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Christmas in the Islands

 

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 11^th 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

blairstan@hotmail.com

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

www.pioneers.org

Our Ministries in Kazakhstan

Training National Church Leaders www.eastwestministries.org

Teaching Missionary Children  tienshan@pactec.kz

Pastoring International Church  www.icf.nursat.kz

Prayer Card

Josiah's Graduation Speech

Josiah's Graduation

Dear Ohana  

Tonight we begin our trek across the planet, flying from Almaty to Los Angeles. We are packing and preparing our apartment for friends who will housesit. Packing the big stuff is easy. It is those old birthday cards, broken clothespins which you intended to fix, and pen caps for the 'temporarily' lost favorite pen that we never know what to do with. But clearing and throwing is great pilgrim training.

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  - morning and evening

July 6 Valley Presbyterian Church, North Hills, CA - morning

           

New Life Presbyterian Church, San Diego, CA - evening

July 13 Meadowlark Community Church, San Marcos, CA - morning

July 20 Montrose Community Church, Montrose, CA - morning

July 27 La Canada Presbyterian Church, La Canada, CA - morning

August 3 Biola Congregational Church, Biola, CA (near Fresno) - morning

August 10 Mt. Lebanon United 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

10123 William Carey Drive

Orlando, Florida 32827 USA

www.pioneers.org

Central Asian Theological Seminary

For two weeks in June Mark taught a course on “The Gospel of John” for Central Asian Theological Seminary (CATS).  It was a special joy to team-teach the course with long time friend, Pastor John Svendsen. Our students were ‘the cream of the crop’- 24 committed and experienced servants of Jesus from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, and Kazakhstan.

‘B’ is a Youth Pastor in the far north of Russia. In fact, the name of their town literally means ‘the ends of the earth.’ This frozen land is far from ‘B’s warm homeland in the southernmost Central Asian republic. When he left there the first week of 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. He is an ethnic ‘Yendez’ > a people group connected to the Eskimos. He said his grandfather was a man who hunted for all his needs. ‘P’ joked that when his grandfather needed matches he would kill a Geologist. ‘P’ brought his joy and love for God into our class daily. He has an active ministry among his people, including helping to translate the Bible into their language.   

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 Jesus found ‘V’. As ‘V’ grew in faith she announced to her parents that God was calling her to return to their home area and share her new faith. This news shattered their home. Not only had their only daughter denied Islam, now she wanted to go backward to poverty. “Absolutely not,” her parents decreed, “we forbid you to go.” So ‘V’ prayed. God’s answer was dramatic. Her father’s business unexpectedly collapsed, leaving the family impoverished. Both father and mother, with nowhere to look but up, called upon the name of the Lord Jesus and were saved. Within a year, in 1998, the whole family was back in their hometown, preaching the gospel. About five converts were quickly won and the decision was made to start a church. But because of strict government persecution, this was to be an ‘underground’ cell based church. Today more than 450 people, in over 40 cells, belong to this church. Their goal is to grow to 72 cells by next year. Though the church is ‘underground’ (i.e. meetings are held as secretly as possible), government authorities persistently disturb them. Yet, God is using even this for His glory. Their tactic is to arrest, interrogate, and imprison the weakest and newest members thinking this will prompt them to recant their confession of Christ. Instead, this has become a ‘discipling process’ forging the newbies into bold witnesses! Several members of the police force, and their families, have now also joined the church.

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.

Wedding in Korean Presbyterian Church in Almaty

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 almost two thousand years ago. In that sacred text Paul announced,

“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

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. 

A Three-fer!

“From the Tropics to the Tundra”

An Update from the Blair family in Kazakhstan

                                                            February  2003

E-mail:   blairstan@hotmail.com - Do you get our e-mail prayer bulletins?

