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

Pastoral Questions

I guess we all put people into “boxes” – I know I do. When you think of an Englishman, born in London, in the middle years of life – what do you picture? According to my stereo-type, I do not picture a guy ready to make a radical change of ultimate life commitment. Instead I think of staid, conservative, predictable, dressed in tweed. Andrew defies my categories. By nature he is loud, fun loving, and rowdy, dare I say it – like an American!

When we met a few months ago in our International Church Fellowship, I could tell he did not feel very comfortable “in church.” But as I preached that day his eyes conveyed an intense interest. He did not join the many around him I had put to sleep! The next Sunday my colleague Andy preached and closed with a stirring challenge to think about your relationship with God. As I opened my eyes from the closing prayer I found Andrew standing in front of me – with tears in his eyes - saying, “I want to get baptized.”

“Baptized, well we are planning a baptism for Easter Sunday, let’s meet and talk.” Dayna came along for the talk, Andrew brought his significant other named Marina. At this point we were not sure just how significant. We sat down over coffee and discussed all kinds of things – from soccer (Andrew’s passion) to spirituality. In fact he was pleased to know that there is no contradiction, soccer can be spiritual, an exuberant act of God-given fun – worship on wheels. But when played from a dark heart, God can be ignored and mocked. Andrew wanted to talk about many topics, movies, music, work, even politics. In all of these areas his prime interest was in the “Christian viewpoint.” I tried to be biblical and balanced. More than an hour passed. Both he and Marina showed a keen interest and understanding in the faith. Then came the question we hesitated to raise, Dayna asked, “What about you two, are you married?’ 

They looked at each other and answered almost as one, “Not yet.” I sighed. From all that I had learned about Andrew thus far, he seemed a ready candidate for Christian baptism. What now? We learned that Marina was already baptized. Indeed she was a Bible school graduate whose testimony had sparked Andrew’s faith journey. She was so happy to have found ICF, because Andrew could not understand her Russian language church. Now things got more muddy. This Christian young lady was involved in a less than Christian living arrangement with Andrew. The light at end of the tunnel was the word “yet.” “When will you get married?” “Soon, we have started the paper work already.” It’s a rather complicated procedure for a British citizen to marry a Kazakhstani. But they were working on it. They had the blessing of one another’s parents. In fact, they asked whether I would perform their wedding ceremony. Then Andrew told me he had invited several people from his work place to witness his baptism. Easter was four days away. Andrew is a financial officer in a large oil company operating in this country. By his account, and confirmed by one of his colleagues who is an Elder in ICF, Andrew was the last guy anyone would expect to be baptized. So the disbelieving work mates were coming to watch.

It was hard to believe that two hours has passed. All four of us enjoyed this time of sharing. God was a very present fifth person in our circle. I came home very confused. Was I losing my convictions? Previously, I would have never considered baptizing someone who is “shacking up.” They needed to clean their mess, not bless it. I called the members of our ICF Leader Board, a wise and godly group. Their unanimous advice confirmed my “gut feeling.” To not baptize is to withhold the very grace that he had begun to experience. Jesus came to call “sinners” – like us – and here was one who had begun his life long pilgrimage of faith. He was actively making things right as an expression of newly emerging faith, seeking baptism, preparing for marriage, witnessing in his workplace, implementing the Lordship of Christ from the soccer field to the ledger books.

Thrilling Pipe Tornado

Cool nights, warm days, gorgeous colors – autumn greetings from Almaty! About a month ago we began the new academic year and things have been rushing along since.

Tien Shan looks more and more like a first class school. Summer renovations have improved the facilities greatly; new linoleum/ tile floors, rest rooms, science lab, fire escapes, enlarged classroom, increased security, paved walkways, playground equipment, painted exterior, and a lush carpet of grass across the soccer field. We’re thankful for the Lord’s continued blessings. The best news is the full slate of teachers, competent professionals from around the world. There are about 120 students from 10 countries. Josiah is the top student in the Senior class, and the bottom – the only Senior! Fortunately, most courses run on a two year cycle so he has 11^th grade classmates. Aaron has ten classmates in the 9^th and  10^th grade. Dayna is teaching Jr. High and Sr.High Bible, Study Skills, Health, and 5^th and 6^th grade Art this semester. Last Friday there was an “Open House” shared supper. Kids of all ages, parents, and even a few grandparents stretched across a field of blankets and mats enjoying the foods of the world. We’re blessed to be here.

