Euro-Asia Division:
New Leaders, New Programs, New Policies
 

In June 2007, the Euro-Asia Division elected a new manager for the Source of Life Publishing House in Russia. Pastor Bondarchuk is a young pastor who has been a church pastor, conference treasurer, Youth Director for the West Russian Union, and an associate treasurer at the division.

Then in September, the division elected a new division publishing director—Pastor Andrew Arfanidi. Pastor Arfanidi has been a pastor in Siberia, conference treasurer, and an associate treasurer at the division.

These two young men, full of energy and enthusiasm, are in charge of our publishing ministries program for the Euro-Asia Division.

They invited Pastor H. Faigao, myself, and all the Union publishing directors within EAD to work on a special project—updating the publishing policy. The policy needs to reflect the new challenges they currently face. Led by Pastor Faigao, the Lord guided the group of leaders in crafting a new policy which will be a blessing for our church there.

There are more than 2,000 literature evangelists working in EAD today, and their Missionary Book of the Year program is very strong and expanding. Last year The Great Controversy was used as their missionary book, and almost 400,000 copies were distributed! This year the missionary book is The Desire of Ages, and next year The Ten Commandments. In Ukraine, Pastor V. July told me, plans are underway to distribute 500,000 copies of “The Ten Commandments” in 2008.

One of the positive results of the communist system is the general public’s love for literature. During our trip to Russia, everywhere I went, I saw thousands of people reading many different kinds of literature. This presents a tremendous opportunity for our literature program!

It is important to remember that the 12 countries which are part of EAD were once part of the former Soviet Union. Currently they are experiencing a very strong and growing economy, lead by Russia. By the grace of God, or church there is also growing and becoming very strong.

Elder Wilmar Hirle
Associate Director
GC Publishing Ministries

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