Author Archives: thebridge

Sarajevo, Bosnia: The Lighthouse Shines in a Land of Darkness

UPDATE BY ROBERT JURJEVICH

The Center For Life THE LIGHTHOUSE was founded by Bob and Eileen Pressler in 2001 for the purpose of establishing the first pro-life ministry in former-Yugoslavia. Northriver, a United Kingdom Christian foundation, purchased a building for the ministry. They added a third floor apartment for Bob and Eileen to live in and oversee the facility. When Eileen passed away in the Fall of 2016, Sandrina was asked to become the new director of the pro-life ministry. In the Spring of 2017, the Northriver owners expressed their desire to transfer ownership of the facility to THE LIGHTHOUSE ministry.

When we first sat with the attorney to discuss the transfer of ownership, she told us the legal process would take 2-3 months. Finally, on July 30, after 18 months of legal work, we sat together with the completed documents in front of us. After a few laughs, a few minor changes, and a few photos, we signed on the line. The moment we had long waited for, came and went in a matter of seconds. After 18 years, the Christian foundation Northriver officially donated their facility in Sarajevo to the ministry Center For Life THE LIGHTHOUSE. ”It is highly unusual in Bosnia,” the notary said at the signing, ”for one organization to release a property as a donation to another organization.”

That brings us to where we are today – awaiting the Bosnian tax office to inform us of their appraisal of the facility’s value, which will require us to pay a 5% property appraisal tax up front. Upon completing the payment, we will be issued a new property deed, and the ownership process will be 100% completed!

Presently, Sandrina and Edita, her assistant, are focused on establishing a strong presence of THE LIGHTHOUSE on social media platforms and promoting the website as a primary source for Bosnian women to find information and answers to their questions concerning pregnancy, abortion and other relevant issues facing women, — see www.svjetionikcentarzazivot.com.

Monthly ads are being run on Facebook to promote a culture of life, the value of life, and the life of the unborn. In a land where abortion is a form of birth control, the opportunities to reach Bosnian women with a pro-life message are challenged by a mindset that is opposite to it.

This week during our daily children’s creative workshop at our church, Sandrina sat with a lady who has been bringing two boys every day for the last three weeks. It turns out she was not their grandmother as we thought, but their nanny. While they sat together, the lady became very talkative and asking Sandrina about herself. Sandrina shared about her work through THE LIGHTHOUSE ministry in helping women, especially in the areas of pregnancy, education, and counseling. The lady immediately opened her heart and shared that, several years prior, she had had an abortion. During the Bosnian civil war (1992-1995), she became pregnant with her second child after just 6 months of giving birth to her first. With tears in her eyes, she recounted how she chose to have an abortion. After that, she was never again able to bear children. She encouraged Sandrina and expressed how important the pro-life ministry of THE LIGHTHOUSE is. ”Abortion is a dark secret in the lives of many Bosnian women which is never spoken openly about”, she said.

RAFAEL FELLOWSHIP

Our church family, RAFAEL FELLOWSHIP, is located in one of the most densely populated areas of Sarajevo, which is 95% Muslim. Among Bosnia’s population of 4 million, there are only about 400 Protestant evangelicals in the nation. Like most ministries and churches in Bosnia, we have experienced our share of hopes and disappointments in pioneering a new church over the past five years.

While our fellowship meets on Sunday mornings for worship service, our facility is presently used during the week for the following outreaches:

Monday evenings – a sort of AA group meets that is providing help, not only for alcoholics, but mostly for drug addicts.
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons – a member of our church family provides a program for children with special needs.
Monday through Fridays – we provide a daily 2-hour creative workshop for children.

Whenever there are no other activities in the local community, we open the facility for the neighborhood teenagers to get them off the street. We build personal relationships with them through music and games.

OUR FAMILY

Our Family in 1995

As full-time missionaries on the field, we are only able to see our own children once or twice a year. In June, we came together in The Netherlands for a very special occassion – the wedding of our youngest son Joshua to his bride Joyce. All our children and their spouses love the Lord, which is a tremendous blessing to our hearts. Here is an update on our kids, with photos from 1995 and 2018:

Our Family in 2018

Johan & Kristen (to the right) live in Virginia Beach, VA. They volunteer in different capacities in their local church. Johan is a corporate CPA/Auditor; Kristen a corporate lawyer who recently became a partner in the law firm. As young professionals, they are directly influencing the Marketplace.

Lennart & Lydia (right of newlyweds) live in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, where they serve on the staff at Crossroads International Church. They are expecting their first baby (our first grandchild!) in January, 2019!

Timothy & Julianne (couple on left) live in Nashville Tennessee, USA. After a number of years as a children’s and youth pastor, Timothy is now working on staff at Gideon’s International as an assistant to the international director. Julianne is a registered nurse, and will be soon finishing up her training as an anesthesiologist.

Joshua and Joyce, the newlyweds, live in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, where they both serve on staff at Thousand Hills International Church as youth pastors and support staff.

PRAYER NEEDS FOR …

our finances, and the remaining funds for the property appraisal tax, estimated to be a total of $20,000.00.
for favor to be granted by the authorities for permanent resident visas to replace our present two year visas.
Sandrina – to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in the further development of THE LIGHTHOUSE, as there are many opportunities available for the pro-life message.