Last Friday was also a big day for Kazakhstan Evangelical Christian Seminary. We finished our month long Discipleship Course and selected twenty students for the coming academic year. We had the privilege of interviewing each of them and rejoiced to hear their testimonies of faith. Our numbers are smaller. We continue to increase the standard for admission as the Church in Central Asia matures. We are seeing some second and third generation students, coming from churches that have been planted by our graduates and even from new church starts from those churches. It was a joy to hear their goals for future ministries. They all have a burden to reach the unreached with His gracious news in lands near and far; Mozambique, China, Israel, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. This week we begin the first semester with a full slate of excellent courses. Pray that these nine months of study will equip these men and women for greater Kingdom service. Dayna will teach Christian Education and Mark teaches Old Testament Introduction and Survey, in addition to his administrative duties.

Worship at our International Christian Fellowship continues to be a blessing. We have about 250 people of all ages gather each Sunday. The Sunday School which Dayna organizes has about 70 kids under the age of 10. Mark is preaching almost every week through the book of “Romans.” It has been a challenge and a privilege to prepare and present the messages. We continue to reach new people, many nationals seeking to improve their English. As we have grown in size we now have increased our organization and recruited more volunteers for various ministries. We are blessed to give away more than 50% of our offerings and rejoice in the ways we can help encourage His Kingdom work here. Our seminary gratefully received a gift enabling us to buy a much needed electric generator. Our current project is to help a church in a remote part of this country with the purchase of a building for worship. The members have raised about 20% of the cost already, at great sacrifice. 

 News from Hilo is good. Nathan started University of Hawaii in late August. He enjoys his courses and the friendships he is making. He is blessed to live just a short skateboard ride away from the campus with Dayna’s mom and brother. The rest of the family there is also helping him in many ways, including teaching him to drive. He has a part time position helping the Jr. High youth at a nearby church and is enjoying that challenge. He would be glad to hear from you at nafante_boards@hotmail.com

This summer a new Water Park opened in Almaty. We realize you may not be able to come and enjoy it, but you can enjoy the description of the place from our English (sort of) language paper here. Hope it gets the adrenaline pumping!!

 “A Thrilling Pipe Tornado Attracts Adrenaline Lovers”  By Olesya Ivanova

“One curious story is connected with the tornado pipe. Foreigners turned out to be great fanciers of active rest in the aqua park. They feel quite at ease while expressing their emotions during the rolling down the pipe tornado. One man with his lady tried to slide down together with his lady. But in the Aqua Park there are strict rules for everybody to obey, otherwise, people are excluded from the possibility to relax at the Aqua Park. So, observer-operators warned them and offered to slide down one by one. The foreign man gave way to his lady to be the first. And when she was sliding down a loud shout was heard from the pipe. Observer-operators scared at first for the well being of the lady, but her gentleman calmed them down saying that it is quite habitual abroad to feel free while sliding down and people shout as strong as they can, in order produced the process of sliding adrenalin bring use and satisfaction to them. Everyone is free to choose his or her way of getting satisfaction and relax. Thanks to such parks we may choose according to our pocket and tastes.”

We are grateful for your support and prayers.

Blessings, Mark, Dayna, Josiah, and Aaron Blair 

Central Asian Theological Seminary teaching

Seminary Director's Report

KECS Director’s Report                                           

May 2002                             

Mark Blair

This has been a historic year for KECS as we moved into our new facilities and led our ministry into new and better directions. This report will highlight some of those changes and suggest areas of further growth and development in three areas; facilities, staffing, and finances.

