SGA Shares "Immanuel’s Child" Story

LOVES PARK, Illinois – Eric Mock of the Slavik Gospel Association (SGA) was in far southeastern Russia for Christmas. Not December 25th, but January 7th, when Russians celebrate the birth of Christ.

Mock attended a Christmas Day program for children in a small church in Khabarovsk near the Chinese border. His visit was coordinated as a part of SGA’s “Immanuel’s Child” and “Reach Russia Now” programs.

Immanuel’s Child provides impoverished Russian children with a Bible, a Star of Bethlehem Christmas ornament that says, “Jesus Loves You,” and a special gift at Russian Christmas.

Reach Russia Now provides support for the SGA Aviation Ministry, printing and distribution of Russian Bibles and evangelistic Christian literature, church planting programs, and the continuing ministries of more than 60 evangelical churches.

Mock’s visit was highlighted by at least three surprises.

The first was when a young boy, about 12-years of age, stood before the gathering, told the Christmas story, and shared the Gospel. Mock rightly explained that “in their mind, the ability to serve Christ is not limited to an age group or substantial qualifications, but it is just that which is based on a relationship with Jesus.”

The second was when he saw his testimony confirmed again. Expecting the congregation to head home after the program, he was surprised when then bundled up and headed into the sub-zero cold to go to the street corners, sing Christmas carols, and give testimonies about Jesus Christ.

The third surprise came when the street corner gatherings were greeted with appreciate from passersby in a forgotten part of our world where “there are literally hundreds of people {who) have never heard the Gospel.”

Mock reported that these “faithful believers find every opportunity they can to share the Gospel.” They reminded him that Christmas “isn’t just about celebrating Christ’s birth. It’s a time to proclaim Jesus’ name and the Gospel message.”

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