We get acquainted with their parents, provide food assistance, and share with them about God’s plan of salvation. We established very good relationships with some of the families, so that they call to ask for advice or just to talk. For example, a man whom you can see on the Photo 3 is Ruslan, a father of four. Three of them attend our Day Center. He found out about our ministry from his children, and came to inquire about any job opportunity. Ruslan has been unemployed for a long time; his wife has a criminal record, and that fact poses an obstacle for him in finding a job. He has been helping around the church for a few days after his first visit, and we became good friends. Recently, while visiting them at home, we prayed together, and after the prayer, he and his wife showed an interest in coming to the worship service.
The situation in most of the families of the teens is much worse. Many of them live with their mothers or grandmothers, and never knew their fathers. Therefore, Kolya, one of the ministers of the Center, and I are like parents for them. The boys come to our place and share about their dreams and failures, expecting encouragement and support. We are happy that three of them began to study the Bible and attend the Sunday services.
I am very grateful to the Lord that He uses us in this ministry. Our watchword written in 1 John 3:18 reads: “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” This is exactly what these kids really need. Oftentimes, they are less upset because of torn sneakers or lack of warm clothing. The hardest thing for their hearts is lack of love and acceptance, frequent family quarrels and fights, drunken parents and ridicule of peers.
We understand that there are many sorrows and pain in this world and it is only God’s heart that can take all of it. Nevertheless, to those who are near, to those whom He has given us, we should show love.
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Faithfully in Christ,
Ruslan Buryachok
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