OM EAST Literature and Media 2018 Ministry Review
Bringing hope to the least reached
4 Jesus Christ’s power to 6 New Bible storybook 14 Counter-cultural faith make everything new for the Chukchi among the Gurbet
Slobodan never thought he could be Believers travel by snowmobile or Goran’s decision to follow Jesus free, but Jesus gave him a new start. helicopter to share a message of challenged cultural values and tradi- Now Slobodan urges Roma in Croatia great worth with indigenous reindeer tions he grew up with, causing him to and Serbia that there is a better way. herders and fishermen. live differently in his Gurbet Roma community.
8 OM EAST 50th Anniversary: Celebrating 50 years of God’s faithfulness! “Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind!” Psalm 66:5
OM EAST Dear friends, Operation Mobilisation EurAsia Support Team LITERATURE AND MEDIA This was a special year—OM EAST celebrated 50 years of ministry! I’m so thankful for everyone who joined us for our anniversary weekend in Austria. Wiener Straße 208-210 I very much enjoyed meeting together to remember God’s faithfulness and give 2104 Spillern, Austria Him thanks for His amazing deeds. A definite highlight of 2018! east.om.org [email protected] In our ministry of producing literature and media, it was especially exciting to see the first Bible storybooks published in the Amur and Schmidt dialects for CREDITS the Nivkh people in Far East Russia. In Siberia, the Chukchi people also received Bible storybooks in their language. God’s Word is going out to minority groups Editors Anneke Bolt, Inger R. and individuals will hear the Good News of our Saviour Jesus Christ!
Writer We are grateful to all those who support us to provide local workers in Eurasia Inger R. 0 OM EASTwith culturallyStatistics appropriate resources, which help them share the gospel. Photographers Imanuel, Julia Haupt, As you read the following pages, may the Lord show you what He is capable of Katie Berry, Kiet Van, and how great His works are. Jesus can change someone’s heart; He is able to Melanie Wilson, Natalie, Simon S. bring renewal. And He has not forgotten any nation.
Photos of the Nenets people All glory and honour to God! in Arctic Russia have been used with permission from an OM EAST partner. ©OM EAST partner Edwin Keller 0, 00 , 00 Front cover: Nenets child 5 Welcome to OM EAST! Tour of the literature and media office during OM EAST’s 50th Anniversary celebration. reading My First Bible, OM EAST Field Leader Arctic Russia LANGUAGES PRINT PRINTED COPIES eBOOK PDFs ePUBS DVDS Back cover: Watermelons PUBLICATIONS in season, Tbilisi, Georgia
Designer “I want to use my gifts for God’s glory and OM EAST Erin Heizelman His fame. It’s amazing to be part of making STATISTICS Security code N – No restrictions disciples of all nations by producing * Full name not included Christian literature and media. The ultimate 0, 00 , 00 for security 5 ** Name changed for security goal is that one day there will be a great LANGUAGES PRINT PRINTED eBOOK PDFs ePUBS DVDS PUBLICATIONS COPIES Unless otherwise stated, multitude from every nation, tribe, people all Scripture quotations in this publication are from and language, standing before the throne of the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® God and worshipping our God!” NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, – Simon, production coordinator and graphic designer We want to see vibrant communities of Jesus followers Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. among the least reached. DISCOVER WHERE YOUR GIFTS COULD LEAD… OM EAST’s literature and media ministry produces high quality print and digital media in over 25 languages. OM EAST opportunities: east.om.org/go Always working with local partners, we seek to share the gospel, strengthen churches and bring hope to people groups throughout Eurasia.
