Hope for the Future

The testimony of the older Nazarean brethren of eastern Europe is one of enduring trial and hardship for the sake of Christ. Their faith challenges us in America to consider the depth of our own convictions and to reflect on how much we could endure if called to bear what these faithful brethren have withstood. While the younger generations of eastern European believers may not have vivid memories of the suffering their parents and grandparents endured under communism, their growing numbers and active church attendance are a source of hope and encouragement for the older brethren. These seasoned believers have endured years of trial so that their children and grandchildren might enjoy freedom of worship and greater economic opportunity. Their prayer is that the Church may flourish and that the light of faith will continue to shine in the land of their forefathers. In response, HarvestCall strives to support all who belong to the household of faith.

In some countries, such as Germany and Hungary, economic progress has allowed believers to provide for their own needs, and they are no longer reliant on external aid. These brethren, along with those in Germany, also play a vital role in organizing relief efforts and volunteer work teams to assist needy brethren in eastern Europe. Where economic opportunities exist, church attendance and membership are rising—hopeful signs that the Church may once again grow and prosper in the Lord.

As international travel has become easier, fellowship among believers of different national and ethnic backgrounds has increased, fostering marriages between young people of the Nazarean Churches and strengthening their shared bond of faith. Today, approximately 10,000 souls worship in 200 church communities across Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and southwestern Ukraine (Bukovina).

Words alone cannot express the gratitude of eastern European brethren for the spiritual and material support they have received from American believers. The following message is just one example of many letters addressed to the American Churches:

“We thank the Lord and you for your care of us. Through your good deeds you have helped many. You have helped the elderly, the weak ones, the sick ones, the poor and our children. For all of this, please accept our inadequate thanks. May your good deeds be mentioned at the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ— ‘I was hungry and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me...’ All our greetings we send you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”