Facilities

Old Campus

I thank the Lord for more than five years of His blessing as we used the facilities on Rosa Luxemborg Street. About 200 students were taught there. Hundreds of Pastor’s continuing education sessions were held there. Several churches have used it for worship. Now it houses 2 small churches, one from the KECC association, and a Brethren church which rents a room for $75 a month, KECC pastors meet there every Wednesday, and Konstantin Volkov has English language classes there. The average cost of maintaining this facility is $500 a month. I do not think the few programs that now use it merit this expense. Also, the building is deteriorating, bad wiring, plumbing, insulation, etc. Another concern is our inability to effectively oversee what happens there. I strongly suggest the Board have this building sold at the highest possible price. Our manager has told us that price will probably be $30-35,000.

New Campus

I believe our ministry should concentrate its efforts at effectively using our excellent facilities in Primoy Put. We are truly blessed to have such a fine center for ministry. There are small improvements being made right now, curbs and paving the walkways, window sills inside, planting  a food garden for our consumption, library development, and computer center for students and church leaders. I anticipate that we have a donor for a much needed standby generator.

1. Married Student/Family Housing

Often the best church leaders are married men with families. Presently we have no permission from the KZ gov’t to house children in our seminary building. My suggestion is that we build a married student living complex behind our seminary building. Fortunately we have two adjoining properties, each with a poor quality house. I suggest these houses be replaced with a larger facility. The design I envision would have small living quarters for families (2 rooms), with a common kitchen and bath facilities shared by four or five families. Perhaps we could build two or three “clusters” for up to 15 families. I leave the details to the experts, I simply share the need and vision. I wonder if the OMS building teams could take this on as a project? Perhaps the funds obtained from the sale of the old campus could be at least partially devoted to this need.

2. Restoration and Expansion of Car Garage Workshop Area

The old buildings in the southeast corner of our property will need to be restored and improved. Again, I have no specific plan, but I think it is a medium level priority.

3. Painting the Building

Another lower priority item is to paint the building. I have wanted to propose this as a project for a visiting work team, but the height and potential dangers have concerned me.

4. Property Acquisition

I think we would be wise to continue to buy properties both adjacent to and across the street from our campus as they become available for staff housing and our future growth.

Staff Issues

We have a very committed and faithful staff of seminary workers. This year we made some improvements in our structure and organization which has improved our operation. One reality we face is the rising salary levels for professionals in Almaty. The surge of oil money and “new industry” related to aid to Afghanistan have brought a growing number of ex-pat workers and projects. They need competent translators/interpretors, especially into Kazakh. Our best workers could be making at least five times more than what we pay them. I realize we are barely able to pay them their current salaries, but we need to keep this situation in view.

Our weakest department is “Student Life.”  These workers are like student deans who care for them as they study and live here. One reason for the department weakness is the newness of the church here. Few believers have the maturity and pastoral sensitivity needed for this work. Those who do are engaged in church planting work. As a result, we do not have a very solid team of pastoral leaders for this department. The need is magnified by the fact the students are in residence. Without strong and sensitive on site leadership, the potential for problems is great. We will be working on some restructuring of this department. Pray for us.

                                                                                              

One general problem in administration here is the issue of authority. The operative cultural model is authoritarianism, usually centralized in one individual. Those “under” this person dare not act without specific orders. Those “below” also typically struggle for secondary positions of power. Everyone wants someone to shout at. If the authority figure is absent, those under authority can even flaunt their freedom. My cultural model is democracy; I have tried to operate with this model with little success. Workers have been confused and paralyzed being asked to make their own decisions. My present operational model is a benevolent dictatorship with limited participation. I always try and discuss the decision making process with key leaders, often implementing their suggestions. As a foreign worker I want to prepare local leaders to take over. I raise this discussion for continued prayer and advice. My prayer is that we would gain a growing sense that Christ is our head and that under Him we all follow His lead. Along these lines of localizing our leadership I have two specific suggestions.

1) We need a Local Advisory Board for KECS. I suggest this board be comprised of national Christian leaders, from the KECC association and beyond, clergy and laity. Also, there should be minority membership of foreign mission workers on this board. Initially this board can be advisory only, but as they prove their worth, they should be given increasing authority.

