An Open Window in Central & Eastern Europe

By Larry Haag Regional Leadership Coordinator

In June 1953, major anti-communist riots broke out in East Berlin and, on August 13, 1961, a 26 1/2-mile long wall sealed off the Soviet sector of Berlin. On November 9, 1989, that monument was destroyed and the border dividing East and West Germany opened. Two years later, on December 31, 1991, headlines blared news of the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Who would have thought such things could happen? One result of these events is the great opportunity to advance the cause of Jesus Christ in Central & Eastern Europe. Missionaries and national Christian workers have preached the gospel, trained local leaders, and planted new churches while strengthening those churches already in existence.

The window of opportunity is open today but not as widely as just a couple of years ago. As you read the articles in this issue, you will see bright spots of God's grace, but dark clouds loom on the horizon.

If there has ever been a time in recent history when God's servants must take seriously our Lord's statement in John 9:4, it is today: "I must work the works of Him who sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." It is chilling yet exciting to peer through the "window" in Central & Eastern Europe and see the light of God's Word piercing the darkness.