FROM R.K.’s CORNER

Robert and Sandrina Jurjevich need no introduction to our longstanding Bridge friends who have, for nearly thirty years, followed their adventures as missionaries with a call to serving the Lord in the Balkans, specifically among Muslims in the city of Sarajevo. If you are not familiar with their background and history, I encourage you to take time to check them out on prior pages on this website. Please click on the following links:
https://www.bridgeinternational.org/2013/06/
https://www.bridgeinternational.org/2015/08/
https://www.bridgeinternational.org/2018/05/
This issue is a celebration of a long awaited answer to prayer! Their ministry finally owns a building which is housing their home, pro-life ministry, and their church’s many mercy outreach ministries to the community. This is a dream come true since the 1992-95 Civil War destroyed the first church they had planted, scattered the believers, and bombed their apartment, which burned to the ground with all their belongings. THE LIGHTHOUSE teems with joyful activities, and reflects the light and hope of the Gospel to the people of Sarajevo through Robert and Sandrina’s labor of love!

NB! If you want to partner with the Robert and Sandrina and their ministry to reach the Bosnian people with the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus Christ – please click on the DONATE button above and mark your gift 8345 BOSNIAN WORKERS Thank you! R.K.

Thailand — Kathy Omer Caring for Orphans at Risk of Exploitation and Sex Trafficking

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Presently, in the States there is a fierce political debate over border security. It is coming to light that many adults who illegally bring children across the Southern border are not their parents, but “coyotes” who are trafficking children to be sold into the modern slave trade market. Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human traffickers generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in horrific situations around the world, including here in the U.S. Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to force people to engage in commercial sex or to provide labor or services against their will. While more research is needed on the scope of human trafficking, below are a few key statistics: The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally, generating a $150 billion industry worldwide.

81% of them are trapped in forced labor. 25% of them are children. 75% are women and girls.

Southeast Asia is at the epicenter of the world’s human trafficking and exploitation epidemic. Sex tourism accounts for more than 50% of tourist dollars in Thailand. Thousands of children and teens are at risk of becoming victims of the human trafficking trade—it is estimated that it may affect as many as 1 out of 5 female children in the country! Thailand and Philippines are home to more human trafficking than anywhere else in the world.

Thai children from rural, ethnic communities are sent to urban areas or even other countries where they are exploited for sex and domestic work. Women are trafficked to countries as far away as Canada, the United States, Australia, and Germany.

KATHY OMER

grew up in a large Italian family of four brothers and a twin sister in Ohio where the Christian faith was rich and real. Her parents were mission-minded, which made Kathy spend much time with the many missionaries that frequented her home. She came to faith in Jesus Christ at a young age, and grew increasingly burdened with sharing the Gospel message with a dying world. When she was 13, she made a public declaration at a missionary camp to commit her life to reach the nations for Christ. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) became the foundation of her life’s mission.

A few years after graduating from Liberty University with a major in Missions and a minor in Anthropology/Social Sciences, Kathy married Bruce Omer, and in 1984, they joined Pioneers Mission in Bangkok, Thailand. Later, they moved to South Thailand as young missionaries. God blessed them with four children.

In 1997, the family experienced a great personal sorrow that left Kathy a single mom. Claiming Joshua 24:15, she asked her Heavenly Father for the strength and single mindedness to continue living a life of integrity and faith before her children as a testimony to the compassion and hope found in Christ. After living thirteen years in Thailand, she moved back to the States with her four children, and settled in South Florida near Karen, her twin sister, and husband, Tom, who became the arms of Christ to her children.

During her child rearing years, Kathy studied toward a Master’s Degree in Education while teaching elementary and secondary school at The Master’s Academy in South Florida, and working as Youth Counselor. Her greatest joy was to lead students and parents to Christ. Kathy was also very active in her local church as a leader of Women in Fellowship (WIF), was a sought-after women’s Bible teacher, as well as guest speaker and Bible teacher at various Women’s Conferences

Since leaving Thailand in 1997, Kathy returned several times to serve and encourage. She is proficient in the Thai language. In the aftermath of the Tsunami, she helped raise relief funds, build homes, translate for the Thai Red Cross, distribute food, teach English in local schools, and share the love of Jesus with grieving orphans and families. Ministering alongside her Thai brothers and sisters in Christ, she asked the Lord to one day bring her back to Thailand, the people of her heart. The Lord answered her prayer when on June 5, 2014 she joined the Compassionate Hope Foundation (CHF) team ( more info. on CHF below).

In December, 2016, Kathy sold her home in Sunrise, Florida, and gave away her possessions to churches, single moms, and various charities. In early 2017, she moved to Pusang, Thailand, into Home of Hope, one of CHF’s more than 40 villages established in Thailand and Laos. The compound consists of seven homes housing 200 orphans, three school buildings conducting full time classes grades K-9, and a church building.

Kathy’s job is manifold. She oversees the English program at the Christian school, and serves as an adviser to the Thai teachers. As an outreach, the CHF Home of Hope also offers English classes free of charge to the villagers in the neighboring community, and English is taught on Sunday morning, followed by the worship service, Children’s Bible classes, and a meal.

