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Robert Shrader Missionary to Eastern EuropeCentering in Bulgaria |
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Dear Pastor Mike and Brookside Church: March, 2011
Everyone greatly appreciates the continued help and faithfulness of American Christians. As the Apostle Paul wrote it is “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God”. Also written, “Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men”. Again we thank God that the money for the flour and oil arrived to help the poor believers get through the winter months. Brother Zach told me how some believers were out of food and wondered from where more would come. Just like the meal barrel that never emptied, your support came at the right moment. This past week the flour and oil was being distributed to the villages that I attend. They were very excited and thankful to receive your gift.
In one of my meetings a believer passed away. She had been battling cancer for a number of years. She had several surgeries and about a year ago suffered a stroke. Through all that was suffered, she always said glory to God and was excited when we came. It’s good to be able to minister to such precious believers knowing that our labor is not in vain. Her daughter stood up a week ago and said she also became a believer. It’s also comforting that she will never have to suffer any more.
The laws toward permanent visas changed over here at the beginning of February. The law now states that during a continuous five year period, we are not able to be out of the country for more than 10 months. That changes things for me since I’ve been out about 10 months and a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, for now I will not be able to attend the camp meetings that are held in Romania. If they are real strict about this, I will probably have to do an extra year of one year visas. It doesn’t threaten my ability to get a permanent visa; however, it drags things out an extra year. Please remember to pray for those at the camp meeting at the end of March. May the Lord continue to richly bless all of you.
Love, Robert Shrader
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,.. ” John 10:14, 16
Dear churches and fellow believers;
August, 2009
I am happy to report that I got another year long Visa. I tend to worry about whether everything will go smoothly, but thank God, it all worked out. I also continue to spend time learning the language. I've been able to preach longer in the meetings. This has encouraged me, and the people are rejoicing at the preaching and my improvement with the language; although I have just started and have much more to learn.
We had a Baptism in Dabravino at the end of June. A lot of people were brought in from the Varbitza area where a number of new churches have been established. Also, Brother Nathan from up in Romania was able to bring two vehicles full of people. I drove around 25 people to the meeting from the churches I attend. A few of them were also baptized. I heard that 65 people were baptized which is the most I've seen at one meeting. We're happy that the Lord is still saving people and continues to do a work in Bulgaria. Brother Ralph was able to preach at the first two meetings, and the believers remained throughout the night to sing and testify. They receive great joy in being able to see one another and tell of what the Lord has done for them. Most of them don't tend to be shy about getting up in front of everyone. I don't know if there is an official count of how many people were there, but I estimated around 250 people were there at the first meeting. It was completely packed. The next week the churches I go to had the women testifying of the good time they had at Dabravino. Brother Ralph scheduled another baptism for July the 18th and another one for sometime in August. It's a lot of work for us arranging everything, but we're glad to see everyone so blessed.
I've waited awhile to mention this, but in the beginning of April I was robbed at knife point. I usually try to give hitch hikers a ride when I am able. One day I was heading to my meetings and was alone. I picked a fellow up, and when I stopped to let him out he pulled a military or hunting knife out and demanded my money. At first I was in disbelief at what was happening, and then I tried to resist a little. He started to get violent, and I realized the best thing for me to do was give up. I thank God for his help and protection during that time. I later considered how God told Abraham "fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." After he got out, I contacted the police. They made a quick search, but found no one. Later they had me use a computer program to give a description of the man. They gave me computer sketches, and the fifth one was him. They had the man in custody by morning, and I identified him in a line up. Two months later the police contacted me and returned the money he had stolen. The Lord taught me several things during that time. I'm just thankful he watches over us. I also don't pick up strangers any more.
I am in America until December and look forward to seeing everyone.
Love Robert Shrader
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of
mine.”
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,..”
John 10:14, 16