Esley Patsch,
Director
The atmosphere in the crowded apartment room was electric with anticipation. The conversations were an interesting mixture of Russian, some Romanian and a sprinkle of English as these local university students met together. The 12 students had gathered to plan strategies for reaching their fellow students with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As we watched their leader Igor Velicanenco (pictured to the left with his wife Christina), local Campus Crusade representative, take charge of the meeting, we were impressed with the interest, attentiveness and zeal of the students. We were there representing SMI and our partnership with Igor. We met Igor and his wife Christina about 10 years before when he pastored a small church in the village of Sucleia. His church was a part of the network of churches where SMI sponsored summer Bible clubs. Their zeal for the Lord was reflected in the excitement of the children and their passion for serving God was evident as many of the children asked Jesus into their hearts.
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Click here to download a printable version of the prayer calendar
April 22: This is a travel day for our team. Pray that we will make all our connections and that our luggage arrives with us. We will be traveling from Cleveland, to Washington DC, to Vienna and then on to Chisinau.
April 23: Today the team arrives in Chisinau. Esley and Paul will remain in Chisinau to spend time with Cristi, a church planter, and Dima, leader of the Moldovan Antioch Movement. The other 5 team members will be traveling to Tiraspol. Pray for safety and a good night’s rest.
April 24: As the team in Tiraspol confirms their plans for the week, ask that the Lord will orchestrate divine appointments. Pray also as Esley and Paul meet with Cristi and Dima that the Lord would reveal creative ways to work together.
April 25: Paul and Esley will join the team in Tiraspol. Pray for travel safety. This evening in Tiraspol, Carrie and Ellaine will be hosting a ladies’ evangelistic and fellowship tea. This is one of three tea outreaches this week; pray for open hearts. Continue reading →
Dear Friends of SMI,
We are excited to report that Summit Missions International is more than half-way to the goal of $750,000 for our building campaign. “Building for the Future” is our theme and we thank God for His people who have generously given and pledged $410,000!
In December of 2010 the SMI Board of Directors gave the “green light” to proceed with the building. They knew this project would be a “faith-building” project. The Bible says faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. In faith we see a functioning home for SMI; a place of mission work for God and worship of God.
God has used many of you as “faith-builders” already; now we need to join together for the final push over the goal. We would like to break ground this spring. So we are asking you to do three things:
- Continually cover this project in prayer until completion
- Ask the Lord specifically to provide $340,000 to reach our goal
- Become a “Faith-Builder” and give as you are directed by the Lord
Together we can do this . . . for the children and the needy . . . for the future . . .
. . . for the glory of God.
Your tax-deductible contribution will help complete this project debt free.
- If you choose, you can pledge your contribution payable by December 2012 by emailing us at: missionsinfo@summitmissions.org.
- To give electronically, go to www.summitmissions.org and click on the “Donate Now” button.
- To donate by mail, make the check payable to Summit Missions and mail to Summit Missions International, P.O. Box 26500, Akron, Ohio 44319.
Thank you for your prayers and generous support as we Build for the Future.
Esley Patsch
Founder and Director
This year there are three trips to the country of Moldova, formerly a part of the Soviet Union. We will focus on what is frequently referred to as “The Invisible Nation.” This is Transnistria, called “The People’s Republic of Pridnestrovie” by the Russians. You will find it on your maps along the eastern border of Moldova next to Ukraine. Although they have a president, a parliament, an army and even their own currency, Transnistria is not recognized as an official country.
You will have the opportunity to “step back in time” and glimpse what life was like in the soviet era. You will meet fellow believers who remained faithful through adversity and persecution. You will enjoy getting to know your team-mates at the mission house and be well cared for by our hosts. Most of all you will experience the satisfaction of using your gifts and talents for the Lord.
We call the short-term mission a “Look, Listen, Learn, Live, Leave and Love” experience.
Esley Patsch, Executive Director
2012 is going to be a very special year. At the December 2010 meeting, in faith, the SMI Board of Directors voted to go forward with our building project. We have moved 7 times in 20 years and our lease soon expires at our current location.
The New Year will see the beginning of construction. The building will be located at 1070 Killian Road in Springfield Township (Ohio). The land was purchased 3 years ago, but due to the economic slow down, construction could not begin.
Our Project Manager is Phil Adkins of Adkins Building Construction. He is familiar with the mission and is committed to doing the best job for the least amount. Without sacrificing quality, he will aggressively seek to reduce costs.
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Our team (of four) is thankful for the time that we were able to spend in Ukraine, Moldova and Transniestria. The Lord was gracious to us and we were able to rekindle friendships and strengthen others as we worked together to plan for 2012.
Kiev, Ukraine
We met with church planters from the Antioch Movement team. It was a great time to hear what God is doing in Central Asia and in Ukraine. God is at work despite the difficulties that many Christians face in this part of the world. When a person follows Christ it is a serious commitment because it may literally require their life. Please join us in prayer as SMI seeks to partner with the Ukrainian church to reach Central Asia and Moldova.
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Paul Hostetler, Assistant Director
Yes, that’s right Russian speaking churches in Ohio. There are a number of them and I had the privilege to preach at one of their services on Sunday morning in Cleveland. The whole service was in Russian and the people were very gracious and hospitable. I thought that I would be home by 1:00 after church, but was invited to stay for lunch. It was a great time to get to know some of the church members and talk about Moldova with them. I am looking forward to preaching there again in the future and becoming acquainted with some of the other Russian speaking churches in Ohio. Pray that SMI can be an encouragement and helpful to these churches and communities.
(For the PDF version of the prayer calendar click here to download)
Oct 30 We leave for Kiev, Ukraine. Pray for safety, rest on the flight and that all our luggage makes the connections.
Oct 31 Today we arrive in Kiev. After dinner the team will be meeting with three key leaders from the Ukrainian Antioch Church Planting team to learn more about their work in Central Asia. Pray for alertness and strength.
Nov 1 Additional meetings will be held with Antioch leaders today. Pray that there will be clear communication, understanding, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction through these discussions.
Nov 2 This is a travel day to Chisinau. The flight leaves at 6:30am. Pray for safety and no delays.
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