She is well versed in the Thai culture, she teaches cultural orientation to the young volunteers arriving from abroad, and supervises their ministry in the Thai culture.

She sees herself as a sister and servant to the Thai Director of Home of Hope, Pastor Pratuan, and his wife, Gik. Kathy is known as “Aunt Rosie” in the village because she loves to wear flowers in her hair.

Kathy is fluent and proficient in speaking, reading , and writing Thai, one of the most difficult languages in the world. In preparation for teaching the Word of God to the Thai children, she studies the Thai Scriptures 10-12 hours a week. As the proverbial evangelist, Kathy shares the Gospel wherever she goes, passing out Scriptural Thai comic books in the market place in the community to vendors and villagers. She rejoices that, in 2017, the Lord used her in leading 83 children and adults to Christ!

COMPASSIONATE HOPE FOUNDATION

In 2011, Dr. Alfred G. Henson and his wife, Susan, from Tennessee, founded Compassionate Hope Foundation (CHF) to provide a safe place and care for children in Southeast Asia in need or great risk of exploitation and trafficking. He is the Executive Director and daily leader of the organization. Today CHF has more than 40 Homes of Hope and 700 children who are a future potential risk of, or have escaped, exploitation and human trafficking. Their primary “building block” of healing starts in their Homes of Hope where at-risk young people’s needs are met: physically, emotionally, educationally, socially, vocationally, and spiritually.

For further information, see https://compassionatehope.org

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

I met the twins, Kathy and Karen, ten years ago in the local church Steve I had begun attending. They were both accomplished leaders: Karen — a successful real estate agent in our community, and Kathy — teacher, youth counselor, and leader of Daughters of the King, a multicultural woman’s Bible study group in the church. Over the years, I have had the privilege of hosting their special celebrations in our home.

At first, being identical twins, I had a difficult time telling the one from the other, but after a while, I realized that their different gifts distinguished them markedly. What they have in common, is their faith, integrity, and love for people. What makes Kathy unique, is her evangelistic heart. She embodies a bold, fearless passion for sharing the Gospel with strangers, and reaching others for Christ, combined with a deep knowledge and commitment to the Word of God, which she imparts readily to others. It is, however, foreign missions that is at the core of her calling — to the peoples of Thailand! As a young bride, she spent 13 years in Thailand. After a hiatus of several decades, she is back in her beloved country, helping high risk women and children from becoming victims of trafficking.

In this issue, I am presenting you with a brave woman, who at 60, has decided to put aside the securities and safety most seek a this stage of life, and rather walk a life of faith and trust, while serving the needy in Thailand with the love and compassion of Jesus!

PARTNERSHIP

If you want to become a partner with Kathy Omer and the mission organization she serves in rescuing women and children in Thailand from the risk of human trafficking and slavery, please designate your donation: Thailand Workers, and your gift will go in full to Kathy and her mission work.

South Sudan: William Levi and Matthew Deng Dut – two Different Men with One Heart, One Purpose

UPDATE REPORT FROM WILLIAM LEVIOrdination: Sunday, May 13, 2018, was a blessed day at the Nile Beth Israel Messianic Congregation, Bibia. Five South Sudanese and one Ugandan were ordained into the Pastoral calling to shepherd God’s flock, both in South Sudan and northern Uganda. Over 1500 people were in attendance, including pastors from other churches, and government officials from both countries. Please keep these indigenous pastors in your prayers.The Beth Israel Farm is progressing well. This year, the cultivatable farmland has been extended 25 acres. The chainsaw operators have cleared the forest, the tractors have began plowing. Last year’s fields that grew sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes and beans, are being plowed, getting ready for the planting of cassava, fruit trees, kidney beans, legumes, etc. The cassava fields are ready to be harvested in a couple of months, and masses of mangoes are ripe. The orange and banana trees produce fruit all year round.

ONMI Evangelistic & Medical outreach: Corey from the States traveled for a week with indigenous pastors, using the Nehemiah Field Clinic Mobile Ambulance, to do combined medical/evangelistic outreaches in three villages. While Corey examined more than 60 patients who were suffering from various tropical diseases, the pastors shared the Gospel with them and prayed for God’s divine healing and intervention.

We also distributed Solar audio Bible/FM receivers to the churches in the area so that those who do not read can hear the Gospel in their tribal language, can learn the Word of God. message. from Genesis to Revelation in their own languages. As the Bible states, “Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God.” The Nehemiah Gospel radio continues to be a voice of blessing and Hope for the people of South Sudan. During his visit, Matthew spoke to his people in their own language during one of our radio programs which reaches more than 100,000 people.

UPDATE REPORT FROM MATTHEW DENG DUT

Church Planting: When I and many of my church members from Tel Aviv arrived in South Sudan from Israel, we brought our church, Elohim Shalom (ELSIM) with us and planted it in Juba. I have continued to preach the Gospel, teach the Bible, and raise up leaders and church planters. Today, we have planted two churches in Juba and two district churches — in Wau and Abyei.

