“In the Tropics heading for the Tundra”
An Update from the
Blair’s in Kazakhstan
October 2005
Kazakhstan Mailing address:
Blair’s
Almaty 43
480043 Kazakhstan
Home Phone (7-3272) 550128
Pioneers
10123 William Carey Drive
Tien Shan School
tienshan@pactec.kz
Dear Faithful Friend,
Your interest and support of our work in Kazakhstan has
extended for seven years – thanks for being so faithful! When we left the
Tropics of Hilo, Hawaii in 1998 for the Tundra of Kazakhstan we did not know
all that He had for us to do here. We have enjoyed these years of Kingdom
service and praise Him for very many blessings.
It has been some time since we sent a surface letter. We regularly
send email letters – now with pictures! If you wish to receive these, please
write blairstan@hotmail.com We realize not everyone has email and we apologize
for the long silence by surface mail.
In 2 Timothy 2.2 the Apostle Paul sets forth a pattern for
Gospel advancement. He desires God’s life-giving Word to be passed on – from
Paul, to Timothy, to reliable men, and to those whom they will reach. The photo
below shows how the Lord has allowed us to see this Kingdom extension here in Central Asia . Bahyt (bottom row center) was a student in
our early days here. Then Mark invited him to teach Evangelism at Kazakhstan
Evangelical Christian Seminary. Bahyt has proved a faithful teacher and example
to many. The six young leaders in the polo shirts on the edges of the group
were some of his students. These six, with Bahyt as their overseer/encourager, then
taught the twenty-nine people who proudly display their certificates in
Evangelism training.
Only God knows the Kingdom fruit He will bring through these
thirty-six enthusiastic evangelists. The course pictured above took place in
the far north of Kazakhstan ,
near the Russian border, hundreds of miles from Almaty. And of course, it was
taught in Russian language. These leaders, whom we have a small part in
teaching, can best announce the Eternal Word of God in the changing cultures
and languages of Central Asia . Your support of
us here has been an essential part of this great work.
Your support has also been part of a similar advancement
through Tien Shan
School . This school for
children of missionaries continues to grow in size and significance. They
started with fifteen children in 1995. This Fall more than 180 kids from 12
nations are enrolled from K through 12 grade. God is using, and will use, these
‘Third Culture Kids’ in significant ways for His Glory. They have gained an
understanding of the world few children receive. Below you can see the students
and staff of Tien Shan
School .
Dayna has begun her eighth year of teaching Tien Shan School .
This year she is teaching in the Jr. High Department and coaching the
Volleyball team.
Mark and Dayna are both teaching church leaders in local Bible schools. This Fall
Dayna is teaching Christian Education and Mark teaches New Testament Survey and
a Systematic Theology class.
This Fall two
more books which Mark has written will be published. His book on
‘Preaching’ is now in Kazakh language. (It was published in Russian last year.)
This is the first book on Homiletics in the Kazakh language! Thank God for a
great translator and pray that He will use it to encourage Kazakh preachers. A
book of sermon outlines on the ‘Life of Abraham’ (Genesis 12-25) has been
translated into Russian. (Last year sermon outlines on Ephesians was printed in
Russian language.) We are thankful for the opportunity to share through publications
and pray that they will be used by God here.
We also thank God for the ministry
of International Christian
Fellowship here in Almaty which Mark serves as pastor. We have a
great team of leaders and members to share in the ministry. This Fall Mark began
a preaching series through the Gospel of John. We want to explore new avenues
of outreach among Almaty’s growing ex-patriat community. Pray for God to make this a great year of Kingdom
advance here.
The boys we brought here seven years ago have grown up, two
have gone back to the USA .
Our oldest and youngest sons are in a house in Eugene , Oregon .
We are thankful they are together. The Lord has blessed them with jobs and
they’re growing in wisdom and maturity.
Nathan
turned 21 in July. He has completed three years of University, 2 in Hawaii and 1 in Oregon . He is not studying
this year in order to gain Oregon
residency. He has a good full time job as a waiter in a restaurant. He
continues on the staff of a newly forming magazine which you can find on the
web – www.minutemorning.com He has
also joined the ministry team for College students in his church in Eugene .
Josiah
was working in the Oregon
for the summer but he is now back in Almaty with his wife, Masha, and their daughter, Maylee..
Masha still has another year in University here. Thanks for keeping this young
family in your prayers.
Our ‘baby’ – Aaron - is now 18 and looking down on his
‘little brothers.’ He has begun his studies at Lane Community College
in Eugene . Thanks for praying for
our sons in all these matters - Masha and Maylee too!
We so appreciate your faithful prayers and generous support.
Yours in Him whose Promises are True!
Mark and Dayna Blair
Sons in Oregon , USA
Aaron Blair - thesnowisyellow@hotmail.com
Also in Almaty
- Josiah, Masha, and Maylee Blair - josiah_masha_blair@yahoo.com
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