Socks, Neckties, and Rock and Roll – Almaty, October 2004

Aloha from Almaty! Last week I had dinner with the “Minority Report” a Rock and Roll band here in Kazakhstan. Despite their craft, tattoos and body piercing were conspicuously absent. Actually “Minority Report” is five quite normal looking young people, two women and three men. Three are married with small children. A couple graduated from a prestigious Music Conservatory here. All of them have day jobs. Two are Kazakh, one is Karakalpak, one is Uighur, and one Russian – united by their musical talents, love for God, and concern for others. I was not invited for musical advice, or wardrobe consultation, (double obviously!) but as a Bible teacher - a ‘neutral pastor (none of them attend ICF) whom they all respect.’ As these ‘rock stars’ struggle to make ends meet, the outside observer would be quite surprised to find them concerned about God’s tithe. But they are acutely conscious of the Heavenly Observer. So we spent four hours talking about ‘tithes and offerings.’ (Most America Christians find it hard to sit still for ten minutes on that topic!) Since they’re members of four different churches, which one should receive? Or should they ‘by pass’ the church and give to poor people whom they know? Or, since the funds were given to do ministry, should 100% be spent on instruments and other ministry needs? Some shared heartfelt convictions with tears. Their families are blessed through tithing, and they wanted that blessing for their group.

Twenty years ago we were privileged to witness the ‘East African Revival’ while serving in Uganda. Believers in Jesus strove to ‘walk in the light of God’ through all their life. Their dynamic preaching and singing was matched by daily surrender to God. I remember attending fellowship meetings where their transparency was sometimes painful. Men daringly asked their brethren why they succumbed to ‘worldly standards’ - like wearing socks and neckties. At which point I curled my covered ankles under my chair. They sometimes bordered on the extreme, but such sincere questions measured their fervency. ‘Going to church’ was the highlight of a week lived for God. They desired, as they often said, to ‘live in a house with no walls and no roof’. This dwelling, which sounds more appropriate for tropical Africa than Kazakhstan, revealed a longing that nothing hinders their fellowship with man and God. All their life was from Him and they wanted to live it for Him.

Last week in a cozy Soviet-style apartment of a Minority Report member, I witnessed that same intensity. It was voiced by Central Asians speaking Russian instead of African English. But with one voice they expressed a sincere desire to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we wonder, “What is the impact of our ministry?” There are many obstacles to Christian work in Central Asia. The government claims to be open, but the numerous officials we have to deal with (our visa expires again November 11!!) are not particularly welcoming (lots of understatement there…). And the oft’ spoken mantra here is ‘to be Kazakh is to be Muslim.’ But despite adversity, God has His Minority Report.

At the end of our discussion they agreed to consider the ‘Solomon’s baby’ approach to their tithe – cut it up! Ten percent of their ministry proceeds will be designated for tithing, and each of the five members will be entrusted with using two percent the way they believe God directs. Although they had strong convictions, they agreed to live in mutual respect and trust under His leadership. I urged them not to let diversity in a debatable matter hinder their unity in the unquestionable task of making Christ known. Praise the Lord for this group of sincere servants! Pray that He will keep them in His peace and unity. Pray that with one heart and voice – and guitar rip - they will glorify the Lord Jesus and see many drawn to Him.

Spiritual Gifts Seminar

Yesterday after preaching on Jesus’ letter to the Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3) at International Christian Fellowship, Dayna and I taxied up into the nearby mountains for an overnight retreat. There we joined more than 300 members from a local Presbytery. (One Presbyterian church planted about 8 years ago now has 5 daughter congregations, in three languages!) Mark was asked to present two sessions on the topic of “Spiritual Gifts.” We had a great time with them. What a joy to meet vibrant believers who want to leap from the pews into the harvest field. They wanted to know ‘how can I find MY spiritual gift and put it to use?’ Pray that He will show them and continue to multiply these faithful congregations.

Fall Festival

Dayna has a full load of classes to teach at Tien Shan School this year. Aaron is having a good senior year thus far. He was the captain of the Soccer team and is now preparing for volleyball season (Dayna will be a coach). To mark the end of the first quarter TSS just held their first Fall Festival. The Lord provided a warm shirt-sleeve Saturday for the several hundred people who came. They enjoyed numerous game booths and competitions, lots of good food, piñatas, cake walks, and even back massages (the ‘Tension Buster Booth’). More than 50 kids – or more accurately Spider Men, Shrek’s, Firemen, Hobbit’s, and even a blue M & M paraded in competition. Talent gushed from the stage as 11 “Air Bands” lip-synched famous ballads – from Louis Armstrong to ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ to Rappers. They more than fulfilled their intention of raising money for school expenses and providing a great day of fun for families.