Evangelization: Our country is facing many serious challenges, from war to economic crisis, but God is with us who believe! He has given us the heart to preach the Gospel to the entire nation, to give them the Word of God, and train pastors who will go out and plant new churches and present our glorious Lord, the Messiah, all throughout the country! People need HOPE! Jesus’ walk on the water (John 6:16) teaches us not to be fearful, but to walk in faith. Paul states, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” — He is opening new doors for the Gospel!! This year, I traveled and preached in churches in Khartoum, Sudan and Cairo, Egypt. Uganda Conference: As a result of the recent armed conflicts, hundreds of thousands of displaced South Sudanese are now living in Uganda, where they are suffering much. Our annual May conference for the South Sudanese churches in Kampala, Uganda, led by a team of nine from our Juba church, was attended by nearly 800 people. Many families came to know Jesus Christ as Savior, and we saw God perform many miracles among them. Gospel Radio Programs: On our way home from Kampala, our team stopped at William Levi’s Community of Beth Israel. He and I met for the first time—we hit it off! We will be partnering together in the labor of the Gospel. While there, I participated in the ordination of the six pastors, preached and taught the Bible on their radio station, and made many new friends. In Juba, I have for two years been airing an hour a week Gospel program which reaches many.

FROM R. K.’S CORNER

A few days ago, an historic event took place at the Singapore Summit between President Trump and Premier Jong Un — North Korea conceded to denuclearize their country! In the wake of the good news, however, I do not forget the gruesome atrocities being committed against the North Koreans by their regime, which makes my thoughts go to another nation, the South Sudanese, where people also suffer greatly!

Four decades of civil war by the Muslim government of Khartoum, Sudan whereby they committed genocide against the South Sudanese, caused the death of 2 million, while 5 million languished as refugees in neighboring countries. Even after South Sudan’s independence in 2011, when the people returned to rebuild their communities, peace has eluded them. In 2013, armed conflict arose internally between factions of government leaders. Hundreds of thousand have fled abroad, and scores are internally displaced, risking widespread sicknesses, food shortages and famine.

24 years ago, a young South Sudanese refugee, William Levi, visited our home. He had a clear vision for the future of his people and homeland — a free county, in which his people live in peace and prosperity, liberated from the inside–out by the powerful Gospel of the Judeo-Christian faith! Steve and I, with The Bridge, came alongside William and began helping sponsor his vision, both spiritually and in very practical ways.

10 years ago, during a visit to Israel, I crossed paths in Jerusalem with Matthew Deng Dut, another South Sudanese refugee with the same vision and passionate burden for his people as William has. It was another “divine appointment” whereby we knew that God had called us to likewise come alongside Matthew and serve his people.

In this issue, we are giving a short update on the many things that are happening in the lives and ministries of these two men. The most remarkable, perhaps, is that William and Matthew have labored for God’s Kingdom in South Sudan for many years, but they had never met in person. Last month, they came together for the fist time! In spite of differences, their hearts instantly united in their love and commitment to the Lord, in vision and purpose. They have decided to become partners and coworkers in serving their God, each other, and their people with the Gospel. They both see a nation free of tribal hatred and corruption, where the nation live under the banner of love.

Would you consider becoming a partner by sowing into the fruitful lives and ministries of these men with your resources? Please mark your donation

8370 South Sudanese Workers.

THANK YOU!

The Balkans — Hate Replaced by Forgiveness, Love and Reconciliation

EXCERPTS FROM THE OCT. 1994 BRIDGE BALKAN CONFERENCE IN OHRID, MACEDONIA

Pastors from eight Balkan countries sharing fellowship and prayer

“Before I share about my country, there is one thing I must do.” The voice of the Turkish pastor trembled as he placed eight chairs in a row and pointed to specific people in the group to take a seat in the row facing the participants of the conference, each one a Christian leader representing his individual Balkan country: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Serbia. Nexhi, the Albanian pastor’s wife, was asked to take seat on the last chair.

“I am in direct lineage of the Ottoman Emperor. On behalf of my Turkish ancestors, the Ottomans, I repent for all the atrocities and devastation my family and my people inflicted upon your people when they swept over the Balkans and conquered, burned, raped, pillaged, and established Islam by force. The present bloodshed and hatred experienced between the Balkan nations is a continuum of a curse that the Ottoman Empire inflicted upon you. Today I ask forgiveness and release your nation from that curse.“

The Turkish pastor then turned to Nexhi and told her with tears, “You represent all the Balkan women who have lived through rape, loss of husbands, fathers, and sons to senseless war; plundering of homes, abduction of children, and oppression by a cruel religion.”

Then, in anticipating silence, the Turkish pastor’s wife carried a basin with water to the line of chairs, and the Turkish pastor and his wife bent down before each one of the others and washed their feet as a sign of the servant+hood of Christ toward the other nations. While tears flowed and warm hugs were exchanged between the pastors, the room erupted in beautiful worship of the Lord – and powerful intercession for the Balkans, and a clear affirmation of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love!

REFLECTION ON THE MOVE OF GOD IN THE BALKANS by Robert Jurjevich

After serving for two years with The Bridge International as the Coordinator for all mission efforts into southeastern Europe, including the nation of Turkey, in October, 1994 I organized the pinnacle event conducted up till that moment. The Bridge Balkan Conference was being held at a hotel in the beautiful lakeside town of Ohrid, located in western Macedonia. We had invited pastors and church leaders, with their spouses, from all the Balkan nations we were serving to attend this unique gathering. This was an historic, very special event for many of the pastors and their spouses on a personal level. Many of them had never been away from their children before. None of them had attended a Christian leader’s conference — even staying in a hotel was a first time experience for some.

