Report of SMS Missionary Peter Lukashevich
Usachi, Belarus – May, 2009


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We send you greetings from our church in the city of Usachi. I thank you for your financial support and your prayers. We serve our Lord and are protected by Him. All during this last period, we have continued our witness about Jesus Christ in spite of difficulties and negative reactions by some.

Our method of evangelism is often on a personal level. We speak to men and women, children and the elderly, and anyone we have opportunity to reach. We endeavor to exploit any opportunity the Lord makes possible.

After a recent invitation, six young people repented and were converted. These were youth from 16 to 19 years old from both Christian and non Christian homes. All of them made their decisions through the Sunday school. May the Lord continue to bless the work of the Sunday school in Usachi, which we are continuing to develop. The Sunday school students participate in the worship service each Sunday. Older members and parents are fasting and praying, fasting and praying, fasting and praying for the children and their conversion to Christ, as well as the children of the city that they will come to study and attend church. May God give us strength and bless us that we might be victorious in this outreach.

In addition, I have had continuing pastoral counseling with members of the church. Many have difficult spiritual problems. One sister has an alcoholic son. She was converted some time ago, but because of her home situation, she has physical and emotional problems. Another sister has suffered domestic abuse, which has resulted in a nervous breakdown, and she has been hospitalized. The children and relatives needed help and support.

Please pray for me and my wife.

Respectfully your,
Peter Lukashevich


 

 

Usachi, Belarus – January, 2009

I am sincerely grateful to all of you who have participated in our ministry and in caring for our needs. I thank God for the past year, for his mercy and grace and for the many ways you have assisted us. The entire year was relatively peaceful, and we had the joy of seeing 10 new people coming into our church. The most effective outreach was accomplished through children’s ministries. When we had children’s activities, parents would always attend. Some had become regular with both parents coming. I am praying for the conversion of these parents – some have large families. I pray the Lord will touch their hearts with His Word and with His Spirit. Three individuals who attended our Sunday school, were converted and will be baptized soon. We are presently preparing them for this step.

In this new year, I look forward to God’s blessing. This past month, two persons have returned to the church. I am daily trying to witness to at least one person. During the time I was distributing Christian calendars, I spoke to a number of people. One man, who was my age, became very interested in the prayer theme I brought up. His understanding of prayer was through the prism of the Orthodox Church, which involves memorized prayers. I pointed out that prayer is like breathing, and as we inhale and exhale, so prayer should flow out of our hearts.

It is very difficult to talk to those who consider themselves Russian Orthodox as they say they are right and we are wrong. Some become quite aggressive. I am learning how to witness. Some of these do not go to church and do not read the Bible. And I point out that they are sinners and need a Savior.

Please pray for me, dear brothers and sisters,

Respectfully yours,

Peter Lukashevich

Usachi, Belarus – February, 2009

Brothers and sisters, I sincerely thank you for allowing me carry on my work for the Lord with your financial and prayerful support.  During this period the Lord gave us grace to minister effectively.

This year we have made special efforts to reach the 15 individuals who for one reason or another left the church in the past six years 15.  The church has continued to pray for these people and to urge them to find their place in the body of Christ. Two persons returned in December and two more in January.  We are trusting God and His strength to continue this difficult ministry.

In all of our Sunday services for the past two months we have had new visitors.  Our services include the participation of the church choir and the youth choir and two sermons.  Attendance is between 40 -60 persons.  30 children attend Sunday school.  We are preparing candidates for baptism.  Three young people have requested to be baptized.

Special Christmas programs were conducted.  Our work in the SS is recognized as being very important as well as our correspondence courses, “Emmaus”.

In a populated area not far from Usachi we have established a missionary outreach. There are five new converts there.  In January we conducted an evangelistic meeting.  Some 40 individuals visited these services.  This was in a large home of one of the believers.  In an informal atmosphere we had conversation, and questions and answers.  We sang and we preached the good news to the people.

We continue to live for the Lord! We continue to be grateful to Him!
We continue to pray to Him and to tell others about Him!
 
Prayer request -  $300  needed to repair my car.

Respectfully yours,
 
Peter Lukashevich