Elim Bible Institute - Oasis Yearbook (Lima, NY)

Page 96 text:

(Excerpts from letters written by Germany- based Chester and Mary Gretz) No room for Him in the inn and nowhere to lay His head. Such was Christ s introduc- tion to this earth. Though centuries have passed, this still is true today. He is banned from political Systems including Eastern Europe ' s. He has also been banned from their educational System. The press makes mention of Him only in a derogatory sense as it derides and mocks those who profess to believe in Him. Even cathed- rals once filled with worshippers now are museums and anti-religious theaters. In those that remain, one can hardly find Him in the formalities of religion. Yet there are those who receive Him. Meet¬ ing secretly outdoors or in homes, or open- ly in halls and old church buildings, these continue to let their lights shine in a dark world and are willing, if needs be, to suffer for Christ. What a privilege to meet with such and to work with them in spreading the good news that the Savior has come! We have seen more people confess Christ as personal Savior and others edi- fied by the Word of God than in any pre- vious year. In one country in spite of the strict Con¬ trols, we found a strong growing church. My heart was stirred as church leaders shared their burdens and needs. Although they could not permit me to speak in their churches, I was able to share God ' s Word with groups and individuals in many places . In a house meeting in another country, there were 40 people gathered on a Sunday morning. Seven stood in response to an invitation to receive Christ. The kind- ness of church leaders and congregations is overwhelming. In an evening Service we both sang and I preached in Polish, while the Pastor interpreted into the lo¬ cal tongue. At the close of the Service, we were deeply moved as the congregation waved their handkerchiefs and sang, God be with you ' tili we meet again. POLISH TESTIMONY: If I had the choice to make between your countryAmerica 3 with all of its materialis tic blessings yet not so much interest in the spiritual life 3 and my countryVoland 3 where we have fewer material possessions yet a deep hunger for God ' s Word. . .1 would still choose my country. A deep hunger for God’s Word means more to me than your freedom or materialistic blessings.” 92

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Clockwise 3 top to bottom: 1. Ladies’ Bible Study in Spain 2. Youth Camp in Poland 3. Converted Gypsy group 4. Overflowing aongregation behind the Iron Curtain 5. A mountain scene in Switzerland 93