It was unique on a ministry level, as many had never met a fellow pastor (much less a fellow believer) from any of the other Balkan nations. Also, unique on a socio-political level, as everyone attending was challenged to overcoming cultural and historical prejudices and barriers as they came face-to-face with people that they should, in the natural, hate and despise. This Balkan leadership conference, possibly the first ever in modern history, was an opportunity for either the barriers to be reinforced or for a Kingdom breakthrough to take place for a region of the world that had suffered generational conflicts for hundreds of years. Thankfully, through the mercy and grace of God the Father, those leaders yielded to the move of the Holy Spirit with soul searching repentance on behalf of their respective people groups.

As I reflect both on the significance of that Bridge leadership conference of 1994 and our direct involvement in the Balkans during the last 40 years since God placed this region upon both my and Sandrina’s hearts, I believe the conference of 1994 still remains the deepest fundamental expression of God’s heart for this region which I have personally experienced all through these four decades. The desire for true reconciliation and healing between the various Balkan people groups remains the central heart desire and need in the souls scarred by centuries of tribal bloodshed. Today, it remains the number one issue in the minds and hearts of national church leaders in the Balkans; an issue which must be resolved in order for revival to breakthrough in the region.

The Croatian, Albanian, Greek, and Bulgarian
Pastors thanking and praising God together

I do not propose to know the answers in resolving this central issue – but I do know that when the answer to a simple question is more complicated than the question itself, we may be asking the wrong question. Why did we experience a breakthrough at the Bridge leadership conference in 1994? My reflections are given not in any particular order of importance, but simply as an attempt to highlight essentials:

FAITH – At the Bridge, we believed in God’s heart full of love for the Balkan nations – His compassion was our passion. We believed that God was able to do the impossible regardless of our lack of abilities and resources. We were able to believe in the potential of Balkan leaders because we believed in our calling from God to be available for his purposes wherever, whenever and with whomever the Lord sent us. The attendees of the conference knew that the Bridge team believed in them.

1992: Future church leaders – Gjakova, Kosovo

FRIENDSHIPS – Sandrina and I first connected with the Bridge because someone took time in 1987 to visit us in Sarajevo, sit down, have a coffee and listen to hearts about the hopes and vision for the city and nation. I spent two years travelling in and out of the Balkan nations drinking a lot of coffee, listening to a lot of concerns and being available in the lead-up to the conference. Relationship is important, but friendship has always been a specialty of the Bridge – no one on the field has ever felt that they ‘work’ for the Bridge, rather are coworkers for the same Kingdom goals. The attendees of the conference knew that the Bridge team members were their friends.

PRAYER – It is said that all ministry that is God-ordained and anointed begins and ends in prayer. One of the blessings within the vision of the Bridge has been to connect the field workers and churches with intercessors from around the world. We kept ministry in the Balkans very simple for our visiting Bridge teams who were instructed to do three things with the local believers – worship the Lord, share the Word and pray for their needs. The attendees of the conference knew that the Bridge team members were intercessors and that they were each individually covered continually in prayer.

HUMILITY – If we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up on high. As seen everywhere else, Balkan church leaders face the challenges of life and ministry, and it is always a danger and risk of becoming hurt and offended, becoming territorial and controlling, becoming isolated and lonely. Remaining humble, forgiving and transparent can be very difficult in the Balkan cultures which can very barbaric at times. The hardening of the heart is perhaps the greatest obstacle of all. At the Orhid conference of 1994, church leaders yielded themselves, humbled themselves and laid broken before God and their peers. Greece and Turkey as nations are historically bitter enemies – yet after the conference the Greek pastor and Turkish pastor became best of friends, with each inviting the other to be guests in each other’s home. The attendees of the conference knew that the Bridge was giving them a safe environment where they could ‘unwind’, laugh and cry, forgive and be forgiven.

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

At the time of publishing this issue, we are watching deadly clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces at the Gaza/Israeli border, due to protest against the relocation of the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem – a declaration that Jerusalem is the official Capital of Israel. The animosity between Arabs and Jews runs deep. It goes back more than 3000 years, when conflict arose between two half brothers Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 16-18, 21).

In other parts of the world we find seething hatred between various ethnic groups. The Balkans has for centuries experienced conflict and wars between its peoples. No one knows that better than Robert and Sandrina Jurjevich who have carried the call to serve the Balkans with the Gospel for forty years, while living in several Balkan countries for large periods of that time. Read more about the Robert and Sandrina by clicking on the link:

https://www.bridgeinternational.org/category/bosnia/

In October 1994, Robert, at the time The Bridge’s Balkan Coordinator, hosted a Bridge sponsored conference for pastors from eight different Balkan countries of fellowship, prayer, and reconciliation between their peoples .

It proved to be an unforgettable historic event with relevance today! At the top, I have copied part of my 1994 report. Following, Robert reflects in retrospect on the significance of that time, and how we can help bring healing and love where there are hurts and hatred! The transforming love of God is still the best remedy!!

