by Rev. D. A. Ross
It is hoped, God willing, to visit Eastern Europe next October. We intend to carry out the same work as on previous occasions. At present we are making preparations, one of which is the purchase of a suitable vehicle. This will hopefully be a 7½ ton walk through van, as being the most suitable for our purposes at present. Last year we hired a 7½ ton truck for four weeks, which cost £2600. The purchase of a reasonably priced second-hand van would mean our making a substantial saving over a protracted period.
The size of van is also necessary when there is such a large demand for Bibles and religious literature from Eastern Europe. For example the load in the 7½ ton truck last year was: 2000 Hungarian Bibles; 5400 Russian — Gospels of John; 6000 Russian — Church of the Living God; 5450 Russian — Golden Thoughts Calendars 1993; 1100 Russian Bibles; 500 Russian New Testaments; 100 large type Russian New Testaments and a few
Czech Bibles. We also took a variety of Reformed books, tracts, magazines and 3200 copies of the Mother’s Catechism. Over and above this we had the usual medicines, clothing and food as well as extra Bibles taken from friends in Holland.
The following extracts from some of the letters we receive will suffice to show how much our visits are appreciated and how deeply grateful the people are for your help. One person writes: “Thanks a lot for your kindness once more. If it will be possible to obtain a Bible with large print, I really will greatly appreciate it. As I’ve already said I distributed almost all literature, medicines, food and some clothes among people who need such things . . . your words, your help, your influence on people at our area is great. If the opportunity will present itself, we’ll try to organise for your preaching another gospel sermon.” One young girl writes: “I was so glad to get your letter and the booklet about the Mormon Church! (Mormonism by Ergatees.) Now I have the confirmation of what I think about this cult. Also thank you very much for the Young People’s Magazine . . . It is great to know that somebody cares about your soul and about your salvation. When I have a difficult question about my faith, or some other religious problems, I read the Bible you brought me, and I find answers. Thank you so much for everything.” One pastor referring to Bibles given as a “very great present”, adds this: “Glory to God . . . I am not worthy of this. But I think you help us, not because we are good, but for your love to our Lord Jesus Christ. I will pray for you and for your church. We can use the Bibles for mission work among young people, in hospitals, and in prisons, etc.”
We have distributed all the Mother’s Catechisms which we printed last year and hope to proceed shortly to a second print which will include some improvements on the previous translation. It is hoped also that the Shorter Catechism with Lawson’s Notes will be completed shortly, as well as the leaflet on Mormonism mentioned above — both in the Russian language.
May the Lord in His great mercy be pleased to keep this door to Eastern Europe open and supply the means for our continuing efforts to take the “word of the truth of the gospel” to needy ones in those distant parts. We look forward to your support as on former occasions, when many of you remembered this mission endeavour by your tithing and in prayers. We are also indebted to the Trinitarian Bible Society for their great liberality in so often supplying grants of Bibles and literature. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations . . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I command you,” Matthew 28: 19, 20.