NEW Mailing address:                                               Mission:

Blair’s                                                                        Pioneers

Almaty 43                                                                 10123 William Carey Drive

P.O. Box 101                                                            Orlando, Florida 32827-6020 USA

480043 Kazakhstan                                                    www.pioneers.org

Home Phone (7-3272) 550128

Our Church: International Christian Fellowship, Almaty  www.icf.nursat.kz

 

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. The centerpiece of their ministry is a one-year training program for key church leaders, Central Asian Leadership Training Center (CALTC) begun in 1995. CALTC has both Russian and Kazakh language departments. CALTC has over 40 students, and qualified national pastors lead both departments. Mark is pleased to have no administrative duties so far and concentrates on teaching and mentoring national leaders.

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. Center number seven will open this September here in Almaty. These centers provide training for church leaders who cannot attend a residential course because of family, church, or work responsibilities. There are total of 125 leader/students taking weeklong modular evening courses, held every two to three months at each center. After four years studying at this pace they will complete the course. Mark will teach a course on “Old Testament Prophets” in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan soon. The third program of East West is Central Asian Theological Seminary (CATS), offering summer courses since 1996. These are Master’s degree level courses designed for proven church leaders to receive higher academic training. Through these courses a couple national leaders have already completed a Master’s degree in an American seminary in just one year. Mark will teach a two-week intensive course on “The Biblical Theology of John’s Gospel” in CATS. We are now exploring making CATS a year round program. Future seminary professors, regional church leaders, and key ministry leaders could receive advanced ministry degrees without leaving their homeland. It is not yet a reality, but an exciting prospect. We are thankful to be on the East West team and thus expand our involvement in training leaders to serve the growing church here in 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. There are a few incidents of persecution and harassment here.  But we rejoice in the openness with which the Gospel can be preached. Pray with us the door will remain wide open. By contrast the most repressive “stan” is Turkmenistan. Last Sunday we met a discouraged expatriate brother from there in our worship service at International Christian Fellowship in Almaty. With tears in his eyes he said that he had not been in a worship service for over one year. As a “tent-making missionary” in Turkmenistan he has been subjected to constant harassment by police, followed, telephone taps, etc. And finally after six years of service he was forced to leave Turkmenistan. Last year there were 74 foreign Christian workers there - he was the last to leave - now there are none. The Turkmen believers who remain have been forced “underground” in great fear for their safety. Several leaders are in prison. Others have been exiled. With all the focus on Saddam in Iraq, you may have never heard of the megalomaniac Turkmen President, Saparmurat Niyazov, but pray for this enemy of the Gospel.  

(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 – this one from the national carrier – “Air 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 at 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.

Tien Shan School: Double Champions

This has been the best year we have had at Tien Shan School: great building, talented staff, and 125 eager students from 10 nations. One highlight this fall was that both the

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, also carrying the duties of a key teacher who is on furlough. Gillian from New Zealand, the principal and founder of TSS, will permanently leave for a new assignment this summer. A new principal, from South Africa, plans to come in May. Pray for a smooth transition. Mark is again teaching Bible to the 11^th and 12^th graders. This includes our Josiah, the only 12^th grader this year; destined to graduate top in his class…and bottom. We are constantly on the lookout for adventurous, excellent teachers, who want to enjoy a wonderful opportunity with eternal benefits, contact tienshan@pactec.kz

 

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 is not really an option. So after classes I would hang out at my Tutu’s (Hawaiian for “Grandmother”) house where I also live, just a few blocks from the University campus. Maybe it was due to my reluctance to being in Hilo, but it took me a few weeks to establish any friends. Once I did so, I shifted back into gear. I was ready to take on what was at hand. As I gradually opened up more to people here, I transitioned to this slow-paced, laid-back 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 and stayed with a family that worked in Kazakhstan with us. There I was able to meet with two other high school classmates from Almaty. One flew in from Florida; the other is now studying at University in Seattle. We were able to hang out with each other once again. While we were in Almaty we did not realize how privileged we were to be living there. Reflecting on what we left behind, we were nostalgic for the good old days. I look forward to when our paths meet again. Now we must do our parts to be where He wants us to be. My last stop was with my aunt, uncle, and cousin (on my mom’s side) in the Bay area. I had a great time snowboarding on the slopes of the mountains of Tahoe with my uncle and some of his buddies - as well as hanging out with my cute, little cousin. We were the talk of the lodge as I carried her to and fro.

