Our intention to visit Eastern Europe was reported in the September issue. This was accomplished in the kind providence of God. Edward Ross accompanied me and did most of the driving which on this occasion was over 5000 miles. We also towed a trailer. This meant that our train weight was over 7 tons, whereas the van on its own is only capable of 5.2 tons gross. However, with trailer, the added cost on the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam was considerable. The total amount was given at £751.00. We decided therefore to go further south via the Ramsgate to Ostende ferry, at a cost of £304.00.
We left Lochcarron on Monday the 10th at 2.30 am and arrived at Ramsgate at 7.30 pm. On the say dame we sailed at 11 pm and arrived at Ostende in Belgium at 3 am. We drove during the night and got to the other side of Brussels, and rested for a few hours, proceeding from there at 9 am, to arrive at Regensburg in Germany at 8 am. These long hours of driving were the only way we could reach Kiev in time for the Sabbath. We actually arrived in Kiev at 2.30 pm on Friday.
We had to do the same on the way back. In fact, we had to drive even longer hours because we returned by Moldova. To enter Moldova we had to make a detour of 250 kilometres because of unrest through what would have been the shorter route into Moldova. We left Kiev at 1.40 am on Monday the 24th October and arrived at Achnasheen on Friday the 28th at 3.30 am. Here we parted company, I proceeded home to Laide, Edward to Lochcarron.
We had the advantage of our bed bunks in the van, when one of us could rest while the other drove, and also when it came to a proper rest for ourselves and the vehicle we would pull into a safe parking area, or near a fuel station and sleep for a few hours.
It is cause for thankfulness that over this long distance the Lord graciously afforded travelling mercies. The only snag that arose was a puncture, and this was discovered in its early stages as we rolled into a fuel station. As one can well imagine we witnessed quite a number of accidents in these long travels, but the Lord was pleased to carry us safely from start to finish. For this we wish to express our thankfulness to Him. We have no doubt the Lord’s people were remembering us in connection with this aspect of our mission as well as other matters.
The work of the Bible distribution is very much routine and follows the pattern of our past visits. While distributing Bibles we do wish that we had more reformed literature to distribute. We did have a small amount, but the purchase of such literature is very costly. We have of course the Mother’s Catechism which is readily accepted as also the tract exposing Mormonism. It was hoped that the second print of the Shorter Catechism would be ready for this visit, but the printer is snowed under with work and hopes to have it ready for January. The previous edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, done by a translator in America, was not a very satisfactory translation. The present one however, is done by our own Church employing a translator from St Petersburg in Russia, a Mr Andrei Valtsev, and his work checked by a second translator from Moscow, a Mr Vladimir Lotsmanov. This translation we are assured is a good translation. There have been quite a few enquiries for the Shorter Catechism in Russian, and we look forward to the receiving of the Catechism and the distribution.
I preached for the two Sabbaths I was in Kiev, in a neighbouring town called Borispol. Mr Igor Belozyerov kindly interpreted on all occasions. Mr John H Gudgeon, of The Roundwood Trust, pertaining to the Strict Baptists in England, has invited Igor to Britain. Mr Gudgeon has kindly organised that Igor come north to Scotland for a few days. We look forward to this, especially to return some of the kindness he and his mother have shown us during our stay in their home while in Kiev.
The first Sabbath we preached in the home of a Mr and Mrs Ilchenko. Here 15 people gathered and I preached from Ecclesiastes 12: 14, and Luke 14: 15. We had a short break in between the services of about 15 minutes, and each service lasted about one hour. There was also considerable time spent in questions and answers.
To us it appeared a profitable occasion, but it is only the Lord who knows the heart of man and can tell who indeed is profiting under His word.
The following Sabbath we had again two services in the home of Miss Burbelo. Here eight people gathered and we preached from John 4: 24 and Luke 18: 13. A number of questions asked related to the Lord’s Day, particularly the change from the seventh day to the first. This arose because of the activity of the 7th Day Adventists in Borispol. Also there were questions in connection with the Jehovah’s Witnesses who are also active and aggressive in Borispol.
As far as we can judge there was an interest in the preaching of the Word. Many also expressed wishes that we return and continue our work. In both homes we were provided with a beautiful meal in Ukraine style, which was much appreciated by us.
During the week we visited the same two homes in Borispol, and left a considerable amount of Bibles, calendars, clothing, medicines, etc., which our friends in these homes distribute to those in need.
We were given 25,000 Calenders by way of free grant from the Trinitarian Bible Society. These were in Russian, Hungarian, and Romanian and very much appreciated by all to whom we distributed. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Trinitarian Bible Society for their production of sound versions of the Word of God and the constant supply over the years of much literature which is donated to our work in Eastern Europe. It was also very much appreciated, before my departure on this occasion, that Mr Paul Rowland the Secretary of the Trinitarian Bible Society sent his prayerful wishes for work, and I conclude this news letter with an extract from his letter. “As you are well aware the situation in Eastern Europe is not very encouraging from a reformed perspective and it is therefore with this in mind that I wish you much of the Lord’s blessing in the coming days. I do trust that the Scriptures supplied by the Society will be of assistance and be the means of profit to those who receive them.”
“That man who, bearing precious seed,
in going forth doth mourn,
He doubtless, bringing back his sheaves,
rejoicing shall return.
Psalm 126: 6
Trinitarian Bible Society
A service of thanksgiving was held on Saturday, 19th November 1994, at the new premises of the International Headquarters of the Trinitarian Bible Society. Over the past few years, the work of the Society in distributing accurate and trustworthy translations of the Scriptures throughout the world has expanded greatly. This expansion has necessitated the acquisition of larger premises. Thus, in the gracious providence of God, the Society has recently moved in to new facilities for use as their headquarters. This property, renamed ‘Tyndale House’ in commemoration of the famous Bible translator William Tyndale, is located on Dorset Road, London, within one mile of the Society’s previous location on Kingston Road, London.
Prior to and following the Thanksgiving Service, the Society opened its doors to allow friends and supporters to tour and examine the new property. Exhibits and displays were set up throughout the building to show the day-to-day operation of the Society as well as various aspects of the work. The service began at 2.30 p.m., during which those who spoke expressed their gratitude to God not only for providing the building but also for all aspects of the move itself. During the service, the Rev. Prof. H. M. Cartwright, a member of the Committee of the Society, ministered the Word of God. (The Rev. A. McPherson, a Vice-President of the Society, had been scheduled to speak but was unable to do so because of ill health). Mr Cartwright preached from 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-14, stressing the sovereignty of God and the need for continuing to spread God’s Word throughout the world.
Tyndale House is a building of three wings in a triangular formation around a central patio area. These new premises, which are approximately three times the size of the old property, required extensive refurbishment and redecoration. As well, after twenty-seven years at the old location, a great deal of work was required to prepare for and facilitate the actual move. Staff members and friends executed the move, with the offices at the old location closing on 6th October, the anniversary of the death of William Tyndale. The Society’s offices re-opened on 10th October in Tyndale House amidst great joy.
The Society invites all friends to join in with us in praising God for His gracious provisions. The Society seeks your prayers as we continue in the work of spreading the Word of God among all nations.