3 THE OLD HAS GONE hope of Jesus in whom there is unfailing love, full re- Slobodan had been addicted to heroin and other demption, forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. substances for many years. “I was dying before, just going from one shot to the next,” Slobodan lives in Croatia where Slobodan stated. At a Christian he and his wife work with Roma rehabilitation center, Slobodan “Therefore, if anyone Bible Union, making Jesus heard about God. “I think God known among Roma in her home was just waiting on me to is in Christ, he is a country. During a visit to Bor, ask Him: ‘Please help me’,” he new creation; the old Slobodan presented the Roma reflected. Family Picture Bible to a small has gone, the new congregation that meets in the “I was like the walking dead,” has come!” pastor’s basement. The couple Slobodan emphasised. “But God and their colleagues trained is able to give life to dead bones— 2 Corinthians 5:17 local church members to lead He is Almighty!” Slobodan children’s clubs in surrounding compares the transformation Roma villages, also distributing he has experienced with the vision in Ezekiel chapter Bible storybooks on outreaches. “I see those living in 37: “I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley… Bor and hear what they tell me—I used to be the same,” So I prophesied as [the LORD] commanded. And as I was said OM EAST’s partner. prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone…and breath entered The vision in Ezekiel continues to inspire Slobodan; his them; they came to life.” – Ezekiel 37:2b,7,10b Creator is still able to breathe spiritual life into indi- viduals and He can bring renewal along believers’ Serbia “My life was like these dry bones,” journeys of faith. “We need believers to Slobodan said. “Then I heard God’s speak God’s words to us personally Word, and something started to and as a church today so we can Jesus Christ’s power to make make a noise in my heart. When be renewed,” he expressed. “Let God revealed Himself to me, the Lord renew us as He used to my dry bones came together, do in those days. When God is everything new and I received the Holy Spirit.” working, it is heard and seen. Slobodan believed in Jesus Let people see this in our lives!” n a carpark in Bor, Eastern Serbia, Slobodan* who grew up outside the mining town in Eastern Christ whom God sent to earth suddenly cried “Yessss!!!” and abruptly rushed over Serbia where his parents still live today. “Illustrations to save people from their sins; “It is the greatest and most I to his colleague’s vehicle. and simple language sometimes he gave his life to the Saviour remarkable of all changes that a “I thought he was excited about have more impact because, who heals, cleanses and restores. man can undergo—to be brought chocolate or cake someone “They have seen the sadly, people think not everyone out of the grave of spiritual death and had brought,” said an OM EAST can read the Bible.” The Bible “Through my testimony, I want people made to rejoice in the light and liberty of worker during a visit. This wasn’t change in me— storybook was produced to make to see how deep the hole may be from spiritual life. None could work this but the what caught his attention. OM a huge testimony God’s Word accessible to Roma where God can save us,” Slobodan shared. living God, the Lord and giver of life.” – C.H.Spur- EAST partner Slobodan had families and it was designed by Recovery proved to be an intense process, involving geon (‘Faith’s Checkbook – Daily Readings’, 2013 Watch- spotted his colleague unloading of God’s grace and OM EAST to fit their culture. over a month of sleeplessness, as well as hallucinations. maker Publishing, p.167) copies of the freshly printed His power to make “I never thought I could be free, but when Jesus frees Roma Family Picture Bible, which “I want to give this to my parents; you, He takes it all away. I no longer desire drugs,” said Praise God for His power to make everything new! Give he had translated into his everything new!” I hope it will speak to them,” Slobodan, who has now been clean for 12 years. “Since thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross; praise Him for His regional Serbian dialect. Slobodan said. “My parents then, with ups and downs, I am trying to serve Him.” resurrection and victory over sin and death. Give thanks don’t know Jesus, but they have for God’s grace in Slobodan’s life. Please pray Roma would “I worked on translating the Roma seen the change in me—a huge THE NEW HAS COME trust in Jesus who sets free. Please pray believers would be Family Picture Bible with great enthusiasm because testimony of God’s grace and His power to make “I want to tell others who don’t know, that there is a strengthened and renewed for His name’s sake. I know people in the Bor area,” expressed Slobodan, everything new!” better way,” said Slobodan. He desires to share the
4 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 5 as the ultimate sacrifice for people’s sins. They want To get there, it is a four-hour flight from Yakutia’s to speak of how Jesus was then raised to life and capital, followed by a six-hour journey by snowmo- overcame sin and death. They desire the Chukchi to bile or a 45-minute flight by helicopter. Harsh and know that through faith in dangerous weather conditions Jesus, it is possible to have “The biggest challenges make it wise to travel using peace with God and assurance two snowmobiles in case one of salvation. To help communi- in reaching the Chukchi breaks down in the vast frozen cate this hope, they published are isolation and fear.” landscape. a book of 25 Bible stories in the Chukchi and Russian “It’s worth the labour of trans- languages. Their Android app lation, it’s worth the cost of also enables individuals to both read and listen to the travel, and it’s worth the risks of the climate to deliver content. The Bible storybook declares Jesus’ authority the message of greatest worth to the Chukchi people,” over nature, sickness, death, demons and to forgive reflected an OM EAST worker, while considering what sins. OM EAST provided the new publication’s design their partners on the field are prepared to invest to and layout, also creating an fulfil what God has put on eBook version. their hearts. Through faith in Jesus, “My local colleague Katarina** Praise God that the Chukchi are is distributing the storybook it is possible to have hearing the gospel. Please pray and she says some people even peace with God and individuals use the print and want her to write a little note digital Bible storybooks. Please to them personally inside it,” assurance of salvation. pray they would have courage shared Natalie. The Bible sto- to leave their rituals and accept rybooks are being given out in Jesus as their Saviour who offers the Republic of Yakutia. Katarina visited a village with forgiveness and eternal life. Please pray local followers of 300-400 inhabitants, home to a handful of believers. Christ hold firmly to the faith they profess.