 2) We need to take more intentional steps at developing local leadership for KECS. Right now the best candidate I see on our horizon is Pastor Alexander Melenkov. I suggest he be sent to Moscow Seminary, hopefully even this fall. (Fortunately, his church is well supplied with associate leaders who can take over.)  He has proven an excellent leader for our Pastor’s Assoc. As a Russian he displays sensitivity and understanding for Kazakh people. I pray that he can be a future leader of KECS. Another fine leader is Kairot. I am not sure what steps should be taken to develop his leadership and service. But we should explore this question with him.

Finance

KECS could not exist without foreign financial support. Our challenge is the develop ways for KECS to continue with decreasing amounts of outside funding. We have taken some small steps to promote the responsibility of the local churches to fund their students. Two years ago we discontinued offering transportation costs for students coming and returning to their home cities. Many said that they would not be able to come, but God has blessed them to meet this need. This fall will be the first year we do not offer monthly stipends for our students. Our practice has been to give each student the local equivalent of $10 a month for their incidental expenses. Again we are hearing the cries that this is impossible! But we believe this small amount is a reasonable expectation for a sending church to give toward the free education of their student. Granted, these are just token amounts of the full cost of operating KECS. Yet it is a beginning. We need wisdom to know how and when to ask the local churches to finance more of the cost of their student’s training. But even in the “wealthy West” tuition costs are just a portion of a school’s operational budget. What other areas can we explore?

This fall we formed a KECS Alumni Association. The primary purpose of this organization is to encourage our graduates in their walk and witness. They have been collecting addresses and thinking of future conferences. Hopefully this group will be more active. In the West such associations become a source of financial support to their alma mater.  Unfortunately most of our graduates, like most believers, are presently unemployed. But we need to build for the future in this area.

One means of economizing is expansion of our vegetable gardens. We have been blessed with helpful advice and cooperation from a team of foreign Christian agricultural workers. After visiting our site they were confident that with careful planning and techniques we could easily feed our own students and staff with fruits and vegetables. This spring/summer our concentration is on one-time improvements in our territory. So this year we will only plant potatoes. But we want to be ready for next spring.

Another way to subsidize our costs is to utilize our building for conferences when we are not in session. There are a growing number of groups looking for facilities. We already have at least one group coming in June, and we are advertising for more.

We should do a careful review of the various properties owned by KECS. Are they in use? Are we gaining maximum potential from them?

Schools in the States are assisted by endowment programs, life insurance policies, and other financial schemes. I have no knowledge of how these work. Could we find a person in the States to take on this type of ministry assistance? Perhaps a retired finance worker looking for a way to advance the cause of mission?

Maybe we need to “think bigger.” One businessman in Hawaii challenged me by suggesting the seminary buy a farm or some other major income generating business to fund their operational costs. I said we are ready for him to buy us one, he never wrote back! One mission leader in Almaty said his organization is exploring opening a “Starbuck’s Coffee” franchise here. Of course, business always carries risk. Also, the danger is that our energies be drained from our calling to train Christian leaders. My prayer is that wise counselors would come along side us and help us think through the future needs of KECS, so that the work here can grow from strength to strength.

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From Fur to Flip Flops

“From the Tropics to the Tundra”

An Update from the Blair family in Kazakhstan

                                                                                                June  2002

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

Mailing address:                                                         Mission: (please note, new address!)

c/o KECS                                                                    Pioneers

P.O. Box 244                                                              10123 William Carey Drive

Almaty 480000                                                           Orlando, Florida 32827-6020 USA

Kazakhstan                                                       www.pioneers.org

Phone  (7-3272) 550128

Our Church: International Christian Fellowship, Almaty   www.icf.nursat.kz (check this out!)

 

Aloha from Almaty,

We traded the fur lining for flip flops, summer is here. And season by season we are rejoicing in the God of all grace. We are so thankful for your gracious support and faithful prayers. We continue to be mightily blessed by Him in all our life and work. The media may no longer tell you about Afghanistan every day, but may the Holy Spirit do so! He has given us a front row seat to see His Kingdom advance across Central Asia. We hear great reports of Gospel progress in formerly closed lands. These are times of historic opportunity for all the “stans” (lands of the peoples), but not without hardship and even bloodshed. Fervently pray.   