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.

Mahalo nui loa, Nathan Blair  email: nafante_boards@hotmail.com phone: 808-961-5429

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, now revised for 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 and then go to Hawaii for the boys to study during the Fall semester. We do hope to see you and share with you. Let us know if it will be possible to see you.

We are very grateful for your generous support and faithful prayer,

Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah, and Aaron Blair

Testimony of Kormangazi

We know Peter, James, and John and their valiant Spirit-empowered testimonies for Christ and His Church from the New Testament book of “Acts.” But the two thousand year old story of Kingdom advance continues today, all around the world, including here in Kazakhstan.  Names like Kormangazi Abdumuratov are being added to the sacred roll. What follows are the words of this 24 year old young man. Pray for him, his wife, their three-month old child – and the church he leads near the Caspian Sea.

I, Kormangazi Abdumuratov, write this testimony of events over the last several months. 

EXPERIENCE WITH OIL AND GAS INSTITUTE: MAY & JUNE 2002

In May, 2002, the head of the Technology Department, of the Atyrau Oil and Gas Institute where I studied, Mr. Nasihan Jumamurhamedov Gilmanovich, called me to a meeting. He said, “Why did you tell me you are studying part-time in a Medrassa in Chemkent. We’ve heard all about you from the KNB. (New name for the KGB.) You are not a Muslim, why did you say you were going to a Medrassa?” Then I explained to him that it is a Christian Medrassa I attended in Chemkent - a type of Bible School in the Kazakh language.

After that, he took me to the office of the Rector of the Institute, Mr. Serikov.  The 3 of us met together. I explained that I am a Christian and gave my personal testimony why I believe in Jesus. I said that in Kazakhstan, we have freedom of religion.  He replied, “No, you are wrong. You have accepted the religion of the crusaders. Many foreigners have come to Kazakhstan and they have misled you. They have come to divide the Kazakh people and bring war and violence.” I explained that I do not believe in fighting. God said we have no right to hurt other people. I explained there are Christians in all countries all over the world, and they are not doing terrorism or violence as they bring Christianity. Then the Rector put his hand on the Koran (which he had on his desk) and said it was the only true book. The Rector then went on talking about the Germans, them being Christians, and how they started World War II. Then he said, “Now do you understand? Do you see that what you believe is wrong and do you want to come back to the Kazakh ways and beliefs? I am working to advance the economy, and I don’t think about the past.” I explained that I agree and that is also the reason I am studying at the University, to get an education so I can get a good job and advance the economic situation for my family and Kazakhstan.  He said that his students should focus on the economy and not think about religion and faith – “So, are you going to stop what you’re doing? If you continue like this, I don’t need a student like you.”  I replied, “No, I will not deny my relationship with God, even if someone threatens to kill me I refuse to deny my faith.  I will not stop believing in Jesus.”  I then went on to remind him that according to the Kazakhstan Constitution, as a Kazakhstan citizen, I have a right to freedom of religion, but he interrupted me and said he does not tell his students how to believe, but he doesn’t need “a student like me in his Institute.”

About a week later the department head again called me into a meeting room. In that room were several leaders of the Institute. I was placed on one side of the long table and these 6 men were on the other side facing me – like I was on trial. They each asked questions about the other Kazakh believers I meet with, what I believed, why did I believe, why I was not a Muslim anymore. They raised their voices and told me I was a traitor to the Kazakhs and I was bought off by foreigners.  They used many derogatory words. They kept asking me about any contact I’ve had with foreigners. I calmly shared with them why I believe in Jesus and my testimony how I came to follow Christ.  They became more angry as the meeting went on. The institute’s faculty head said, “We don’t need a student like you. Your influence will ruin our other students. You won’t study at our institute any longer. Leave this city and go back to where you came from….”  I explained that even if they kick me out of the university I will still stay in this city, if that be God’s will. They kept saying, “Don’t meet in your house with people to read the Bible or pray any longer. It is illegal. Don’t talk to anyone about your faith. ….  If you keep doing it, we will never give you peace, we will keep after you and make your life difficult. If you need problems, I will give you problems. If you don’t want any troubles, then leave our city.” They gave me paper and forced me to write a confession about what I believed, what I did, etc.  The meeting went on for 2 hours.