More Opportunities

We are extremely busy. Dayna continues to help guide our Sunday school at International Christian Fellowship. Mark is enjoying preaching every Sunday at ICF through the book of Revelation. Mark also teaches Old Testament Survey and Preaching weekly at KECS seminary. My textbook on ‘Preaching’ translated into Russian arrived from the printers two weeks ago. It was the day before I taught a modular course on Preaching in a newly formed graduate program at the Baptist Bible Institute. In mid November Mark has been asked to preach at the building dedication service for a newly formed local church. At the end of November, Dayna and Mark hope to go to Dushanbe, Tajikistan where Mark will teach a week long modular course on ‘The Trinity’ and preach in the International Church there. Pray for visas and the needed travel fare. We thank the Lord for these open doors of service and pray that we may be of encouragement to His newly forming Church here in Central Asia.

One concern in the midst of this busy time is that our financial support is down. Our funds for this month were finished half way through the month. We are very grateful for your faithful support and especially your prayers.

Well, the brilliant fall colors here have mostly fallen to the ground and the barren branches point to winter’s coming. We’re not quite ready, but it’s coming anyway! We are thankful to serve a faithful God and that He has made you a demonstration of that faithfulness in our lives.

Love and prayers,
Mark, Dayna, and Aaron Blair

Our Family Grows

Kyrgyz Students 2004

Last month Mark taught a course on “Paul’s Letters” to about 20 young leaders in the city of Osh in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Half of the class were former Muslims. Islam is often depicted as an impenetrable monolith of zealous Muslims. Indeed, among the world’s billion Muslims, many are ready to die a martyrs’ death. But there are a large number who silently question their authoritarian leaders – who cringe at the violence and terror – and wonder if there is another way. Here are three I had the privilege of teaching in Osh.

Shengiz became religiously aware in 1999 when a Jehovah’s Witness man in his village said the world would end that year. When the clocked rolled over to 2000 the villagers gave a sigh of relief and booted the false prophet out. A year later Shengiz was invited to attend a birthday party with his college friends. He soon found this group of Kyrgyz kinsmen offering up prayers to God in Jesus name. This was the first time he had heard anyone pray in Kyrgyz. (Muslims there pray in ‘Arabic;’ at least they are supposed to. In reality very few actually know that holy language so they mumble ‘Arabic’ sounds.) Shengiz heard these classmates daring to speak to the Almighty in their colloquial. His first thought was that they too were Jehovah’s Witnesses! But they explained they were Bible believing Christians who trusted in Jesus (‘Isa in Arabic) for their salvation. This set Shengiz on a year-long quest to discover “who is Jesus?’ He read the Quran, religion and philosophy tomes, and the Bible. On one night-long read through the New Testament he called out to Jesus about 5 a.m. He then returned home carrying a Bible and was promptly thrown out of the house by his parents. His two brothers have attended Christian meetings with Shengiz but dropped out because they did not want trouble with their father. Over the last few years Shengiz has deepened in his Christian experience and continued to be a loving and respectful son. He is now his father’s favorite son, admired for his maturity and his convictions.

Jedegul, a Kyrgyz young lady, found Jesus along the road one day. She was walking the several miles from a hospital to the town. Her companion had just been discharged from one year of hospitalization. Wanting to fully experience all the sensations of her new freedom, they walked! As they passed a fancy home the two girls expressed their envy. Just then – almost like Jesus on the road to Emmaus – a man came up from behind and told them that true riches were only found in God. Their walk became a Christ-centered trialogue. By the time they reached town, all three knew Him. That night Jedegul gathered all the girls in her college dormitory and took them to a prayer meeting at a Russian Baptist church. For these Asian Muslim women, it was much like a trip to Mars. Yet the God who breaks down all barriers created a bond between them and a number have continued with Him. Jedegul’s parents soon found out about their young mass evangelist and they were not pleased. They appeared at her dorm unexpectedly and ordered that she renounce her faith in Jesus. She respectfully refused. Then her father had a talk with the college director. The next day this official met with Jedegul saying that if she did not renounce Jesus, she would be expelled. She refused and she was. Having no where to turn, Jedegul returned home, and stopped attending church. For several years she went every day to the bazaar and helped her father sell his wares, but she never stopped believing in Jesus. One day a summer team of American Christians visited that bazaar and engaged Jedegul in conversation. She then realized she could no longer keep her light hidden and returned to church. She still works alongside her father in the bazaar six days a week. But now he pretends not to know where his daughter has been slipping away to every Sunday for the last four years. Recently he told his daughter of his admiration for her. And then he added, “I too believe that Jesus is God. But if I say this openly, our Muslim neighbors will burn our house down.”

