December 24, 2003
September 1, 2003
A Dynasty AND a Spirit!
Dear Ohana
Aloha from beautiful Hilo, Hawaii! We are glad to be back in
our hometown. During the last two months we have been on the Mainland, sharing
about our ministry in Kazakhstan with supporting churches and reuniting with
friends and family. When we arrived in Los Angeles we saw the 1992 Dodge
Dynasty a friend had purchased for us. The Lord watched over our driving, from
San Diego to Seattle, and many points in between. We even had a weeklong visit
in Pennsylvania using frequent flyer miles. Mark’s niece was married near
Seattle last week; we had a grand gathering of family there.
Now we are settling into Hilo, the rainiest city in America,
which no doubt makes it one of the greenest! Sunshine, rainbows, and flowers
are everywhere. Nathan and Josiah are both students at the University of
Hawaii, Hilo. Nathan is in his second year; Josiah is making a big jump from
being the only senior in his High School on the other side of the globe. Aaron
is in the 11th grade at Christian Liberty School, and a member of
their volleyball team.
We’re getting settled into a nice house, generously opened
for our use during our four months here. Our telephone number here is 808 968
6196.
Our Dynasty is being shipped from Seattle, expected here in a
couple weeks. Meanwhile, we were generously given a 1990 Dodge Spirit. So we go
from being a no car family in Kazakhstan to a two-car family in Hawaii, a
Dynasty AND a Spirit. Now we are always moving ‘in the Spirit.’
We are booked to leave Hawaii for Kazakhstan on January 19.
Nathan will remain in Hilo at the University, with one of the cars! We hope to attend a Pioneers mission
conference in Thailand en route, and be back in ministry in Kazakhstan by the
beginning of February, once again moving from the Tropics to the Tundra.
Gratefully in Him,
Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah, and Aaron Blair
Our Present Address (now through mid January 2004)
190 Ululani Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
phone 808 968 6196
Here is our schedule of speaking for the next several weeks,
thus far:
September 7 AM Spring of Life Community Church, Pahoa,
Hawaii
PM
Men’s Meeting of Hilo Missionary Church
September 14 Hilo Missionary Church, Hilo, Hawaii
September 21 Puna Congregational Christian Church, Keaau,
Hawaii
September 25 KCIF Radio, Hilo, Hawaii
September 27 Puna Congregational Christian Church, Women’s
Fellowship
September 28 Helani
Church, Keahou Mauka, Kona
October 5 Waimea Assembly of God, Waimea, Hawaii
October 12 Living
Waters Assembly of God, Honomu and Hilo, Hawaii
October 17 Christian
Liberty School Chapel, Keaau, Hawaii
October 19 North Shore Community Christian Church, Kauai
October 26 Windward Missionary Church, Kaneohe, Hawaii
October 29 and November 5
Morning Fellowship Sure Save Supermarket, Keaau
November 23 Puna Baptist Church, Pahoa, Hawaii
January 19 Leave Hawaii for Kazakhstan
We look forward to fixing dates with other churches.
Our Mission
Pioneers
10123 William Carey Drive
Orlando, FL 32827
Our Ministries in Kazakhstan
Training National Church Leaders www.eastwestministries.org
June 30, 2003
June 20, 2003
June 1, 2003
Josiah's Graduation
Dear Ohana
Tonight we begin our trek across the planet, flying from
Almaty to Los Angeles
IMPORTANT - the only
email address for us will be - blairstan@hotmail.com (not the one this letter
is sent on)
Our son Josiah ,
wrote a short note for you. Please keep him, and our whole family, in your
prayers. He faces some big challenges ahead.
"I would like to apologize for not keeping in touch and
writing often. Life as a senior in high school can be very busy. This past
Friday I graduated from high school. It was a big part of my life and I am
thankful to God for his guidance and blessing on my life. I am thankful to all
of you. I thank you for all your love and support. I have truly been blessed. I
am now 17 years old, it seems life has been lived, I have seen all there is.
But it hasn't, there is a lot to come and my prayer is that it will be centered
upon God's will. He has made my life special and I just wanted to say thank you
and I love you.
Sincerely, Josiah Blair
Our schedule -
June 29 El Segundo First Baptist Church, El Segundo , CA
July 6 Valley Presbyterian Church, North Hills , CA
New Life Presbyterian Church, San Diego , CA
July 13 Meadowlark
Community Church San Marcos , CA
July 20 Montrose
Community Church Montrose , CA
July 27 La Canada Presbyterian Church, La Canada
August 3 Biola Congregational Church, Biola , CA Fresno
August 10 Mt.