A week or so later was final exam week. My professors refused to let me take my final exam. Each day I would go to the Institute and try and get my final exam, but they kept putting me off. They continued this till summer break, thus not letting me finish my 1^st year at the institute. I was not allowed to continue my education at that institute.

8 SEPTEMBER, 11:40AM  HOUSE SEARCH BY POLICE and KNB

           

I opened the door and the police showed their badge. They said throughout Kazakhstan, they were checking everyone’s passport (identification). Standing at the door, I handed them my passport. They took my passport. Then they said they heard voices in the apartment, so they pushed the door open and entered. A total of 7or 8 men entered my apartment (two with police uniforms, the rest plain clothed). The two top ranking police were, Captain of the Atyrau Police, Mr. Asilbek Boranbiev. The second was Mr. Orinbasar Kushkenbaiev, also a rank of Captain in Atyrau Police. I asked them what they were doing coming into my house, and where was their search warrant. They said, “Don’t worry”, and I couldn’t stop them. They said they didn’t have a search warrant, but they had a right to come in to check passports. “We didn’t come to search the house, we’re just checking passports.”

            At that time, we had 8 people in the house because we were having an informal prayer meeting.  The police began checking everyone’s passport and writing down everyone’s name and information. Then they started going into each room of the house and searching. They started asking, “Whose books are these, whose Bible is this?” Then they started to write a citation for illegally holding a church meeting (holding a church meeting without being registered).  Two of the men went back down to their cars and came back with a still camera and video camera. They filmed each person individually, any books or Bibles they could find, each room of the entire house was video taped.  I asked if they had a warrant to take film footage of my apartment and they replied, “Don’t ask so many questions.”  They then forced everyone out of our apartment into 3 waiting cars. It was around 1:30 pm. The house search lasted had taken about 2 hours. They said they were taking us to the police station for questioning.

            They divided all 8 of us into 8 separate interrogation rooms at the police station. They forced each of us to write a confession, stating what we were doing, what we believe in, etc. They would not let each person write what they wanted, rather, they would ask questions and tell them to write the answers. If the police didn’t like the answer, they would suggest what the person should write for their confession. For example, the police said to one of the Kazakh believers, “Write that Kormangazi forced you to come to his house to come to a religious meeting.” The police would yell, using intimidation and fear to get the people to write what they wanted.

            After 1-2 hours of this interrogation, they freed everyone except myself, Kormangazi. They videotaped and interrogated me in one room, while they were speaking very friendly, slowly, and kindly. Then they took me into a second room, where they yelled at me and threatened me, saying that they were preparing to put me in prison. They tried to scare me by saying this is my 3^rd time to be arrested for illegally holding church meetings and the “3 times arrested” rule in Kazakhstan means he will get 3 to 5 years in prison. They kept telling me that the law says a church that is not registered cannot meet.  I explained that if a group is less than 10 people then no registration is required, and 10 people is required for registration. In fact, we’ve already submitted the paperwork to become registered. We complied with all aspects of the law.

            Then 3 or 4 policemen all asked me questions simultaneously. One came up behind me and punched me in my left shoulder. The policeman who hit me was obviously very angry.  It was not a hard punch, but an obvious effort to intimidate me. I stood up and asked him why he punched me. They all then said, “Who punched you?  No one punched you!” I told them that if they physically attacked me, I would press charges against all of them.  Then I refused to talk to them anymore. They kept asking me questions, some I answered, some I refused to answer.