Sonarbek, a young Kyrgyz man was only a nominal Muslim, despite his father being an ‘Imam’ (Islamic prayer leader) for their village. When he came to faith in Jesus through the witness of some friends, both his parents were angry. Yet Sonarbek intentionally left Christian books and literature – all in Kyrgyz language – in the sitting room so his family could know what he had come to believe. He often found his parents reading this material. Soon his father was reading the Bible quite regularly and citing Biblical themes in his conversations. One day Sonarbek’s infant adopted sister became quite ill, near unto death. Sonarbek’s father desperately sought his prayers saying, “In your Bible Jesus says, ‘Whatever you ask in my name I will do.’ Ask him to heal your sister!” Sonarbek refused. Rather, he challenged his father saying, “I think Jesus would rather you ask Him yourself.” So this Muslim Imam prayed to Jesus, pleading for his young daughter’s life. God heard his prayer and the girl was healed. Sonarbek’s mother is now quite openly praying to Jesus and reading the Bible, though still praying in a mosque. His grandmother is doing the same. Grandma recently told Sonarbek, “When you choose a girl to marry find her in your church, not our mosque, the best one’s are in the church.” His father is at this point a secret disciple of Jesus, still leading prayers in the mosque.

Not long ago Sonarbek went to visit a friend in a neighboring village of about 500 people. While visiting and sharing the message of Jesus with this friend, the Imam from that village arrived. Sonarbek placed the Kyrgyz Bible on the table in the room as they visited together. Eventually the Imam picked up the book and was interested that it was in their language, Kyrgyz. Sonarbek explained that it was a Bible. The Imam became quite fascinated and read intently. After some time he said, “I need this book. This is the message I need to teach in the mosque.” Sonarbek said that as he had written many notes in the book it would be more appropriate for him to give the Imam a new copy. (Muslims revere the Holy Books themselves and would not respect a book as well-marked as S’s Bible.) In a matter of days Sonarbek presented a new Bible to the Imam and he has begun to use it as the basis of his messages in the mosque.

Yulia’s father is an Uzbek Muslim and her mother is Russian Orthodox. Neither one was very happy when at the age of 12 Yulia announced that she wanted to follow Jesus. Over the years, as they have watched Yulia grow into a mature Christian woman, wife, and mother - their opinions have softened. Her mother has become an interested student of the Bible, still praying in the Orthodox church. Her father kept his anti-Christian arguments going for several years. But a few years back both mother and father found themselves unemployed. The father challenged, “You pray to Jesus for a job, and I will pray to Allah for a job.” Jesus gave her mother a job, the father is still unemployed, and no longer speaks about Islam.

The course I taught in Osh was an intensive night course. The students are busy with their normal work and study demands during the day. But there were arranged lunches with small groups of students each day to have some informal time together. All week we joined the small crowd in a ‘western style’ restaurant. In a city where the population is 50% Kyrgyz, 35% Uzbek, and the rest Koreans, Chinese, other Central Asian peoples and Russians, Western cuisine is not their specialty. So all week I dined on what was no doubt their best effort to make ‘cutlet’, ‘baked chicken’, and ‘beef stroganoff.’ Throughout the week I kept asking my host where the local people ate. On Friday I found out. We found the “In and Out” of Osh. It is located right across the street from the city’s central mosque where several thousand gather for Friday prayers. I think half of them found also found their way to our restaurant. They specialize in ‘Samsa’ which is a meat pie found throughout this part of the world. But this place serves up the ‘Mother of all Samsas!’ Eating one of these samsa’s is the equivalent of consuming two Burger King Whoppers – not that I would know, of course. A meat and onion mix is placed into the bread dough and the ball shaped entrée is stuck on to the side of a huge rounded clay oven. We arrived just as a batch was being taken out and distributed to the several dozen people who lined up, or sort of lined up. Many had multiple orders to fill. Some hopped onto bicycles and raced off for steaming hot deliveries. So we missed this batch. We spent the next half an hour sitting at our plastic table in a large bustling open air patio area, drinking tea and eating fresh baked bread. These loaves are round and flat, about the shape of a ‘Frisbee’, also cooked along the walls of rounded clay ovens. My host, an ethnic Russian, and I were about the only white skinned customers in the cavernous dining area. A steady stream of bearded men, wearing robes and Islamic prayer caps, came to eat. About a fourth of the crowd were women, most wearing Islamic head covering. The occasional western dressed young woman came in, and all the prayer caps turned in her direction. Finally, after numerous cups of tea, and nearly consuming the entire ‘Frisbee,’ it was samsa time! We reached across to a nearby table for the common knife used to remove the hard baked top from the pie, steam gushed out as we sliced. A savory mix of meat, onions, and fat lie awaited us. As I spooned down more fat than I would normally choose to eat – which tasted great! – I clung to the words of a colleague on the Atkins diet who recently told me, “fat is your friend.” This day that friendship intensified.

Back to Tien Shan School

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