Siberia New Bible storybook for the Chukchi “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” – Hebrews 4:14
he Chukchi people, a minority group with a “It is very expensive to travel to their remote villages, population of around 15,000, are indigenous and official permissions are required to go into these T reindeer herders and fishermen living in areas. Furthermore, they fear the consequences of not Siberia (Russia). Partners of OM EAST seek to bring following rituals such as wearing amulets (charms), the truth about Jesus Christ to the Chukchi, whose feeding the fire and feeding the land.” beliefs are animistic. OM EAST’s partners on the field want to tell the “The biggest challenges in reaching the Chukchi are Chukchi about Jesus, the great high priest who came isolation and fear,” explained Natalie**, a field worker. down to earth to pay a costly price in offering Himself
6 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 7 HISTORY OF OM EAST/GE BRINGING HOPE TO THE LEAST REACHED TH HISTORYEURASIA SUPPORT OF TEAM OM OM EAST , EAST/GE PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS GREATER EUROPE GE OM EAST 50 ANNIVERSARY EURASIA SUPPORT TEAM (OM EAST), PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS GREATER EUROPE (GE) CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS! 1968 70s - 80s 90s - to date 2018 For more photos and recordings, go to the 50th Anniversary page on OM EAST’s website: east.om.org
n 2018, OM EAST, formerly known as Greater Europe (GE), celebrated their 50th Anniversary. VISION LAUNCHED CREATIVE WAYS TO CREATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATING YEARS I During the Easter weekend, over 120 people from around the world gathered in Stockerau, Austria, to mark this significant milestone. OM workers, support- SMUGGLE BIBLES PRESENT GOD’S TRUTH OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS ers, partners and former team members met together to remember God’s faithfulness and give thanks for His Vision a nched to sm gg e Bib es and Christian iterat re into Comm nist With God’s he p there is no ris Ma ing the most of new freedom and new opportunities, OM outreach teams As literature and media has gone out over the past years, a lot of seeds have been amazing deeds. E rope and the Soviet Union. Da e Rhoton starts Greater E rope GE . too great, no idea too cra y… intensify distribution efforts. GE e pands and develops publishing ministry, wor ing sown. This milestone represents the Lord’s faithfulness, which continues into the ne t with local partners. years—one day we will see a great multitude standing before the throne of God Dale Rhoton Edwin Keller The OM EAST team is thankful for all who came to th Edwin, OM EAST field leader OM co-founder who initiated GE OM EAST Field Leader make their 50 Anniversary celebration very special OM co-founder, Dale Rhoton, meets Pastor Richard Wurmbrand in Communist Romania, and they are grateful to God for His blessings during shortly after the pastor’s release from prison in . Wurmbrand’s testimony and Concealing Bibles and Christian F GE becomes OM EurAsia Support Team (OM EAST), producing resources in the this wonderful occasion. believers’ desire to receive Scripture even at great cost, spurs Rhoton to mobilise a team publications in altered vehicles containing A heart languages of people groups throughout Eurasia. OM EAST continues to e perience that with God s help, there is no place too hard, no secret compartments, and driving across borders people too far and no language too difficult we believe the gospel has the power to to ta e resources behind the Iron Curtain. into the Eastern Bloc. L 1989 “I’m so thankful for everyone who took the time and L With God’s he p there is…No p ace too hard, no peop e too ar, no ang age change everyone and everything. As individuals meet Jesus at their point of need, made the effort to come and celebrate with us. The lives are changed and communities transformed. Lord has answered our prayers beyond our expecta- BIBLE SMUGGLING O too difficult… tions. Hearing all the God-stories was a reminder that Sending Gospels by air via weather balloons, released from OM’s ship, Logos, aiming for the shores of Communist Albania. F God has not changed; He is still the same and we can T The hope of Christ is brought into segregated Roma villages in Eastern Europe and LITERATURE AND MEDIA expect the impossible of Him!” said Edwin, OM EAST’s H the Bal ans. First Scripture portions are made available in minority Roma dialects. field leader. Sealing Gospels in bags and floating them down E ,0 5 . M 55,000 river from Greece and Yugoslavia into Albania. I Publishing leaflets and booklets written and designed 0 R specifically for those trapped in prostitution in Central Europe. National followers of Jesus ta e boo s DIFFERENT LANGUAGES eBOOKS PRINTED COPIES DVDS WEBSITES O PUBLICATIONS deeper into the Soviet Union, also reaching webpages promoting - Delivering hundreds of thousands of publications by N This e uates to one downloadable eBoo s for those held in Gulag camps in Siberia. C publication completed specific people groups stowing them inside prefabricated wooden huts transported from URTA Schoolbags for Bosnia initiative begins in , every wor ing days Finland to Greece, dropping off the hidden load in Communist