JANUARY MINISTRY FOCUS: - A new season of Growth in TERNOPIL REGION

Hi Friends, and wonderful team who work so hard / all those who are interested and praying with us and for us.
As promised, each month we hope to focus on a couple of ministries and people you can pray for with some more specific prayer detail (as appropriate for public broadcast).

TERNOPIL REGION 

 Tomorrow morning Dennis and myself fly out to North West Ukraine. Ternopil region was once part of Poland. Historically it has had a number of sociological and economic challanges (the slaughter and migration of Jews during the war, underinvestment by global corporates and business etc etc). The Oblast (region) is home to over 1,000,000 people.  Despite all it's challanges this the region is beuatiful in many ways (scenery, moutains, it's rural unspoilt landscape, it's surviving architecture) and most wonderful are it's people.  Our home will be a base in Kremenets where our good church family friends are doing all they can to encourcage gospel growth in the region. 

• OUR MOTIVATION and INTEREST: This region is very unreached for the gospel. Churches are looking to love their communities  in a desire to share everlasting Joy and certain salvation hope in Jesus Christ. To this end many provide clothes for the harsh winter, and food / bread where it is needed. 

Our trip this time is just to spend some time encouragine those (especally pastors) who lead the churches. I have the privelege of sharing with up to 30 pastors from the region as we go away for a residential conference. We'll be considering the reality of what it means to lead churches through the gears of growth and all the challenges (and joys) this presents.
As we "go" (Matt 28:19) to make disciples and as we "go"  through the gears of missional growth in church life we see that God is with us. As we get involved in his agenda for his world, we discover who we are made and remade to be in Christ, he equips us to go and he equips his pastors - "to equip" his church for "works of service" (Eph 4). Our GOD IS GREAT, and HE IS GRACIOUS !

PLEASE PRAY WITH US OVER THESE NEXT FEW DAYS IF YOU ARE ABLE.

• Pray that Dennis and Paul get there ok, and thatAustria and Munich connections go ok.
• Pray for every pastor coming to the conference. Whatever situation stage in ministry (whether city central church, or small rural plant). Pray that they will be reminded of their calling as pastors, re-foccussed on the joy and glory of serving Christ.
• Pray that in each expsoition and pastoral training session, each will find practical help for their ministry ready to go back with renewed clarity, conviction, and compassion.
• Pray that the bond of brothers will grow deep in its love and cooperation, and that a future ministry might develop and expand in this region as we all work together for his glory.
• Pray for preaching Sunday. As brothers go back to their churches and tell of what God is doing, that together we will see a great faith step in God's people as they recommit to serving the gospel with anticpation and prayer for this region.
• OUR GOD IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASUREABLY MORE. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM. 
• Pray that a new season of gospel fruit , future church leaders and new churches will emerge to reach this region for Christ. This is already happening, and green shoots are emerging, pray that this will happen more and more. 
• PRAY FOR A small army of CHURCH PLANTERS - especially in rural regions. Precious guys like our good friend Ruslan (more of his ministry next month.) 
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• We are encourageing these treasured folks in whatever way we can, knowing that they travel a lonely pioneering road but in a strategic place where the gospel must go forward. Pray that they will be encouraged, find good fellowship, financial support, helpful mentoring, and most of all see people come to Christ in their labours. 
• Please also pray for those who are administering Humanitarian aid in the East during harsh conditions. Some of you will know that we as a team have had the privilege of supporting the work of a bakery and a number of Christians in this place to take the hope, help and gospel of Christ to those in difficult circumstances.
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• Pray that these folks who find love, bread and help from good people will also find their "all in all" in Christ. 
• We are so grateful to God for all he is doing and so humbled that he has given us a small but privileged role in these exciting times. 
• I am so grateful for such a wonderful team that I have the privilege of serving. I praise God for your loving heart for people, the liberty of self forgetfulness which drives you to serve him and not yourself, and the joy of giving and encouragement which you excel at ! 

Thank you for your faithful friendship and partnership. 
For his Glory ... praying with you, 
BLOGSKI.