Europe
Centers of Hope Part 2: Multiplying Community Shepherds for Churches that Endure
Before 1991, the Soviet Union governed religion and religious practice across its fifteen republics with crushing severity. They regulated every aspect, from a pastor’s attire and song selections to the annual number of baptisms. After Communism collapsed, many new churches sprang up in strong numbers. These congregations could finally exercise freedom in worship, focusing more…
Read MoreCenters of Hope Part 1: The Winding Road to Ukraine
Long before Abe and Diane Bible met and began Centers of Hope, they each felt called to missions as children living on opposite sides of the world. In Holland, Abe saw a short film in school about a missionary and told the Lord that’s what he wanted to do with his life. In the United…
Read MoreAll for God’s Glory, Pre – and Mid – War
Dan Gollan of Soli Deo Gloria never thought he would be a pastor. Although his dad was a pastor, Dan desired a “dangerous, yet helpful” path as he grew up reading about war and people risking their lives for a bigger cause. Moreover, his dad would invite missionaries to share their stories which further fanned…
Read MoreHope of Christ in Day Centers
Hope for Children’s first Christmas, 1994 Helen Vipass intended to settle down after leaving a fulfilling but demanding job in educational tourism. Although Latvia was not where she initially had in mind, she felt a strong call from the Lord that guided her to move there in 1991. While supporting a newly established church mission,…
Read MoreLessons from Serving the Underground Church
Throughout his early life, Al Baanna had no real vision apart from enjoying a comfortable, sinful existence. At middle age, he was doing very well for himself in the international business world. He knew of God, but did not have a personal relationship with Christ. When his stepson invited him and his wife, Betty, to…
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