Mission Work - Belarus

Belarus Mission: Autumn 2009

By Peter Ruck

God is a God of second chances!

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumbering upon the bed. Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealth instruction” Job 33 v 14-16 (KJV)

I received this scripture after I came to Christ but, in truth, never truly understood the significance to me personally until recently. Having been with the Lord for many years, it was only recently that he led me to develop the children’s ministry at Peniel Church. We have set up a group called the Ark Bible Club and also run a youth outreach, Jesus And Me (JAM).

Going into Belarus had been in my heart years ago but at the time circumstances didn’t allow me. In May this year, I woke up to a small voice compelling me to “contact Yauheni.” I heard it twice but it did not say anything further. I shared this is with Judy, my wife. Immediately, she said, ‘You’ll have to go, it has always been on your heart from years ago when you were invited but didn’t go’. I began to try and contact Yauheni.

We had been communicating through email ever since we first met here in Brentwood, ten years ago at a TL Osborn Tent Crusade, however, over the past few years our communication had become less frequent. We eventually made contact and a trip was planned to Belarus in August, virtually on the tenth anniversary of our first meeting. We could not speak the same language, other than calling each other “Druk”, which means ‘friend’ in Russian, but we have such a strong bond that the Holy Spirit brings, to share the love of Jesus to people.

I knew Yauheni travelled the world, sharing the Gospel in a large tent but I had no idea about their involvement in children’s work until recently. I faced several difficulties arranging this trip. I made a covenant with God that I would pay for everything myself; all including Yauheni’s expenses whilst he was looking after me. I also said I would do anything that Yauheni asked me to do in the ministry - I was there to serve and learn.

My trip to Belarus has taught me again to only believe and trust God. Since becoming a Christian, I have known the call on my life that’s in Mark 16 v15 and God had confirmed this once again. Every day, he opened my eyes to show me that all things work together for good to those that love him. He is a God of second chances, and right now I am so on fire, I feel like I have been born again and again! Our God is so amazing and wonderful and this trip was for his glory

Follow the links below to read about each day of Peter Ruck's time in Belarus.