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September 4, 2006

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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Unrest, dissatisfaction, betrayal, poverty, corruption, no way out. These words and more I have both heard and read within these past few weeks of our move to Kyrgyzstan. And yet, a newspaper article I recently read placed Kyrgyzstan within the Top 20 of the world's happiest countries.

The definition for happiness in The Newbury House Dictionary is, "1. a state of contentment 2. delight, joy" However, the bloody revolution in the streets of Bishkek in the spring of 2005 is not what one would call a display of contentment or joy. Even more recently, the September 1st edition of the Christian Science Monitor reads: "We are reaching critical mass of armed people in the region," says Martha Brill Olcott, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. "I think there could be a wave of acts of violence in Central Asia." Also, Anthony Lake, former national security advisor to President Bill Clinton, has recognized Central Asia as one of the three "hottest danger zones" in the world.

Ahmed Rashid in his book, "Jihad: The Rise of Militant Islam in Central Asia" writes that, "At the heart of Central Asia lies a cultural vacuum, which cannot be filled with imitations of Western Culture." Many would say that the answer to this vacuum is to look to the past and become reconnected with who you are. However, as nice of a feeling as cultural heritage can be, it will not lead the present generations into true contentment or joy. With more than 60 percent of Central Asia's 50 million people under the age of 25, the majority of the people are concerned about the future, not the past.

Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asia republics, experienced a revival of Islam immediately after the Soviet Union was dismantled in 1991. In contrast to Ukraine and Russia where Christians from North America and other Western countries were the first to come and share their faith, the first new visitors to Central Asia were Islamic missionaries from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. People here were attempting to reconnect with their former belief systems. It is obvious that not only is there a cultural vacuum, but a spiritual vacuum as well. Many have been dismayed as they try to fill this vacuum with the ideas and desires of the world or with religious systems. It is a story that plays itself out in every nation of the world in one way or another.

James chapter four says, "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." The Lord has brought us to this place to preach friendship with Him. Of the 99 names of Allah, none of them reflect a fatherly image, let alone that of a friend. Please pray for us that we would have favor here with officials and success in leading many into a relationship with the Heavenly Father. Only the Prince of Peace can give true peace with the Father which is the only way to contentment and joy - true happiness.

The Assembly
We are not a church, but an "assembly of citizens," says our lawyer. In seeking to register this young body of believers here in Bishkek as a church, our lawyer has warned us not to make mention that we are a "church." In fact, we have been advised not to make any invitations, signs, or other public displays of the fact that we are gathering together as a body of believers. This did not hinder Sasha from giving his life to the Lord on Sunday. Nor has it hindered the other 50 people from gathering together to worship and glorify God. We are excited about what the Lord is doing here! At the same time, we are attempting to "walk in wisdom toward those who are outside." (Col. 4:5). So, please "continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open a door for the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ," (Col. 4:2-3) We anxiously await registration from the government so that we can work more openly here.

We are currently having Sunday services, Tuesday evening Bible studies, and are making plans to begin a school of ministry soon. We are enjoying long times of fellowship after the meetings. It is wonderful to see the Lord knitting together a body of believers here.

School
September 1st is the first day of school throughout the former Soviet Union. Anna and Lizzy both enjoyed their first day and were surprised to see that there were a couple of other American children in their classes. As doors have closed in Uzbekistan and other neighboring countries, many missionaries have recently moved to Kyrgyzstan in order to stay in the region and wait for other opportunities.

Anna is taking first grade over again. She finished first grade in Ukraine, but since everything here is taught in Russian, she will need to adjust to the new language. Lizzy is in her last year of kindergarten. Both of the girls are excited to be going back to school and look forward to making new friends. Anna always asks her teachers and friends if they know Jesus. On the way home from school she informs us of who says that they know Jesus. I guess it is no secret that we are a Christian family.

Driving on the Right Side...of the Car
Upon arriving to Bishkek we immediately saw that we were going to need a car for our family and the ministry. We live on the outskirts of Bishkek, about 10 minutes from school and 15 minutes from where we are meeting with "the assembly." We store much of the equipment and things for church at our house and cart them to town every time we meet.

So, we were blessed to be able to find a cheap, used van in good condition. I found out that one reason it is cheaper is because the steering wheel is on the right side of the van. It took some getting used to, but so far so good.

The Move
We have unpacked the majority of our suitcases and boxes. Our container of household items arrived safely from Ukraine. I had expected more problems, but the Lord worked in spite of my lack of faith. The kids were excited to finally have some toys to play with. I was excited to have all of my books. Renee was excited to have all of her kitchen stuff. It was like Christmas in August, except that we knew what we were getting.

We are slowly becoming acquainted with our neighbors. Many of them have not lived in this area very long either. It seems easier to see our neighbors now that we are living in a home, than when we lived in apartments in Kiev. We have been blessed with a home and place for the kids to play. We even have a guest room, so please stop by and visit. :-)

By His Grace,
Jed & Renee
Anna, Lizzy, & Joshua

Please pray for:
- The registration of the church in Bishkek
- Religious permission to work in Kyrgyzstan
- Renee’s pregnancy -- a baby girl is due in early January!
- Organizing and teaching of the school of ministry and evangelistic English classes.
- Open doors for the spreading of the Gospel
- Safety and health of our family

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SUPPORT ADDRESS IN USA:
Jed & Renee Gourley - Ukraine Base
c/o Shepherd's Staff
P.O. Box 27220
Albuquerque, NM 87125-7220
tel: 760-839-9214 fax: 760-839-9286 email: ssmfi@shepsstaff.org

MAILING ADDRESS IN KYRGYZSTAN:
P.O. Box 1980
Bishkek -- 720000
Kyrgyzstan
tel: +996-543-97-87-22 fax: 1-801-315-5711 email: GGour@aol.com
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