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Robert Shrader Missionary to Eastern EuropeCentering in Bulgaria |
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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