Romania. IN e uipping the church to respond to physical needs since “…so is my word in Muslim villages, often enclosing evangelistic literature addressed to the parents. that goes o t rom my mo th: it wi not ret rn to For some OM team members, being caught carrying boo s considered as “dangerous goods” results in confiscated vehicles, me empty, b t wi deportation, blac listing or temporary imprisonment. In addition to sending Bible storyboo s reach indigenous groups accomp ish what I desire and literature, OM teams in Siberia, such as the Nenets living on the achieve the p rpose or which AID transport large uantities Yamal Peninsula, Siberia Yamal means of humanitarian aid. The end of the earth . I sent it.” Isaiah (NIV) OM wor ers witness miracle after miracle as they succeed in transporting Christian literature into Communist Europe and the Soviet Union. Developing digital media, including downloadable eBoo s, to distribute more widely.
Early s GE begins in-house publishing to strengthen local believers and help them share their faith. Producing comics in Arabic and Farsi, which communicate the gospel message among refugees arriving in Europe. east.om.org 8 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 9 HISTORY OF OM EAST/GE BRINGING HOPE TO THE LEAST REACHED EURASIA SUPPORT TEAM OM EAST , PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS GREATER EUROPE GE BRINGING HOPE TO THE LEAST REACHED 1968 70s - 80s 90s - to date 2018 VISION LAUNCHED CREATIVE WAYS TO CREATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATING YEARS SMUGGLE BIBLES PRESENT GOD’S TRUTH OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Vision a nched to sm gg e Bib es and Christian iterat re into Comm nist With God’s he p there is no ris Ma ing the most of new freedom and new opportunities, OM outreach teams As literature and media has gone out over the past years, a lot of seeds have been E rope and the Soviet Union. Da e Rhoton starts Greater E rope GE . too great, no idea too cra y… intensify distribution efforts. GE e pands and develops publishing ministry, wor ing sown. This milestone represents the Lord’s faithfulness, which continues into the ne t with local partners. years—one day we will see a great multitude standing before the throne of God OM co-founder, Dale Rhoton, meets Pastor Richard Wurmbrand in Communist Romania, Edwin, OM EAST field leader shortly after the pastor’s release from prison in . Wurmbrand’s testimony and Concealing Bibles and Christian F GE becomes OM EurAsia Support Team (OM EAST), producing resources in the believers’ desire to receive Scripture even at great cost, spurs Rhoton to mobilise a team publications in altered vehicles containing A heart languages of people groups throughout Eurasia. OM EAST continues to e perience that with God s help, there is no place too hard, no secret compartments, and driving across borders people too far and no language too difficult we believe the gospel has the power to to ta e resources behind the Iron Curtain. into the Eastern Bloc. L 1989 L With God’s he p there is…No p ace too hard, no peop e too ar, no ang age change everyone and everything. As individuals meet Jesus at their point of need, BIBLE SMUGGLING O too difficult… lives are changed and communities transformed. Sending Gospels by air via weather balloons, released from OM’s ship, Logos, aiming for the shores of Communist Albania. F T The hope of Christ is brought into segregated Roma villages in Eastern Europe and LITERATURE AND MEDIA H the Bal ans. First Scripture portions are made available in minority Roma dialects. Sealing Gospels in bags and floating them down E ,0 5 . M 55,000 river from Greece and Yugoslavia into Albania. I Publishing leaflets and booklets written and designed 0 R specifically for those trapped in prostitution in Central Europe. National followers of Jesus ta e boo s DIFFERENT LANGUAGES eBOOKS PRINTED COPIES DVDS WEBSITES O PUBLICATIONS deeper into the Soviet Union, also reaching webpages promoting - Delivering hundreds of thousands of publications by N This e uates to one downloadable eBoo s for those held in Gulag camps in Siberia. C publication completed specific people groups stowing them inside prefabricated wooden huts transported from URTA Schoolbags for Bosnia initiative begins in , every wor ing days Finland to Greece, dropping off the hidden load in Communist Romania. IN e uipping the church to respond to physical needs since “…so is my word in Muslim villages, often enclosing evangelistic literature addressed to the parents. that goes o t rom my mo th: it wi not ret rn to For some OM team members, being caught carrying boo s considered as “dangerous goods” results in confiscated vehicles, me empty, b t wi deportation, blac listing or temporary imprisonment. In addition to sending Bible storyboo s reach indigenous groups accomp ish what I desire and literature, OM teams in Siberia, such as the Nenets living on the achieve the p rpose or which AID transport large uantities Yamal Peninsula, Siberia Yamal means of humanitarian aid. The end of the earth . I sent it.” Isaiah (NIV) OM wor ers witness miracle after miracle as they succeed in transporting Christian literature into Communist Europe and the Soviet Union. Developing digital media, including downloadable eBoo s, to distribute more widely.
