On the 7th November 2005, a team of four ‘Next Generation Alliance’ evangelists and directors departed from London, to venture into a pioneer evangelistic outreach to the two cities of Borisov and Minsk in Belarus, a nation hostile to the proclamation of the Gospel.

We got as far as Prague and were prevented entering Belarus by a blanket of fog.  However, the following day we gained entry to the country via Poland, bringing us back on schedule.

Christy Smith and Robin Stephens remained in Minsk, whilst John Grant and Alan Heavey continued travelling to our destination - Borisov.

The participating churches were very much united in Borisov, which was so obvious from Alan’s first visit in October this year;  the people had prepared well for this mission.

The meal events were held in restaurants; permission being granted to hold them under the banner of ‘humanitarianism’.  Most of the events were over subscribed as many men and women came to enjoy the intimate environment where they could eat good food; listen to music and song, and hear a presentation of the life transforming Gospel with the opportunity to open their lives to Jesus and receive His forgiveness, salvation and an assurance of eternal life with Him as their personal Lord and Saviour.  We were made to feel very welcome, even though Alan was a little apprehensive as to whether we would be prevented by the KGB from sharing the Gospel throughout the week.  

However, we experienced an amazing time of being witnesses to many, many people making decisions for Jesus!  It was estimated that 75% of nearly 1,500 people present were unbelievers; in excess of 350 men and women of varying ages and differing backgrounds indicated having asked the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives as Lord and Saviour.  Over 500 recorded that they would like to meet again, with over 360 requesting more information.  

There were many memorable moments; many of the older people had spent many years of their lives under communism and were so pleased that we had come into their city to proclaim the Good News.  An elderly lady said she had waited to hear this message ever since travelling from Poland.  One lady wanted her picture taken with us as she had never spoken with an Englishman before!  

The event meetings were varied.  Many different events were designed and organised to  reach out to a cross section of society; students, medical professionals, disabled people, the elderly, ladies, the teaching profession, couples, civic leaders and business men and women.  The overall response in Borisov was incredible.  It was a testimony to the leadership and unity within the participating churches.  Our main co-ordinator Pastor Sergey, spoke at the Evangelistic Rally, telling his people (and us!) not to doubt what God has done in this mission.  He said they had prepared the ground; John and Alan had come to sow the seeds; now they had to nurture the new growth and ensure that new believers are cared for and discipled.  

So for them, the ‘Next Steps’ meetings are crucial.  Within a few days of the mission ending the follow-up meetings were initiated.  We wait to hear good news.  

It was a joy for Alan to preach in Sergey’s church on the last mission day Sunday morning and see new believers already in his church.

It was with great joy that Alan spoke with all the restaurant staff about coming into a life changing relationship with Christ.  They had listened to the messages all week and it seemed so right for them to have the opportunity to receive Jesus.  Sergey and his wife Tanya are following up with these very special ladies.

One evening there were so many people that we had to sit in the kitchen corridor, but we were looked after very well by the lady staff.

I am fully aware that without your prayerful and financial support, this form of evangelism, which is so effective, just couldn’t happen.

God chooses to use the foolish to confound the wise; Alan is happy to be a ‘fool for Christ’ to see His amazing grace in action.  Alan was reminded during the week that it is by grace that we can preach the Gospel (Eph 3:8) and by grace that we are saved (Eph 2:5); isn’t that just so amazing and miraculous?

I thank God for you, and your obedience to what He has laid on your heart.