Fulfilling Jesus’ Last Command Together
In July of 2016, President Putin signed legislation known as The Jarovaya Act. The new law abolished the use of media such as television, radio, outdoor ads, billboards (photo above), placement of Church related material in newspapers, social media, including invites for home bible study on personal home pages. Hundreds of court cases have resulted in fines for such activity in the past three years.
Fulfilling Jesus’ Last Command Together
Hello Friend,
At Great Commission Media ministries Jesus’ last command is our first priority. The command in Mark 16:15 is meant for followers of Jesus everywhere. Even so, the global task of taking the story of Jesus to every person is far beyond our resources and capabilities. And so it was with the disciples. The task of evangelizing the world was far beyond their resources and capabilities to accomplish. That’s why miracles had to happen. Miracles are events, happenings that would not normally happen unless God intervenes to make it happen.
So it is with Great Commission Media Ministries. This generation is our turn to serve. We step up to the plate. We are sent to fulfill the task that happens because of God’s intervention, provision, empowerment. It is a collective effort. The ministry depends on friends and partners who pray for and support the Mission. Without our partners, our best efforts would be sadly muted. Together, we are able to do the seemingly impossible, to carry out His commission often in restrictive countries, cultures, and political systems.
Over the past 18 years, we have focused much of the ministry on the former Soviet Union. Working with more than three thousand churches we have taken the Gospel to over 120 million people. Through 108 mega city campaigns in cities on four continents, we have had the privilege of serving over 700 million unchurched people with the Gospel.
Over the years we have been witnesses and accomplices to the miracles of God. In the early 1990s, 52 of the best Bible stories (animation) aired to 290 million Soviets on Soviet State Television. It was an incredible experience in the history of GCMM. God moved in a way that was never before experienced in the history of modern-day Russia. Then came mega-city evangelistic campaigns in 70 major cities of Russia.
One million evangelism books at a Central Siberian printing facility ready for delivery. to churches across Russia. To date, millions more have been printed including the Gospel of John, the New Testament as well as the Bible.
As a result, many hundreds of new churches have been planted across Russia. Your partnership and support have played an important part in making this possible.
But, times change. These unmatched opportunities are not forever, and open doors can close. Now, with new restrictions, one mission organization after another has left Russia. From this perspective, it is a miracle that GCMM still continues to print evangelism tools and equip churches in Russia for the use of their evangelism teams.
In the photo, church volunteers in Siberia share the Good News of Jesus with villagers. By September of last year, one Siberian church had planted 65 new home churches. The goal for 2020 was 100 new churches. The key tool for the churches of Siberia is literature: New Testaments, “Experiencing The Power to Change” evangelism books,
and Gospels of John, printed by GCMM.
For this year, Russia’s churches have requested 1,200,000 books, primarily New Testaments, the Gospel of John, and the Power to Change books. A single book containing life-changing transformation stories has meant entire families receiving Jesus and found new life in Him. In mid-January, we placed a fresh order for 250,000 copies of the Gospel of John and New Testaments. A 50% down payment has been secured, but we still need to raise another $50,000 USD to cover the remaining costs.
Please accept a warm thank-you for your support, as together we sow into the harvest field of Russia. Our efforts have not been in vain.
Would you prayerfully consider how you might support Russia’s churches in this very difficult time in their history? You may make your donation through our website at www.gcmediaministries.org/donate or by sending a check to our office address below. You may also call our number at 1- 877 244-7617.
In closing, the words of an old hymn come to mind: ”Leaning on the everlasting arms; Leaning safe and secure from all alarms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear Leaning on the everlasting arms…”
May the Lord keep you and your loved ones safe and secure amidst this pandemic. May His provision and blessings be yours to experience throughout 2021.
Hannu and Laura Haukka
And all our mission team at
Great Commission Media Ministries
Please donate now to distribute Bibles to Russian churches. Call our office: 877 244-7618 or click the DONATE NOW button to give through our secure online donation page.