Early s GE begins in-house publishing to strengthen local believers and help them share their faith. Producing comics in Arabic and Farsi, which communicate the gospel message among refugees arriving in Europe. east.om.org 11 HISTORY OF OM EAST/GE BRINGING HOPE TO THE LEAST REACHED EURASIA SUPPORT TEAM OM EAST , PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS GREATER EUROPE GE
1968 70s - 80s 90s - to date 2018 VISION LAUNCHED CREATIVE WAYS TO CREATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATING YEARS SMUGGLE BIBLES PRESENT GOD’S TRUTH OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Vision a nched to sm gg e Bib es and Christian iterat re into Comm nist With God’s he p there is no ris Ma ing the most of new freedom and new opportunities, OM outreach teams As literature and media has gone out over the past years, a lot of seeds have been E rope and the Soviet Union. Da e Rhoton starts Greater E rope GE . too great, no idea too cra y… intensify distribution efforts. GE e pands and develops publishing ministry, wor ing sown. This milestone represents the Lord’s faithfulness, which continues into the ne t with local partners. years—one day we will see a great multitude standing before the throne of God OM co-founder, Dale Rhoton, meets Pastor Richard Wurmbrand in Communist Romania, Edwin, OM EAST field leader shortly after the pastor’s release from prison in . Wurmbrand’s testimony and Concealing Bibles and Christian F GE becomes OM EurAsia Support Team (OM EAST), producing resources in the believers’ desire to receive Scripture even at great cost, spurs Rhoton to mobilise a team publications in altered vehicles containing A heart languages of people groups throughout Eurasia. OM EAST continues to e perience that with God s help, there is no place too hard, no secret compartments, and driving across borders people too far and no language too difficult we believe the gospel has the power to to ta e resources behind the Iron Curtain. into the Eastern Bloc. L 1989 L With God’s he p there is…No p ace too hard, no peop e too ar, no ang age change everyone and everything. As individuals meet Jesus at their point of need, BIBLE SMUGGLING O too difficult… lives are changed and communities transformed. Sending Gospels by air via weather balloons, released from F OM’s ship, Logos, aiming for the shores of Communist Albania. Making the most of media in the T The hope of Christ is brought into segregated Roma villages in Eastern Europe and LITERATURE AND MEDIA H the Bal ans. First Scripture portions are made available in minority Roma dialects. Sealing Gospels in bags and floating them down E future ,0 5 . M 55,000 river from Greece and Yugoslavia into Albania. I Publishing leaflets and booklets written and designed 0 R specifically for those trapped in prostitution in Central Europe. “In your opinion, which types of media distribution will have National followers of Jesus ta e boo s DIFFERENT LANGUAGES eBOOKS PRINTED COPIES DVDS WEBSITES O PUBLICATIONS deeper into the Soviet Union, also reaching webpages promoting greatest impact in sharing the gospel among least reached - Delivering hundreds of thousands of publications by N This e uates to one downloadable eBoo s for those held in Gulag camps in Siberia. publication completed specific people groups stowing them inside prefabricated wooden huts transported from C Schoolbags for Bosnia initiative begins in , groups in the next decade?” URTA every wor ing days Finland to Greece, dropping off the hidden load in Communist Romania. IN e uipping the church to respond to physical needs since “…so is my word in Muslim villages, often enclosing evangelistic literature addressed to the parents. that goes o t rom my This is just one of the survey questions OM EAST is It is an answer to prayer for the team to have three mo th: it wi not ret rn to asking partners and OM teams globally. The team graphic designers preparing to come during 2019. For some OM team members, being caught carrying boo s would like to find out how to better support them with They’re hoping to welcome other specialists, such as app considered as “dangerous goods” results in confiscated vehicles, me empty, b t wi literature and media. developers, web designers and creative media deportation, blac listing or temporary imprisonment. In addition to sending Bible storyboo s reach indigenous groups accomp ish what I desire and innovators. OM EAST continues to seek the Lord for His literature, OM teams in Siberia, such as the Nenets living on the achieve the p rpose or which AID transport large uantities Yamal Peninsula, Siberia Yamal means Over the past year, OM EAST has been praying about will in developing media, which helps share the gospel of humanitarian aid. The end of the earth . I sent it.” Isaiah (NIV) its ministry’s direction in the future. OM EAST and and disciple believers among least reached groups. OM wor ers witness miracle after miracle as they succeed in OM Europe leaders sense God’s prompting to expand transporting