Lebanon Methodist Church Pittsburgh , PA
August 17 Santa
Cruz , CA
September 14 Puna Congregational Christian Church Keaau , Hawaii
Gratefully in Him, Mark ,
Dayna, Nathan , Josiah ,
and Aaron Blair
ONLY Email.- blairstan@hotmail.com
Our Ministries:
Pastoral - International Christian Fellowship
www.icf.nursat.kz
Teaching MK's
tienshan@pactec.kz
Training National Christian Leaders for Ministry
www.eastwestministries.org
Our Mission
Pioneers
www.pioneers.org
May 15, 2003
Central Asian Theological Seminary
For two weeks in June Mark Pastor John Svendsen .
Our students were ‘the cream of the crop’- 24 committed and experienced
servants of Jesus from Russia Uzbekistan Kazakhstan
‘B’ is a Youth Pastor in the far north of Russia June
it was snowing. When asked when the first snow of the winter will come he
answered, ‘about August 15.’ But he brought great news of hearts that are warm
to the grace of the Lord Jesus .
In these places where faithful Russian saints were exiled during the Soviet
regime, the church is growing! Their blood spilt into the frozen soil bears
much fruit.
‘P’ is also from the far north of Russia
When ‘V’ was a young girl her family moved from their home in a remote part of the most populous Central Asian republic to the capital city in search of a better life. Materially they found it. And
April 30, 2003
California Dreamin'
California Dreamin’
Greetings from Almaty on this glorious spring day - barren
trees are budding and many flowers are in bloom. Our faithful God has given us
a new season of life. We are eager to seize the opportunities for Him in the
six weeks we have remaining before our home leave. We are grateful for your
prayers.
Mark spent last week in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan teaching “Old
Testament Prophets” to twenty-three young ministry leaders. They are enrolled
in the East West ministries extension school and gather every couple months for
weeklong intensive courses. There are about 120 students in six different
extension schools in key cities here in Central Asia. They are busy in various
ministries in their churches in their cities. In Bishkek some lead house groups,
several evangelize on university campuses, a couple are worship leaders in
large growing churches, one has a ministry to the deaf, one is reaching his
Uighur kinsmen. All of them were enthusiastic and fun to teach. We discovered
how the ancient message of the prophets speaks with relevance and power today.
Here are some of their comments:
“E” a young man who serves the Lord on the university campus
said, “I used to think the ancient world was more righteous and obedient to
God. But I now realize there is not much difference between our times. As I
have received God’s word, I need to believe and obey.”
“A” a young preacher to the people of that land was
“impressed by God’s great love to all nations and how He is calling all to
Christ.”
“H” a young wife who is taking the course with her husband –
and serving in their local church – “wants to be more devoted to God in the
light of His great blessing and faithfulness.”
“F” a young preacher to his Uighur people had real insight.
There are several million Uighurs scattered throughout Central Asia. But they
are a minority people in each country, including Kyrgyzstan. They are an
ancient people with a rich culture and history, but have no homeland – no
UighurSTAN. He realized his people are “in exile” much like ancient Judah in
Babylon. He told us he “prays that God will give Uighurs a homeland on earth,
but most of all that they’ll find their real citizenship in heaven. Through
this course I now realize that God speaks to all nations. Jeremiah 29 is a great
message for God’s people in exile in this world.”
“L” a petite young woman who carries a large responsibility
as Worship Leader of a dynamic church in the city said, “I was sobered to read
about God’s wrath, and see it as a warning to myself and all people today.”
“N” who is a dancer in the Worship services “L” organizes -
and also a leader in youth and house church ministries – was “amazed at how God
loves us despite all our sin. I do not understand why Israel was so stubborn to
obey despite all the prophets who came and preached to them. God’s love is so
patient. I do not want to be so stubborn.”
You can imagine the joy of teaching such open hearts and
willing servants. They are on the “front lines” in strategic places in that
nation. As “E” concluded, “many different prophets have a different impact.
Some were given direct access to kings, others were banished and beaten,
ignored by their people. Whatever our calling and opportunities, may God find
us faithful.” Amen and Amen.
While Mark was away, Dayna was especially busy with work in
Tien Shan School. As the school year draws to a close there are lectures,
exams, end of the year activities, and plans to be made for the coming year. In
early May the kids had a great Spring Banquet. (Amazing to discover how many
lovely young ladies and handsome young men have been hiding behind those grungy
t-shirts all year!) Now spring soccer fever has caught on with the boys and
girls. Our boys team has the privilege
of being coached by a team of men from Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Germany,
and Holland. They’re all doing great. This “volunteer” school in a distant land
is rich with such people. Several key staff are leaving and others are en
route. Pray that the Master Teacher will help each child to know Him, His Word,
and His world. Only eternity will reveal the impact these 120 kids from 11
nations will make. It is thrilling just to imagine.
