Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ! I greet you with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We have once again approached the beautiful and joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and another turning point in time – a New Year. On behalf of Redemption Evangelistic Ministries (REM) and all the evangelists whose hands you support with your generous gifts and fervent prayer, I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your participation in the great work of the Gospel! Christmas is a celebration of bright hope and heavenly consolation. It was once announced by the angelic exclamation: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14). The Savior of the world, the Messiah Jesus Christ, was born in the small town of Bethlehem. This city became the capital of the world during the Christmas season. It was here that the good news was first heard when the angels sang to the shepherds. Bethlehem became the place where the glory of God’s people, Israel, was revealed and the light was kindled to enlighten the Gentiles. REM’s ministry is geographically extensive. With your participation, the ministry supports 100 missionary families in eight countries: Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Russia, Moldova, Belarus, Costa Rica, and Israel. With your help, the ministry also supports many evangelistic and charitable projects. This includes support for the printing of Bibles and Christian literature, the construction and repair of church buildings, support of Christian children’s summer camps and children’s outreach, and assistance with providing essential humanitarian aid. Currently, REM is supporting 50 missionary families in Ukraine. This is in response to the hardships that the Ukrainian people are enduring in wartime and a great revival that is witnessed by missionaries laboring there. Today, it’s not just churches that are filled with people, but also community centers, tents, basements of multi-story buildings, and even street corners that serve as venues for evangelistic services. In these places, people hear the Word of God, repent, accept salvation, and receive comfort and help. By God’s grace, I have been able to visit Ukraine twice this year. I visited the frontline zones of Ukraine, visited missionary families laboring there, and participated with them in evangelistic outreaches. We are so grateful to the Lord that your support brings joy and tangible comfort to suffering people in Ukraine. People need to hear the good news: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” (Luke 2:14). I ask you to continue to pray for this ministry, that the word of the Lord will spread even more, and that our Lord will be glorified. May the Lord bless you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! In Christ,
Rev. Daniel V. Okhotin,
President of REM. |