Christian literature into Communist Europe and the work of producing culturally appropriate print and Please pray for wisdom as OM EAST and OM International the Soviet Union. Developing digital media, including downloadable digital media. “Once we have identified needs and key leaders plan ahead to support ministries with needed eBoo s, to distribute more widely. areas to develop in, we anticipate changes, including resources. Please pray God would prepare the way for the inviting more specialists to join our team based in new graphic designers. Please pray God would guide other Early s GE begins in-house publishing to strengthen local Austria,” said OM EAST’s leader Edwin. specialists to join the team too. believers and help them share their faith. Producing comics in Arabic and Farsi, which communicate the gospel message among refugees arriving in Europe. east.om.org 13 At a seminar around five years ago, the theme “Me and the Lord,” said Goran, whose publication featured in my son” rubbed salt into the wound. “I came home with the local press. “My greatest joy is to work for God. As sadness in my heart,” he said, crying at the memory. we translate Scripture, we are glorifying God.” “Then I heard [the words], ‘you have an emptiness in your heart; I am the Fullness that fills the PASSING ON HOPE emptiness.’” God’s comforting words “There is no word for ‘hope’ in our changed Goran’s heart; for the first language.” stated Goran. “The words time, he gave thanks for his daughters. ‘blessing’ or ‘thankfulness’ don’t exist “From this moment on, my life was either.” different,” emphasised Goran. “Our God is the best!” “What does it say about the condition of a people group who need to “In our culture adoption is a taboo borrow the word ‘hope’ from the topic,” Goran added. Nevertheless, his local language?” an OM EAST worker daughter and son-in-law chose to adopt, wondered. Gaps in the vocabulary are one since they were unable to have children. of Goran’s greatest challenges as he makes “They were the first to adopt here,” shared Goran. the Bible available in Gurbet Roma. “Now 10-20 other couples have adopted children, too.” “When I translate, there is revival for me in my heart; LEAVING THE FAMILY BUSINESS I have read Hebrews ten times and I want to study “Do you want to work for me?” Goran sensed God ask it again,” he said, smiling. “It’s important to put God’s him in 2002. Goran left the black market, completed Word in your mouth.” Goran has found a Saviour; Jesus a theology diploma and co-pastored Christ has forgiven his sins, changed a predominantly Roma church for his heart and given him a new 15 years. “It’s important to purpose and hope. “What you know, put God’s Word in you should give to another,” said Serbia “You are stupid! You have to follow Goran, who leads a youth group and the Roma tradition,” a man had your mouth.” desires to invest more time speaking responded once Goran told him he to individuals in his community about Counter-cultural faith among intended to work for God. Goran con- God’s Word. sidered his family heritage: “My father stole, my grand- father stole…should I follow this tradition?” However, Goran lives and works in the Roma area of the town, the Gurbet when the same man saw Goran again, he encouraged Leskovac, where most are from a Muslim background. him in his choice. Similarly, another friend acknowl- Last year, three OM EAST team members visited him e are Roma—sometimes we have too Goran’s decision to follow Jesus challenged cultural edged: “You are a new man. You are on a good path!” there. They were joined by a young man who inter- much, sometimes we have nothing. I am values and traditions he grew up with, causing him to preted into English. One OM guest asked their “Wsomebody who survived,” Goran* said, live differently in his Gurbet Roma community. “I want to show Roma, and others, that Roma host to tell them about someone whose life reflecting on his people and his life. can do things,” Goran said, addressing he has seen God at work in. “Instead of CHANGING FAMILY VALUES perceptions of, and toward, his people relating Goran’s reply, the young man OM EAST partner Goran belongs to the Gurbet Roma, “The Roma come from the east where a lot of worth group. “This is very important for our turned to me and said with a smile, ‘I a predominantly Muslim minority is placed on having a son,” Goran culture.” Two years ago, the former am the first’,” the OM worker recalled. group living in Serbia. Goran heard explained. “When I worked on the pastor started a Christian non-profit “This was so special to find our in- God’s Word when he started going to “From this black market I had a lot of money. organisation. His tasks include Bible terpreter had come to faith through church with his wife and daughters. In one day I could earn enough to translation as well as producing Goran passing on the hope he has He believed in Jesus Christ after moment on, buy a car, but it meant nothing to literature and media for the Roma. received.” recognising