We all missed some fun in the Karoke Bar in a sanitorium
(“conference center” in American) in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains a
few days ago. Our Aaron, and Nathaniel his Australian buddy, were there last
Saturday. They were conferencing with their high school for a weekend retreat.
The Kazakhstan National Wrestling Team was also in the house; that is their training
center. Aaron and Nat were “cruising the joint” one evening and found the
muscle men with their cauliflower ears crooning to the Karaoke. When the team
spotted our guys they compelled them to come in. I suppose those guys would be
hard to refuse, but I know Aaron is always eager for new adventures. They found
them stumbling through the song “California Dreamin’” by “The Mama’s and the
Papa’s” – all the classics are here in Kazakhstan. So the team learned how it
really should be sung from Aaron and Nat. When I asked Aaron if he got in
trouble from their counselors for singing in the Lounge he said, “No, it was
our free time.” They certainly know how to pack a lot of fun into those free
moments! When they weren’t singing Karaoke, the kids had some great time in
fellowship and studying God’s Word.
Hope this finds you growing in that same Word. Thanks for
remembering us before Him.
We seek His grace to finish this academic year and term of
service well. There is much to be done here in the next six weeks thanks for
standing with us.
April 24, 2003
April 21, 2003
Easter in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Yesterday
we had a wonderful Easter service at International Christian Fellowship in
Almaty. More than 300 people met into the beautiful hotel ball room where we
meet for worship. People gathered from around the world, every continent except
Antarctica was represented. A number of people
were first time visitors. Some mission
workers from other cities in this huge nation – who do not have services in
English – were thrilled to praise the Risen Lord in their “heart” language.
Some who had never before visited a Christian service of worship left pondering
His claim on their lives. Many who knew the “old, old story” were “hungering
and thirsting to hear it like the rest.” Mark preached from Paul’s message of
Jesus and the resurrection which he addressed in the Areopagus in Athens
“In
the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people
everywhere to repent. For he has set a
day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He
has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." Acts 17.30
As that solemn day draws ever closer, we must tell the world about our Risen Savior and Lord. Yesterday we echoed God’s command to repent in our multi-national assembly. Then one Kazakh young man stood and gave personal testimony of his faith in the Risen Lord and was baptized. He preached the best message as he narrated his faith journey and pledged his trust in Christ. His atheism was cracked when he “happened” to see the “Jesus” film on state television on Christmas day several years back. What God began that Christmas we sealed in baptism this Easter.
For
two days before Easter Dayna and Mark joined the teachers of Tien
Shan school for a retreat. Twenty plus people met in a sanatorium
high in the Tien Shan mountains. This year the cold temperatures have lingered
into the spring. We had fun on snowy slopes in the day and warmed to a
crackling fire at night. Late at night we had “treat” which is highly prized in
this part of the world - a hot sauna followed by a cold plunge into an ice
pond! Our speaker was a woman who leads an MK school in another country here in
the CIS. She is a great communicator with much wisdom about the special students
we have here – “TCK’s - third culture kids.” A TCK’s primary connection is not
to their home country, or their country of residency, but to a “third culture”
forged through their wide experiences in different cultures. Often such kids
excel in life, although like any child they need TLC – “tender loving care.” Of
course, our immediate reference for prayer and concern are our own three sons,
but we pray God’s blessings on all our TCK’s here.
One
wonderful benefit of overseas service is having a front seat to witness God’s
unique work. We have seen an encouraging work of God just outside our window.
Perhaps you remember when we moved into this apartment about two years ago we
lamented that our neighbors do not always place their trash in the receptacles.
Well that is the nice way of saying it! As more than six months out of the
year, the trees are frozen and barren, sometimes all we seem to see is our
“trashscape.” A couple times we have cleaned
the area. As we cleaned more than one passing neighbor questioned who gave us
“permission” to clean, but a few other neighbors joined us in the task. Not long after each clean up, the refuse
reappeared. Well our last work outing, in which several neighbors spontaneously
joined us, appears to have succeeded! We made a huge pile and some government
authority came the next day with a mechanized scooper and dump truck and hauled
the pile away. They also posted a sign forbidding dumping, which has been
obeyed! Now spring has come and a field of grass has emerged from the former
trashscape. One man’s trash has become another man’s fertilizer. We thank our
Heavenly Father for this new vista to His working, right outside our window.
