I have just returned from on-site visits to three of our partners this winter and spring in Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. More than that, we encountered energetic vision at work!

We love the Ukrainian regional pastors and national staff. They are pivotal partners. There are more Baptists in Ukraine than any other European country except for the United Kingdom. One out of six Baptists in all of Europe is a Ukrainian Baptist.

Under extremely capable leadership, FLF taught strategic planning and organizational management to achieve new God-given, God-driven goals. See J.B. Peterson's article below to discover what happens when people are open to God changing our plans.

Belarusian Baptists remain undaunted by their political forces. There are young pastors, growing Sunday Schools and new church plants. There is outstanding leadership in their seminary which struggles like so many because of economic setbacks. The House of Mercy at Kobrin, a joint partner with The Baptist Home, Inc., will be dedicated in two months, on June 26.

The Moldovans are always gracious and visionary. There are more evangelicals in Moldova than in any other European country, one percent of the population. Worship clinics, youth leadership and the continued training of the regional and national staff are coming to the front as priority issues.

Join us in prayer, in sharing our mission and vision, in offering financial resources to help brothers and sisters who also are bringing all of these to the partnership table.

"I will definitely go back and teach that material to my church, the young people and children predominantly."

This is just one of the many positive responses received from 17 pastors and church leaders participating in "The Bible on Money," a two-day Master's Program course at Moscow Baptist Seminary this past February. Participants said they had never heard such a systematic and comprehensive overview before.

The course was taught by Anatoliy Musiyenko, National Director of Crown Ukraine, and Andrew Nedelchev, European Program Director for Crown. They taught Crown Financial Ministries materials in Russian at this first-time event among Baptist leaders in the Russian Federation. Future Leadership Foundation, in partnership with Crown Europe and Moscow Baptist Seminary, was able to provide resources for the students.

As a result of this pilot training event, Dr. Peter Mitskevich, Rector of Moscow Seminary, has requested an enhanced version of this training be given to the 52 regional superintendents in the Russian Baptist Union. He says, "I believe Crown Ministry material will be used in Russian churches to provide a proper foundation for stewardship."

We went to the Ukraine to teach leadership and strategic development to the senior leaders of the Ukraine Baptist Union (UBU). One of my pastors told me to expect our plan to change significantly and for God to enable an outcome far superior to what our plan could have produced.
 
When we arrived at the UBU conference, our plan was totally changed. Our teaching time was reduced by almost 50%. Being flexible resulted in our being able to recommend an approach to the UBU leadership to reach the next generation of Ukrainians for Christ, not possible under our original plan.
 
Our recommendation was greeted with unanimous enthusiasm. One pastor stood and said, "I'm standing in support of what has just been presented and must say that the Holy Spirit has clearly been here tonight."
 
It was a humble privilege to participate in a small way while God was at work in a might way. It was only possible because our plan 'fell apart' and God was in control that we could assist the UBU in finding a new path and plan.

Have you ever sat down and evaluated where you believe God intended you to serve?

Morning prayers seem to be a good time for my own self-evaluation. I often find myself asking what I can do to make a difference.

Each of us tries to demonstrate Christ-like service in our lives. Yet it can be hard to determine how we can serve most effectively.
 
Planned giving  is a way to make a commitment. It provides tax benefits now to make our gifts in the future.



Consider allowing FLF planned giving specialists to visit with you. They can help you with plans to make a very real difference in the future.

We often forget that in the United States, even when times aren't so good, we are still wealthy in comparison with most of the world. We have so much and yet often don't make the best use of our resources.

It's hard to imagine Christian pastors and missionaries working without basic supplies and equipment that we take for granted.

Imagine how being able to provide additional resources to our Christian brothers and sisters could assist them in finding new believers and strengthening the faith of believers!

There are dedicated, efficient, effective ministries doing the Lord's work. They need your help at a critical time in Christian and world history.

Do you ask, "Where can my limited gifts make the most difference?" Planned giving can be your answer.

Sometimes worthy causes wither away because needed resources were not available.

Can you feel the needs presented in this newsletter? Pray about how you can share your resources and be a part of this work.

Make a real difference with your resources by using planned giving. Contact FLF Executive Director Roger Hatfield by e-mail or phone, 573.291.9800.

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» Purchase the Fresh Wind CD, a collaboration of Missouri and Belarusian musicians, to benefit the Minsk Seminary. Use our online Order forms . We even pay for shipping!