an answer to prayer. “In my life was me because I didn’t have a son.” The OM EAST provided the design and 1996, my mother was in a coma for number of sons is reflected by the layout for Goran’s new book—a Gurbet Praise God that He is the God of Hope. Praise three months,” Goran shared. “My wife different—our size of a family’s house; there is one Roma-Serbian-English picture dictionary. God for His authority to forgive sins and His said we should ask the pastor to pray.” God is the best!” storey per son. Goran as father of two The dictionary is being used in a school, and it is also a power to transform lives. Praise God for the faith He has Their pastor prayed and then declared daughters had only a ground-level tool to help Serbian or foreign believers learn Gurbet given Goran. Please pray for wisdom as Goran translates. she would recover. “I said [to myself], house. “It was terrible,” said Goran, Roma so they can communicate the gospel in people’s Please pray the Gurbet Roma would respond to Jesus, the if my mother really gets up, I will give my heart to God,” expressing the sorrow that remained for many years. heart language. “It’s good to represent the Roma and only Saviour. Goran remembered. “Two days later she got up.”
14 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 15 When local woman N.* read a passage in Nenets, she FAITH SEEN OR FAITH TO SEE? discovered she had misunderstood the same Scripture E.S. met N. 16 years ago at a church in the town in Russian. “This is why we need the Bible in our own Salekhard. Later, N. invited her to visit two family language!” N. expressed. Four books of the New members on the tundra. E.S. tested a translation by Testament are in print, while others are in progress. reading some Scripture verses to their hosts. They Two illustrated Bible storybooks have been designed reacted by walking out, leaving her alone in the tent. and published by OM EAST. Jesus’ teaching had touched a nerve. “N. came in, angry, asking me what I had told A BOOK OF LIGHT OR them,” E.S. remembered. “But A LIGHTER LOAD? “When Jesus spoke N. showed me pity because “I moved to Arctic Russia during again to the people, my face was black and swollen December, the darkest month,” with frostbite. She let me read E.S. recalled. “One day when I He said, ‘I am the another passage to her, which was testing translations, the elec- light of the world. described how to be born again tricity suddenly cut out. We sat into a new life of following Jesus, without light all day. It was dark! Whoever follows me and gave the example of selling Then I understood the meaning everything and giving to the of light.” will never walk in poor. This made her more angry!” darkness, but will However, when they next saw For E.S. this experience of the each other, N. had changed and Arctic winter darkness is a have the light of life.’” she had decided to be baptised picture of life without Jesus John 8:12 and wanted to give E.S. a tithe to Christ. She desires that the print Mark’s Gospel. Since then, Arctic Russia Nenets would know Jesus as E.S. recovered from frostbite the light of the world. It is Jesus who frees people and, over the past decade, N. has sometimes joined E.S. from sin and gives them the light of life if they ask and another woman early in the morning to pray. Entering a reindeer herder’s world Him for forgiveness and choose to follow Him. “I want every Nenets child to have a Bible,” said OM EAST’s “Not many are excited about the Bible,” said E.S., “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may partner, who has distributed thousands of Bible sto- crying as she spoke. “I’m looking for revival!” There are bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” – Isaiah 49:6b rybooks over many years. E.S. has observed children around 200 known Nenets believers, representing a taking more interest in the Bible storybooks than the small percentage of the population. The indigenous chocolate she offered. people group believe in numerous gods. For many, the TO “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” OR TO In 1992, an OM colleague challenged her to pray for reindeer are their life, their source of food, “THE END OF THE EARTH”? the Nenets. She received a book on minority groups, A nomadic lifestyle makes it difficult clothes, transport and shelter. E.S. longs Field worker E.S.