“The
earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” Psalms
24.1
March 15, 2003
Breakfast Treats
Breakfast Treats
Every third Saturday Mark has a breakfast treat. It is a
treat because a man from North Carolina who teaches here cooks up a “Grand
Slam” and then some! But the bigger treat is the fellowship and prayer with
guys from around the world who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ here in
Kazakhstan.
Today we prayed for the people of Iraq, asking that God’s
hand of protection be upon them. We prayed for our world leaders, that God
would lead them to wisdom and peace. We asked that in whatever may happen the
name of Christ will be lifted up and people will be drawn to Him.
One brother who works with our missionary kids asked prayer
on their behalf. He shared that some are struggling with being far from friends
and family in their homelands. Some kids are bitter toward God and their
parents. Others are strong and vibrant in their walk with Him. The kids are
planning a retreat for a weekend in April and ask God to bless them all with a
greater love for Him.
Prayers were offered for a women’s shelter that is being
built largely through the labors of workers from Australia. Kazakh women who
have no safe place to go are already coming. They are finding the love and
welcome of a Father God.
A medical doctor from Nigeria asked prayer for patients he
works with here. Their medical clinic is facing various challenges from the
governing authorities. We asked God to make it possible for them to serve the
many who need His healing power and saving grace.
One brother recently returned from meeting with Christian
leaders from throughout the Middle East. He shared about their faith and
struggles, especially at this time. Again, we prayed that the name of Christ
would be held in high honor in those lands. Millions live in places where open
witness to King Jesus is practically impossible.
A couple brothers are involved in the translation of God’s
Word into local languages. As Americans we have the privilege of hearing God’s
voice through many English translations. Many in these regions are without the
Scriptures. One nearly completed translation project is in need of over
$100,000 to print and distribute the water of life to this thirsty land. We
asked BIG believing that God is even BIGGER.
Our prayers stretched across to Cambodia where a government
official lies on his deathbed, receiving the care of Christian workers there.
We asked that God might heal him in body and soul.
We prayed for a little church in the heartland of America
where the pastor was just dismissed for his addiction to Internet pornography.
About a hundred needy young people look to that church for love and place to
hang out. We prayed that God would heal and restore this fallen shepherd, and
that his sheep would not be scattered.
One brother’s work connects him with key educational leaders
in various cities of this nation. He asked that God would bless the friendships
and contacts he is making for the Kingdom. People are hungry for Him who is the
Truth.
Most of all we gave praise to God for His many blessings:
healthy families, fruitful ministries, saving mercy, abundant provisions, fellowship
in His service, and tasty breakfasts.
Thanks for joining us in these prayers.
February 10, 2003
A Three-fer!
“From the Tropics to the Tundra”
An Update from the
Blair family in Kazakhstan
February
2003
NEW Mailing address: Mission
Blair’s Pioneers
Almaty 43 10123 William Carey Drive
Home Phone (7-3272) 550128
Aloha from Arctic Almaty!
New Year, New Opportunity – A “Three-fer”
We now works with East West ministries, located right next
door to Tien Shan
School
We call this move a “three-fer” because there are two other
training opportunities connected with East West here. One is their Regional
Training Centers (6 so far) in key cities in the “stans” – Uzbekistan Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Bishkek , Kyrgyzstan Central Asia . See their web site at – www.eastwestministries.org
Open and Closed Doors
Jesus said “These are
the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he
opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” Revelation 3.7
Central
Asians: Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, + 495 other People Groups
The
“stans” – ‘homelands of Turkic peoples’
70
Million People
0.02
% Evangelical Christians
The
Largest Unreached People Group in the World
We are thankful the “stan” with the greatest freedom of
religion now is Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Iraq
(NOTE – I wanted to put the following in a “box” but
couldn’t figure it out! Help!)
1991 2003
Kazakh Christians 8 8,000+
Kazakh Churches 0 in 70 cities
Kazakh Scripture 0 % NT 100%
OT 30%
An Upgrade to Business Class and The Marble Treatment
“Ah, Mr. Blair, you know how things work in this country.
How much do you want to pay for a Business Class seat?” These words of an
airline employee came as quite a surprise, even in this country. My
surprise was because I had merely asked whether there was any corner of our
Economy Class confines where I could find some more legroom! But now if I gave
this guy $70 (per person) more than what we had already paid for our tickets,
we could sit in the Business Class. Apparently his connections were just
for seat assignments. (Maybe we could have paid the flight steward for a
culinary upgrades too.) Here’s another strange slice of life in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan
Having already paid enough for economy, I told the man I had
no money left for leg-room. But as we boarded the plane we found that our
boarding passes were all for Business class seats! Not really sure how that
happened – but we did not complain! The leg room was great. We even enjoyed the
same cuisine as those in “our class.”
