An Urgent Appeal for Assistance to a Dear Brother

“The Scripture cannot be broken.”  John 10:35

As reported by our Committee on Missions in the foregoing article, Pastor Roman Schurganoff and the secretary of his congregation in Ekaterinburg, Russia, were viciously attacked this past January by thugs who had deliberately targeted them and beat them for the sake of the Pastor’s Gospel preaching.  Pastor Schurganoff reported to us:

When I returned after service, I was badly beaten by a group of unknown people who said before that I should “stop my “American” sermons and get out from Russia.”  I was with our community [congregational] secretary, who also suffered.  I received severe injuries to my face, teeth and a broken collarbone.  Now, due to severe damage to my teeth, I can hardly eat food.  Unfortunately, after the statement to the police about this incident, the guilty people were never found.  After this [incident], I had a strong psychological breakdown, and with great difficulty I continued my ministry with God’s help though.  I’m sorry that I could not tell you about it at once, but I felt so bad…in particular because of this psychological disorder [presumably PTSD].

No restitution was ever made for the Pastor’s medical expenses; and we assume that, because of the great cost (which includes approximately $ 3,000.00 for the restoration of his teeth), he has not been able to seek the medical help he needs.  Therefore, upon recommendation of the Committee on Missions and the concurrence of the convention, we are earnestly beseeching the brethren to abound in providing needed financial help to our dear brother in the Lord (II Corinthians 8:8-9; 11; 9:7-8).

Our suggestion is either 1) that congregations and/or individual brethren send their contributions DIRECTLY to Pastor Schurganoff with specific reference to the need described above, OR  2) that congregations and/or individuals send their contributions to the undersigned as chairman of the Committee on Missions, and I will remit them in a timely manner to our dear brother.  May the love of Christ constrain us all willingly and cheerfully to share of our substance in relief of our brother’s need (II Corinthians 5:14; James 2:15-17; I John 3:17-18).

The COMMITTEE ON MISSIONS
Rev. David T. Mensing, Chairman