One Flies out of the Nest

We will soon bid a bittersweet Ahui Hou! to our eldest son Nathan. He graduates from high school this month and heads home to University of Hawaii, Hilo in August. His brothers are too soon to follow. Josiah will be a senior and Aaron a sophomore here this fall. They have had a good year.  We recently received the following letter of recommendation for Nathan from his Principal, Gillian Mawson. Pardon us as we brag on our son… 

It is indeed a pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Nathan. I have known Nathan for four years. He is an exceptional young man and it has been a privilege to serve as his principal during his High School years. Nathan is a leader among his peers. I have enjoyed seeing him grow and mature as a strong young man and in his leadership roles.  This year he was elected as Chairman of the Student Council and demonstrates a natural ability to lead.  He is greatly respected by all the staff and students and has a natural warmth and ability to relate to a wide variety of ages.

I have observed excellent character qualities in Nathan. When faced with a challenge he perseveres to reach the goals set, achieving sound academic results in his studies. He shows particular talent in expressive writing and I have always thoroughly enjoyed reading his writings.  He is to be commended for his persistence and diligence; even in subjects he finds more challenging. Nathan responds respectfully to correction or input. He makes wise choices and is willing to make a stand on personal convictions and beliefs. Living in Kazakhstan is not always easy and often stressful.  Despite the limited supplies and resources Nathan has made the most of the opportunities available to him. 

I would describe him as an excellent all-rounder. I have watched Nathan throw himself into everything he does from snowboarding to taking part in school drama productions.  He is also a singer in our school’s music group. Living in a foreign country has enabled Nathan to have an opportunity to relate to many different cultures. He has also tackled the learning of the Russian language and his achievement has been commendable allowing him to relate easily to the local community.

Gillian sent this letter from her home in New Zealand where she is on leave, now Dayna is Acting Principal. She has tackled these added duties with grace and diligence; although she will be grateful to see Gillian return in August. Both Gillian’s parents are not well, pray for them. Two other urgent issues for prayer for Tien Shan School, 1) Paying off the final $74,000 toward their new building fund, 2) We need 3 elementary teachers, JH/HS Science teacher, JH/HS Math teacher for this coming fall. You may contact them directly at tienshan@pactec.kz

Church is Fun

Perhaps that sounds strange, but International Christian Fellowship here in Almaty has been just that for our family. We are privileged to be part of a team of leaders who enjoy serving God and one another. We are stimulated by people and cultures from around the world. Mark preaches (every other week usually) to a congregation whose Bibles are open and eyes are attentive. We moved to a new site, a large hotel meeting room in November. After several weeks of using just half the ball room, the dividing wall is now open. Every Sunday we’re about 250 people, 50 are kids under 10 years old who attend Sunday school. Dayna leads a bunch of parents/teachers who willingly take their turns without cajoling! One recently asked to take all the kids for a whole month and organize a Children’s Musical. We are blessed each Sunday by different worship teams whose music and praise leads us into the throne room of God. We give away more than 70% of our offerings to ministries here. We’re a bunch of people from different countries and denominations, busy in lots of different ministries, wanting to raise a banner for the Lord Jesus Christ. Nobody wastes time with petty Churchianity, it really is fun. Easter was especially fun. About 350 people came. We baptized nine people, seven of them were new converts – an Englishman, a Kazakh, five Russians - two were MK’s, including our son Nathan.  Pray that as we focus on Him we will continue to major on the majors - Jesus, His Word, His mission.  Our venue is a good platform to reach out to many in the largely untouched business community. We are thinking about launching a Russian language service, with their own pastor and leaders, to reach even more professionals. Pray for wisdom and fruitful labors.