           

One of the KNB agents who was at the Oil and Gas Institute interrogation came into the room. He told me he had my written confession from the Institute, where I stated that I received money from foreigners to propagate Christianity. It supposedly said I was forced to do this religious work and I worked for them as their agent solely for the money.  I told him I never wrote or said such a thing. He said the professors at the Institute were witnesses that I said and wrote it.  I said, “If you have such witnesses, bring them here – those are just lies!!”  He then asked me why I continue on this road of faith, so I again told him my personal testimony in Jesus Christ and why I’m a witness for Him, why people need to have their sins forgiven through Jesus, about heaven and hell, etc…  I told him I would never, no matter how much trouble they give me, deny Christ. I told him that if the growth of the Christian Church in Kazakhstan is the work of God, then no matter how much he or the government try to stop it, they will never be able to – because no man can stop God and what He is doing.  So I encouraged him to think about that.

 

            Then they put me in another room with another man. They showed me the confession of faith I had written earlier that day and I saw where they had erased part of what I wrote and added their own words at the end.  I asked them what they had written on my testimony. They said it was nothing, just a correction. I continued to press them about it.  Then, when they saw they couldn’t get away with it, they erased the words they had added. Then they told me to sign it.  They told me they would send me to court.  They tried to force me to sign a statement, “I agree to not have people over to my house for meetings, to pray or read the Bible together,” but I told them I refused to write such a thing, because I have friends come over and we pray/read the Bible together. Altogether, I was held at the police station about 6 hours.

            A few days later, parts of the video that the police took illegally in the apartment was shown on the local Atyrau T.V. station. The TV commentator said this was a dangerous cult, they deceive people, take children away from their parents, and after they become members of this cult, the leaders demand large sums of money from the followers. They warned the public to not take religious books from anyone other than the official Mosque and be on your guard against such religious cults.

            The next week, two KNB agents went to another Kazakh Christian believer, interrogated him and threatened him with imprisonment. The name of these KNB agents were Ivanov Valera and Erken.

            I testify that these are the facts as they happened.  If you have any questions about this you can call me I will be glad to testify to these facts (country code 7, 300-367-6249).

Kormangazi Abdumuratov 

(Originally dictated in Kazakh, then written and translated into English on Nov. 1, 2002).

Government Challenges

The freedoms we treasure, and sometimes take for granted, are unknown in many parts of the world, including here in Kazakhstan. Two incidents, on opposite sides of this huge nation, illustrate the challenges faced by citizens here – especially those who want to live in the freedom of Jesus Christ. As you remember to pray for many people and lands in these troubled days, ask the Lord to advance His Kingdom here in Central Asia.

The first account is by one our Kazakhstan Evangelical Christian Seminary workers; a young wife, and mother of three. She has found freedom in Jesus from her former life in Islam. Jesus has made her bold and compassionate – really free!  

“Last week I went to our local administration to register our students. (Note – People in the nation cannot move anywhere without the written permission of the government.) Our director had previously visited the district administration for permission to register our students in this local administration. But our Akim (Title of Local Administrator) said that in order to gain his approval, we must subscribe to some newspapers. It doesn’t matter whether you want them or not.

His appointment Secretary was a rather affable woman. But when I said that I’m from the Seminary, she said first I need talk to Akim. He was angry. He talked to me rather familiar. He said: “Your director said that you have no money to subscribe to my newspapers. You think I believe you? Nothing of the kind! Any of you earns at least $50 a month. No money! People on my staff work for government and earn only $25 a month, not like you. How many students you want to register? ” I answered 23 people. He said: “It doesn’t matter, as you are so poor I will let you subscribe to the cheapest magazine, it will cost only 50 cents for each person wanting to be registered. Poor people!”

I was calm, though he tried to humble me. I wonder how he can’t understand that he is not right. He makes people to subscribe newspapers even if they don’t want them. Every person, in spite of his economic abilities must subscribe to a newspaper or magazine. While I was waiting for my appointment, a poorly dressed man came in for approval of his document. He said that he is ready to subscribe, he likes reading newspapers, but now he has no money. The Secretary told him he can’t be served without subscribing, and told him to return when he will have money.