As we approached Almaty we prepared for landing and waited,
and waited. We eventually learned Almaty was fogged in and we were heading
north to the nation’s capital – Astana – which was –20 degrees! We dozed for
the next hour anticipating adventures ahead. We landed on a cold and clear
night in the middle of the frozen steppe. After sitting in the parked plane for
two hours, we deplaned - cheered by the flight crew’s promise of accommodations.
We got through baggage clearance and customs inspection which is never fun or
easy anywhere, especially in Kazakhstan 4 a.m. Finally, we
“jumped through their last hoop” and made it into the main terminal. There we
learned that the airlines had arranged the marble treatment for us. We got no
hotel room. We got no beds, blankets, or pillows. But we could freely enjoy
some quality time on the beautiful marble floors in the terminal. In fact, we
had the entire hall to choose from. So we stretched our bones across their stones;
thankful to be alive, telling the boys that these are experiences that family
history - and prayer letters - are made of. The next day we got our marbleized
carcasses flown safely home to Almaty.
This has been the best year we have had at Tien Shan School
High School boys and girls Volleyball teams won their league
championships. It was quite a shock to their well-endowed competitive schools
that this little school which can not pay its teachers could produce two
champions. We especially savored the wins as Josiah and Aaron were players and
Dayna was Assistant Coach for the girls.
The ongoing challenges of staffing and
supplying the school’s needs are similar to those faced
by most Christian schools, magnified here at “the ends of
the earth.” So it is a constant adventure. Dayna has a full load of teaching in
the Jr. & Sr.
High School New Zealand South Africa
Update from our eldest
son, Nathan / first year student at University
of Hawaii Hilo
It has been six months since
I left my folks. I am learning about being independent. But I still collect
some allowance! Doing things on my own has been a step to maturity. All in all,
it has been an awesome experience. The day I left my parents, I was thrown into
a world beyond their comfort. Yet the Lord faithfully brought me to a place
abundant with family and friends. The story would have been different if I got
stuck in the Midwest …
The first few weeks were hard for me. It took
awhile to connect with people. I was used to traveling around the city as I
pleased. In Almaty I was conditioned to be always on the go, with some sort of
task in mind. Public transportation in Hilo Hilo land of Aloha
The first few weeks of
school were pretty slow. I am undecided as to what I want to do with my life
and so I just chose some general classes. My pastor asked me to help out with
the junior high at my church as a part-time youth worker. It has been a real
blessing to be involved with the youth. The kids are awesome and have been
patient with me; I have a lot to learn about the ministry. I have grown up in
the church, but it is a lot different when you become involved yourself. All I
can say is that: God has been good. He doesn’t hesitate to forgive me for my
faults. He goes out of His way to bless us. I have a worldwide family (all of
you) that has been so generous to our family and to me. I can never repay you
but I may be able to pass on the love that you have shown.
During winter break I was
able to go to the West Coast. I had a wonderful Christmas with my aunt, uncle,
and cousin in Southern California . They were
so kind to me. From there I traveled to Oregon Kazakhstan Florida Seattle
I have recently begun my
second semester of University. I am excited to see how these next few months
will play out. Is it going to be a time of trial or a time spent carefree?
However the circumstances I am confident the next semester will be the best
ever. Have a great beginning of this two thousand and third year.
Publishing Notes
This mailing contains a booklet on the Christian life
co-written by Mark and Peyton Harris. Peyton, a good friend who pastor’s an
Assembly of God church here in Almaty, liked these ten letters on discipleship
which Mark had written. He said their AG denomination had sent funds for
evangelistic materials, but their budget for discipleship materials was fully
spent. So Mark asked him to write the evangelistic introduction, which widens
the usefulness of the booklet, and to pay for this “evangelistic”/discipleship
tool. He kindly agreed. The ten discipleship letters were first written and
used during our ministry in Uganda Central Asia . The sketches are
by a well known artist here who has recently become a believer. You are free to
use or reproduce the material in any way you find useful.
Mark has written a book on “Preaching” and it is being
translated into Russian and Kazakh. The Russian version is in the final editing
stage and will soon be ready for printing. The Kazakh is coming along more
slowly. There is an interest in these books from the church leaders here. We
would like to be able to provide copies at minimal cost. It will be possible to
make a hardbound copy of the preaching book for about $ 4.
Travel Plans
We plan to be on home assignment from this July through
January 2004, Lord willing. During July and August we want to be in California Hawaii
We are very grateful for your generous support and faithful
prayer,
Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah, and Aaron Blair
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