The Net of Complicity

“Three of our seminary students raped a school girl in the next village some months ago.”  My colleague’s face winced in pain as she whispered this tragic news. Shock, anger, disappointment, hurt, betrayal, punishment, all raced around in my mind. How could such students have found their way into a seminary?  I honestly did not know what step to take. But my class was waiting for me, so I went to teach “Preaching.” As a strange twist of fate, one of the accused was the student preacher for this hour. I sat back in my chair with my arms tightly folded across my chest, fists clenched. I seethed inwardly, certain that this creep would make a fool of himself. He read his text, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and we will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners…”  (James 4.7,8) “Wow!” I was shocked, “Does this hypocrite have no shame?” Hypocrite or not, the guy preached a good sermon; correct understanding of the text, insightful applications, and even a very transparent confession of his struggle to submit to God. During the group critique after the message I asked, “Why did you select that text?” Without hesitation he responded, “Because I know I am not good at doing this, and I want to improve.” I did not know what to think. He could talk the talk, but did he walk the walk? That night I struggled to sleep. “Rape! Oh my God, that poor girl, those wicked boys, what a scandal for our ministry, what shame on the name of Christ. How many people know this, or will know it? How can we redeem our testimony? What am I doing as a seminary director here in Kazakhstan?”    

Riding to the seminary the next day I wrestled with my plan of action. What would I do first? I should go to the local school and meet the principal, apologize, and ask to meet this girl. I should go to the police department and confess our students deed, and invite officers to arrest them. I should do both, but in which order? When I arrived I invited key members of staff for a meeting, including the member who first brought this news. As seven of us gathered behind closed doors I prayed, beseeching our God of Truth, Light, and Love.  The member of staff who dropped this bomb apprehensively explained she had not really heard this news directly. It was relayed from her sister in law, who had heard it from another student, who had heard it from another. As a matter of fact she could not remember if this event happened two, three, or maybe four months ago – but she was sure it was a Friday night. Someone suggested we follow this rabbit trail from the sister in law, to one student, then to another. Cooler heads said we should talk directly to the three culprits. But, how? Some adamantly preferred individual interrogations to prevent corroboration. I suggested we hold them innocent until proven guilty and invite them together - as students whom we have known and trusted all year long. We did this.

Thanks be to God, they were not wicked - but one was very stupid – yesterday’s preacher.  About three months ago, in a moment of perverse bravado, he bragged he and his mates had done a dastardly deed. It was, he explained, “A joke!” What a joke it was. A joke that almost landed them in prison, or at least beaten severely by the police. This joke terribly damaged the reputation of our students, our seminary, and our Lord. The two friends woven into this story were ready to attack their Joker. What should I do? Nothing in the Student Handbook discussed such jokes. The two leaders we met with suggested confession before the seminary community, I agreed. I added that he should also confess before the village church – perhaps their members could help douse the rumor fires. But surely the retraction never travels as far and fast as the “Joke.” Then our seminary staff gathered to meet. I reminded us of a Scripture I often cite, Matthew 18.15-18. We read Jesus’ very simple formulation for dealing with such jokes and the storms which follow. Go right to the person and try and sort out the problem, if there is no reconciliation, take a few friends along; if even that does not work, tell Blair the Big, Bad Director. (That’s kind of a paraphrase.) Tears were shed, confessions were made, and absolution was granted. What am I doing here? As this slice of life reveals, the work is tough, dirty, and wonderful. There are many such stories to tell, good and bad. We see God transform Jokesters into Jewels in His crown. We try to model the Grace we want them to preach. He uses us sinful leaders to mold these midwives for newborn saints. Honestly, it is not always fun, but often rewarding. On June 7, 2002, twenty-three students (including one Jokester), graduate from Kazakhstan Evangelical Christian Seminary. May you send them out with your prayers? Central Asia’s multitudes wait. 

Summer Travels

Before Nathan heads off to University, we will take a family vacation. The boys want to go to their homeland. So in July we’re heading down the hill – sort of – to Uganda. We have several friends, church leaders and missionaries, who have written and asked us to come. We want to be an encouragement to them in their service. We look forward to rekindling precious friendships. We five will be accompanied by a teenage Korean MK from here, Ji You Kim. (He is the faithful friend who helped Nathan with his dislocated elbow in November at “Crazy.”) We ask prayer for safe travels, good ministry times, refreshment and renewal, and that God may kindle a vision in the hearts of our boys for this big world that needs Him.

Yours in His service, Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah and Aaron Blair