As I returned to our Seminary I asked God to bless that Akim. Maybe he thought that he could make us humble, but he doesn’t know that we are humble before God, not before him. Amen.”

The following is written by a foreign Christian worker who has worked in this country for many years:

Upon our arrival back from our home leave, we learned that all was not well. All of the Kazakh church planters were being prosecuted for starting "illegal" churches. You may remember that 10 months ago, these churches applied for legal status (registration) but the government refused to register them. Now they are prosecuting them for meeting without being registered. They are being threatened with 3-5 year prison sentences and

are scared. Several of the Kazakh families are ready to give up and return to their home churches in different parts of the country (but, so far, they are sticking with it).

Over the last 4 weeks, all of the Kazakh church planters we work with in our region and neighboring region have been called into the KNB (formerly the KGB) at various times and interrogated (sometimes lasting for hours). They also keep telling the pastors, "Don't hold any more meetings - in your house or anywhere!" but of course they keep meeting - just more secretly, sometimes in smaller groups in various locations.

A TV crew showed up (with KNB officers) at one of the churches last weekend and filmed the service. Then they showed it on local TV this past week and made all sorts of false accusations/lies against the group (saying they are a cult, take kids from their parents, etc.). We have seen this happen in other cities and the purpose of it is to turn the

tide of public opinion against the believers and make relatives of these Christians fearful that their family members are involved in some sort of cult. The television coverage warns people not to get involved with the group because it is dangerous.

The pastor of one of the churches, who was also a student at the university, was called to a meeting with the president of the university and all his teachers. They told him that if he renounced his faith in Christ, he would be allowed to continue his studies. During this

meeting, there were also 2 members of the KNB present who publicly mocked and humiliated him with all sorts of false accusations. The pastor/student did not renounce his faith and was subsequently kicked out of the university. The KNB also told many of his friends at the university, "If you join this "sect" and follow Jesus, you will be

kicked out of school also." Please, please, please pray for these Kazakh church planters.

So, there is plenty of reason to pray. Please join us in this, won't you? Ours isn't an isolated case. We are hearing of heated persecution in different parts of the country.

When you read about persecution in the Bible it sounds sort-of exciting and adventurous, but when you are close to it, and have an adult Kazakh pastor sitting in your living room, in tears from the stress of it and the stress on his family, it is heart wrenching. At times it brings us to tears to see their suffering. We and the Kazakhs are trying to "rejoice" in it, as we are encouraged to do, but it easier to "say" than "do" sometimes. Please pray that we all can keep the right attitude.

For the following 4 pastors of churches in the our province:

For Pastor K. He has received the most harassment and was kicked out of the university. To add to his stresses, his wife gave birth to their first child this summer and the child is sick and has been hospitalized on and off since birth.

For Pastor A. His wife is weary of the persecution and wants to go back to their home church. They haven't had any water in their home all summer and sometimes walk a half mile to carry it in pails. Pray for rest/refreshment for them as they are now going home for a needed 2 week vacation (their home is 1000 miles away).

For B and D, two of the Kazakh church planters that got married last weekend.

For Pastor M and his family. That he will not be fired from his teaching job as a result of this persecution. The KNB has visited his school several times and pressured the principal to fire him, but he hasn't.

Pray that family members of believers would not forbid the believers from going to church as a result of the media coverage.

Pray that the Kazakh lawyers and human rights defense organizations we've contacted.

Praises:

Praise God that despite the persecution, Kazakhs still keep coming to Christ (Pastor M reported that just last Sunday, 5 days ago, three more elderly Kazakhs prayed to receive Christ at their Sunday service.)

Praise God for 2 new Kazakh "tentmaker" church planters who have just joined us.

It's always great to get fresh reinforcements.

Until He is done with us here, Mark and Dayna Blair