Charity: Paul Cowley, the Pastors of the Least, and Steven Ulrich – from Kenya to Florida

FROM R.K.’S CORNER

Many who have been praying for my husband, Steven in his battle against prostate cancer, keep asking how he is doing. Not wanting to emphasize our needs over those serving in the mission fields, we have not been so forthcoming on details.

In this issue, however, we have a current update on Steve, which you will find it at the end of the main article on CHARITY, written by Paul Cowley, who with his family is training the Pastors of the Least in the largest slum in Nairobi, Africa. The reason I have made a connecting between Kenya and Florida, is that, of all the people who have sacrificially stood with us in love, support, and prayer for Steve and myself, the Pastors of the Least have made the deepest impression on us for reasons I will lay out in the update section below. Thanks to all of you who keep standing with us and praying for Steve’s health! Cont. below…

CHARITY – FROM KENYA TO FLORIDA by Paul Cowley

We often think of charity as the relevant work of Charities. While there is truth in that, it does not exempt us from the Biblical admonition to be charitable ourselves both individually and personally. Charity is more than a non-profit organization. It is more than giving material possessions or money. It is a habitual action, a firm mindset and a Godly characteristic all wrapped up in one. We cannot conjure it up ourselves, apart from God and His grace, which sets it so far apart from mere philanthropic generosity or giving. The glory of our giving must point to God Himself, or we are left with self-indulgent sacrifices to satisfy our own ulterior needs and motives.

This Ministry has been given the privilege of serving the very Least of our Brethren. Working with Pastors and Ministry Leaders in the slums of East Africa has been the high-point of my Christian service. It is in part due to the opportunity I have to express God’s heart of Charity toward the neediest.

The lives of the Pastors/Ministry Leaders we serve are no different from those in the many pictures you have seen in our newsletter. In fact, it is many times worse. The pastor is often the last to receive, the hungriest, more chronically unemployed and continually homeless. His children are in and out of schooling, never completing a year without interruption, due to financial burdens. Many people remark about how well our pastors are dressed. That is true., but “well-dressed” has a critical context that must be considered. Every stitch of clothing on his body is second hand. I know virtually no pastor who has more than one used, or pre-owned suit — one used white shirt, one used necktie, and one pair of used shoes. One and no more. The clothing they wear today is the same I have seen them wear for as many years as I have known them. And so, the ability to minister to such saints with benevolence and charity is nothing short of a God given privilege.

A Biblical foundation for Charity can be found in 2. Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. God has much to say to us, and His admonitions are there for all to be enlightened regarding Christ-like Charity. But I will focus on what is another critical context…

“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an Equality,

that now at this time your Abundance may supply their Lack,

that their Abundance also may supply your Lack — that there may be Equality.

As it is written, ‘He who gathered Much had nothing left over,

and he who gathered Little had no Lack.'” 2. Cor. 8:13

There is a glorious exchange in every act of Christ-like giving. I may have the God-given ability to give… of my time, talent and/or treasure. And yet God foreordains that the one in need will be giving as well. Somehow, needs of both the giver and recipient are miraculously and supernaturally filled in the exchange process. Jesus said it most succinctly and poignantly, confirmed through the pen of Paul the Apostle…

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,

‘It is more blessed to Give than to Receive.'” Acts 20:35

Christ’s words denote pure Spiritual blessings wrought thick and through with eternal value and significance. Not mere material blessings proffered by many during their manipulative solicitations. As we admonish our pastors, “Don’t give to get. If you do, then it’s not giving; it’s not a gift; it’s not charity. It’s merely an investment scheme.”

God’s Word sets the spiritual standard of Christ-like giving: freely, cheerfully, willingly, secretly, according to our ability, and without compulsion. Giving to God, and giving to mankind, is never to be done for the sake of a material return. God lets us know there is, indeed, a Spiritual return that is truly out of this world. And so, we rejoice in the privilege to provide material relief to those in need, and in the blessing to see them glorify God…

“For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints,

but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God; through the proof of this ministry,

they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ,

and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you,

who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” 2.Cor. 9:12

Indeed, it is truly an indescribable gift from God to be able to give. This brings me to a final point. Throughout our 16+ years on the mission field, God has supported this Ministry through the faithful giving of the saints. And many times, people have expressed their apologies for “not giving”, for a sudden need to “stop” giving or some justification for their inability to give. We would like to reiterate our heart-felt admonition…

No explanation is ever needed. Certainly not to us. Not ever.
Seasons change. I believe God purposefully allows us to be inspired to give, and then withholds the very ability to do so at specific times in our life. There are great spiritual lessons to be learned in each season.
Our desire to give (when we cannot) is perhaps more precious in God’s eyes than actually giving. We serve a God who looks at our heart first and foremost. The intents of our heart matter most to Him.
The greatest gift anyone can offer this Ministry, our family, and others is faithful and fervent intercession.

It is often through the intercessory prayer of one, that God releases His provision and protection by the hand of others.

…cont FROM R.K.’S CORNER – UPDATE ON THE HEALTH OF MY HUSBAND, STEVEN

On the first day of this month, Easter Sunday, we celebrated the most significant and ultimate love gift ever given to mankind by anyone … the gift of eternal life by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The hallmark of those who have been transformed by God’s love, is a life of generosity and CHARITY. That includes those who have no earthly possessions to give, as they show charity by giving of themselves in serving others!