* moved to Arctic Russia with the which offered just a few lines of information about for the reindeer herders to carry a for the Nenets to acknowledge their dream to share the gospel by translating the Bible them. Eight years later, E.S. relocated to Northern collection of Christian literature. Creator as their true provider and for the Nenets people. The Nenets are indigenous Siberia where she has invested 18 years of her life “They don’t have extra things—just life-giver. reindeer herders living in Northern Siberia, including bringing the gospel to “The End of the Earth”. the minimum is enough,” E.S. on the Yamal Peninsula. “Yamal” means “The End of explained. “They have one pot, “A few have faith and I see some the Earth”. Out on the tundra, locals travel by snow- UNDERSTAND OR MISUNDERSTAND? one kettle, and they don’t need a who want to read the Bible. mobile or reindeer sled. To reach particularly remote The minority group has a population of around 45,000 freezer!” However, they do have Through them I have hope,” villages, it takes two to four hours by helicopter from people. Half of them live in Russian-speaking villages, mobile phones. Her solution is to reflected E.S.. “There is hope that Salekhard, the main city in the Yamalo-Nenets Autono- while the other half are nomadic reindeer herders who develop publications into appli- they will know Jesus. I see beyond mous Okrug. live on the tundra and speak the Nenets language. cations so they can be stored on reality. We need to be patient, keep mobile phones, also allowing indi- serving and not give up.” The Yamal Peninsula is home to more reindeer than “Nenets is the heart language of the reindeer herders. viduals to listen to the text. OM EAST people and winter lasts nine months. “It’s very cold; It’s much easier for them to understand,” E.S. said. plans to help provide these resources Give praise to God who is light. Give thanks minus 40°C can be pleasant for a walk if there is no “Translation is a complicated process because there digitally. “Apps are able to help bring salvation that He speaks through His Word. Please pray wind,” joked E.S., an OM EAST partner. E.S. previously is a great gap between two totally different cultures.” to the Nenets!” said E.S. with joy and excitement. Nenets will put their trust in Jesus and receive His salvation. worked on an OM team. It was during this time that E.S. found it straightforward to learn Nenets since the Please pray for wisdom as E.S. helps make God’s truth avail- her vision for Nenets Bible translation began. word order is similar to her own native language. able. Please pray that believers grow strong in their faith.
16 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 17 Mark knows of three Jesus followers among the “We have published literature, but it is now the work minority group whose beliefs are rooted in shamanism. really begins,” emphasised Simon, OM EAST’s produc- He wants more Nivkh to encounter the Good tion coordinator. “Let’s pray for believers giving out Shepherd who laid down His life to be an atoning copies and speaking with individuals. One day there sacrifice for sin. He desires will be Nivkh worshipping to share the message that before God’s throne!” anyone who confesses “It’s beautiful to think it Jesus Christ is Lord and “I have other sheep that are believes in their heart that will be the first time many not of this sheep pen. I must God raised Jesus from the will read God’s truth and bring them also. They too will dead, will be saved and have listen to my voice, and there eternal life. hold it in their hands.” shall be one flock and one shepherd.” — John 10:16 “While drawing, I have been thinking about how the Nivkh don’t know the Bible Praise God for His love and Shepherd’s heart! Give thanks passages,” said Julia Haupt, OM EAST graphic designer to Jesus for His great sacrifice; give thanks for the freedom and artist. “It’s beautiful to think it will be the first time and forgiveness found in Him. Please pray for believers many will read God’s truth and hold it in their hands. I distributing literature; please pray Nivkh listen to Jesus’ want my drawings to express the message.” voice and choose to follow Him.
The illustrated Bible storybooks are being distributed Scripture references: John 10:11, 1 John 2:2, on Sakhalin Island and in villages along the Amur river. Romans 10:9 and John 3:18.
Far East Russia The Shepherd’s heart for the Nivkh
he Nivkh live in the Russian Far East; they are some speak other Nivkh dialects or Russian. “But an indigenous people group with a pop- later, the parable of the Lost Sheep came to T ulation of around 4,500. In 2018, mind, where the Good Shepherd left the OM EAST and their partners printed majority to go after one stray sheep,” the first Bible stories in two Nivkh Mark added. “Then I realised the dialects called Amur and Schmidt, number of native speakers is not also including the passages in the only criteria that counts.” Russian. OM EAST provided Following Jesus’ example, Mark illustrations, design and layout recognised it’s still worth the for this new publication while effort to publish Bible stories in staff from Wycliffe Russia the Nivkh dialects. worked on translation. “The description of Jesus as “Initially, I was not at all inspired to the Good Shepherd is a beautiful translate for such a small number of picture of His love for those who people,” admitted Wycliffe translator belong to Him and for those who Mark**. The Amur and Schmidt speakers don’t yet believe in Him,” reflected an are even fewer than the total population since OM EAST worker.
18 OM EAST Ministry Review 2018 19 OM EAST Literature and Media east.om.org