This issue is a clear demonstration of CHARITY extended to my husband, Steve — living in prosperous South Florida, from the Pastors of the Least — living in abject poverty, while attending Paul Cowley’s DSM’s Bible Institute in the Kiberia slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

In 2012, six years ago, my husband, Steve was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. His prostate was surgically removed. For three years, he was doing well with no recurrence. Then, in 2015, the cancer returned. He underwent 37 radiation therapy sessions. Regretfully, that did not reduce the cancer, rather, the PSA (blood test cancer indication) continued to rise. In Oct. 2017, a body scan showed that the cancer had metastasized into his lymph nodes, and he was deemed terminal, Steve decided to have no further medical treatments, as there are few effective choices available going forward. We did, however, choose to add a natural remedy that allegedly heals cancer.

Steve and R.K. – Resting in Him: “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…”

This week, to our utter surprise, Steve and I were told by his oncologist that his most recent body scan shows no detectable cancer — even his lymph nodes are back to normal, in spite of the fact that the PSA keeps rising drastically, indicating the cancer is aggressively on the move! Steve’s oncologist doctor has no explanation. He is double checking the test results to ensure they are correct. God often confounds earthly knowledge and wisdom by His supernatural touch! We are on a faith journey, not knowing what it means, but we firmly believe that Steve’s life is in God’s hands — He will complete the fullness of his days (Deuteronomy 33:27)! In the meanwhile, Steve keeps sharing the Gospel with everyone in waiting rooms and doctor offices!

Family, friends, and partners, locally and all around the world, have surrounded us with love and prayers. Among them, perhaps those who have been the greatest encouragement to Steve, are the Pastors of the Least in Kenya. Paul sent us a note on their behalf: “We are storming heaven with praise and petitions on your behalf…. let us all stand confidently in His Sovereign grace and enduring mercies. Our brother Steve is well. Let the testimony of Jesus & you continue 1. Cor 2: 9-16. Let us stand boldly in What we know, and Who we know — in Faith! Blessings, prayers, and deep affection to you two!”

In the Kenyan slum, a group of men and women—too poor to enjoy any medical care—are interceding with confident, childlike faith for a miracle on behalf of Steve — enjoying the world’s best medical care available. Steve has been generous toward them with financial blessings… they are giving of themselves in intercession on his behalf! 2. Cor. 8:13 is actively at work!

Our post modern culture has produced an entitlement generation who demand their “rights”. In contrast, Paul Cowley’s excellent article above on CHARITY is both timely and relevant!

Update on Followers of Jesus Christ in North Korea

In addition to being the most obscure country in the world, North Korea also has the dubious distinction of being the most oppressive place in the world for Christians, ranking no. 1 on Open Door’s World Watch List for 17 years in a row. The 2014 report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Human Rights Situation of North Korea states, “The State considers the spread of Christianity a particular threat, since it challenges ideologically the official personality cult and provides a platform for social and political organization and interaction outside the realm of the State.”

For three generations, everything in the country has focused on idolizing and deifying the leading Kim family. Christians are seen as hostile elements in society. They have to be eradicated. Due to the constant indoctrination permeating the whole country, neighbors and even family members are highly watchful and report anything suspicious to the authorities. Not only are believers deported to labor camps as political criminals or even killed on the spot, but their families will share their fate as well. Christians do not even have the slightest space in society. Meeting other Christians in order to worship is almost impossible and if some believers dare to, it has to be done in utmost secrecy.

TESTIMONIES FROM NORTH KOREAN CHRISTIANS

Starving Child in North Korea

A. “Due to the tightened sanctions, there is a sharp increase of the number of people starving to death in North Korea. In spite of heightened security, people are roaming around in the countryside, seeking for food. North Korean residents are in a situation whereby they cannot afford to buy coal imported from China at their marketplace, so they are both hungry and cold.”

According to eyewitness reports by defectors, the food situation is so desperate that in some areas, people resort to cannibalism.

B. “I talked to my Sister-In-Law in North Korea and asked her how she is doing. She told me that up till then she had made a living smuggling goods, but now the smuggling has completely stopped. It is very difficult to live because Chinese products cannot be sold in the Jang-Ma-Dang marketplace (the black market, not sanctioned by the State). There are now sanctions in China and serious crackdown in North Korea for selling Chinese products. If caught, there are heavy fines to be paid.

“Once the harvest was over, I used to distribute some of the produce to others more needy. This year, it was heartbreaking to experience that the government confiscated what was left, in order to provide for the military. Residents in rural areas look for potatoes in the snowy fields in the middle of winter. That’s all they have to eat — a few small potatoes. Even the small amount of food distributed to the people is taken away by the military. “And then — the North Korean authorities are forcing the hunger-stricken people to worship their leader! “In the meanwhile, the North Korean authorities are spending astronomical amounts of money on nuclear development. Please pray that these abuses stop, that they provide the North Koreans with food for living.”

C. The Following Testimony comes from Moses, a North Korean Trained in China by our Partnering Ministry: Moses (nickname) initially crossed the border from North Korea to China in search of food. There, he happened to meet one of our missionaries who shared the Gospel with him. Moses came to faith and was trained as a worker for the underground church.

After months of training, Moses was on his way back to North Korea when he and his wife were caught by the North Korean border patrol. The officer who interrogated them asked them what they had been doing in China, and to reveal the name and address of the person who had provided training to Moses. The interrogation was so harsh that he could not eat due to a swollen mouth. Instead of revealing who had trained him, Moses wrote down what he had learned about God and the Christian faith. The officers kept beating him over and over again to have him answer the questions posed by the border guards. But again, Moses wrote about the greatness of God’s love he had received in the prior eleven months through the missionary who had given him food when he was hungry, and a place to sleep when he had no place to go. Moses boldly declared that he had never before received such love from anyone. Again, his written confession was torn up and he was required to write the information they demanded again and again, bu he continued to write about God’s love.

The torture continued for four more months till Moses was so weak he could no longer stand. His mouth was so badly swollen that his voice could not be heard. He cried out to God, “If You are real, why should I continue to be tortured? I cannot survive any longer. You brought me to China to believe in You and be trained to be Your worker. I may die even before I serve You inside North Korea.” A few nights later, in a vision he saw those officers hung with thick wires on big telephone poles and they were all dead. Moses knew that it was the picture of these officers on judgement day. Moses then rose up and began to praise God, “Yes, I will be with you, O’ God eternally; but they will not.” But instead of gloating, he felt much pity for those officers and others who were so lost that he began telling the other prisoners about God, while still being beaten and tortured.

Gathering Grass for Food

One day a prisoner in the next cell was having severe diarrhea and complained about an upset stomach. His body was completely emaciated since he had not been receiving proper or enough food. When Moses entered his cell, he laid his hand on the sick man and proclaimed healing in Jesus’ name. He had never done this before. As he prayed, the man immediately felt warmth through his body; the diarrhea stopped and he was completely healed! Moses was totally surprised, as he had never before seen a miracle; this was his first! During his training, he had learned from reading the Bible that Jesus healed people. So, Moses simply did the same, he proclaimed healing in the name of Jesus! Then, he realized that the Word is true, and that there is power in the name of Jesus! God manifested His power of healing!

Many of the prisoners were paralyzed due to lack of nutrition and being locked up in a small cell without being able to move for long periods of time. When Moses laid his hands on them and prayed in Jesus’ name, one by one the prisoners were healed. A man’s gums were terrible swollen from an infected tooth so that puss was pouring out of his mouth and caused a terrible smell in the cell. Moses placed his hand on this sick man’s face and asked God for healing. The swelling subsided immediately, the pain disappeared, and he was healed. Many sick prisoners were healed and came to believe in Jesus as their Lord!

Word about the miracles spread swiftly. One officer came and saw for himself. “This man is a true Christian!” he exclaimed. From then on, Moses was permitted to freely go to cells and pray for the sick since there was no medicine available in the prison.

North Korea – Labor Camp Workers

Long before Moses’ scheduled date of release, a higher ranking officer came to his cell with a written confession and asked Moses to sign it with his thumb print. The document stated that Moses and his wife had gone to China in search of food and had not caused any shame to North Korea’s authorities. This caused Moses and his wife to be released. As they were leaving the prison, the officer told him, “We know you will escape to China, but please return to North Korea when this country becomes a better. North Korea needs true and genuine Christians like yourself.” The officer expected that North Korea would imminently open. Instead, Moses and his wife returned to his home town where he planted an underground church. He continues to share his faith and pray for the sick among his people!

MASTERS OF DECEPTION – A GRIM REALITY ON THE GROUND WHILE DEMONSTRATING A BEAUTIFUL FACE TO THE WORLD

Military Parade of the Elite

Child Labor – Gathering Crop

North Korea – Children Carrying Hay

Monuments of Kim Dynasty

FROM R.K.’s CORNER

At the moment of writing, the eyes of the world are on North Korea and the United States, as their two respective leaders, Kim Jong-Un and President Donald Trump, have decided to meet face-to-face to discuss the process of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. This marks a watershed in history, as Kim Jong-Un, leader of this “Hermit Kingdom”, the most obscure and secretive country in the world, also the most oppressive, is continuing, like his father and grandfather, to threaten annihilation of her arch enemy. Ignored in the past, it is now taken very seriously, being that North Korea is close to having nuclear capability and has vowed to launch a nuclear attack on America and her allies. Prior to this, there has been little diplomatic interaction between the two nations for 70 years, when the Kim dynasty took control of North Korea. Our prayer is that this meeting will result in peace and an end to the imminent danger of a nuclear holocaust.

In 2009, via a partnering ministry, we were given an open door to help support the suffering church in North Korean through a national Christian who has direct access to fellow believers within the country, as well as defectors who have escaped into China. To re-familiarize you with that endeavor, I have placed a link below to our first report from on North Korea, which you will find in the April 2009 Bridge Report in the PDF Archive above for your perusal. There is also a link below to that report. Since then, or donors have enabled us to bless our North Korean brothers and sisters with $10,000 worth of Bibles and Leadership training. https://www.bridgeinternational.org/pdf/april2009.pdf

PLEASE JOIN US IN HELPING OUR SUFFERING BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN NORTH KOREA!

References for Further Information:
https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/inside-look-north-koreas-war-christianity/
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/05/26/528615440/defectors-reflect-on-life-in-north-korea