SGA Encountering Hope
Encountering Hope is brought to you by SGA (Slavic Gospel Association). On each episode, you'll hear inspiring stories of pastors and churches serving in very difficult circumstances in Russia, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. And you'll be blessed by how God is transforming lives and adding to His Kingdom. We pray these stories of the Lord's life-changing power will enrich your life and that you will be encouraged each time you encounter hope. Founded by Belarusian immigrant to the United States in 1934, SGA is headquartered near Chicago, Illinois.We help reach "forgotten" orphans, widows and families in 10 countries across the former Soviet Union and Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel through an extensive grassroots network of local evangelical missionary pastors and churches. These faithful servants care for physical needs and proclaim the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ.SGA also strengthens indigenous evangelical churches through training for pastors, evangelists, and children's workers. Through Encountering Hope, you will learn how SGA is sharing the Gospel, equipping the church, and helping the forgotten. For more information, please visit SGA.org
Episodes
It’s a surprising truth that often the largest plants spring from the tiniest seeds. That’s what Dima discovered. Listen how a SGA-supported Belarus summer camp had a profound effect on three young, unbelieving girls. Support the work of SGA »
Loneliness can be one of the most difficult trials to endure. Vyacheslav is an SGA-supported pastor who heard of a trapped young man, who felt entirely alone. Alone, but not forgotten … Support the work of SGA »
Jesus was often moved by empathy to help the distressed and dispirited. So how do we model compassion in action? Nikolai, an SGA-supported missionary pastor, shares how he and his church are putting Christ’s principles into practice. Support the work of SGA »
For those who have lived in a war zone during a conflict, it’s hard to fully grasp what daily life is like. Today, Pastor Sergei shares his experience of faithfully serving Christ and his people in the midst war in Ukraine. Support the work of SGA »
In Far East Russia, Oleg discovered true change needed to begin in his hard heart. Then, what was predicted to be his life’s end was instead a new life in Christ! With a new heart for Jesus, Oleg sought to help others. Support the work of SGA »
Human wisdom doesn’t seek a painful path to draw closer to God. Yet this is how God, in His wisdom, reached Olga. She’s just one of the great number of Ukrainians brought to repentance and faith in Christ during the war. Support the work of SGA »
Though Pastor Viktor has endured great loss, he faithfully ministers in a village in Belarus. He’s seen only limited fruit from people who have endured loss too—including the effects of radiation from the Chernobyl disaster. Support the work of SGA »
Pastor Mishakar faces inconvenient, yet divine, appointments often in Central Asia. He encountered a lady on the roadside on one recent ministry trip. And rather than hurry on by, he chose to stop and give her a ride. Support the work of SGA »
The war in Ukraine has severely impacted the ministries of Pastor Roman’s church. But more people are hearing the Gospel today! It’s simply God’s message, carried along by God’s people, impowered by God’s Holy Spirit. Support the work of SGA »
SGA-supported pastor Dmitri is working to share the Gospel with those who are distant from Christ. He shares the story of Elena and how she overcame her struggle to hear God’s voice amidst the world’s “noise.” Support the work of SGA »
SGA-supported missionary pastor Denis ministers to those who are suffering greatly. While his heart aches for them, his goal is their salvation. Listen to Katrina’s story of recognizing her sin and coming to repentance. Support the work of SGA »
From an SGA-supported prison ministry comes the story of Tatyana. To anyone who observed, she might have looked like a “lost cause.” Listen to how, with the healing power of Christ, Tatyana was able to turn her life around. Support the work of SGA »
When facing the reality of not feeding her family, Katya saw God’s providence. But she does not see Jesus. Pray with Pastor Yura and his wife Luda who are ministering to Katya in Israel. May the eyes of her heart be opened. Support the work of SGA »
Pastor Sergei lives in a predominately Muslim city in Central Asia. He knows first-hand the cost of coming to faith in Jesus. Yet Sergei’s joy in Christ flows to all. This includes one orphan girl named Sevilya. Support the work of SGA »
Pastor Valery has met many who have not experienced the sweetness of a loving family. He recently held a VBS in Belarus and encountered a young man named Yura who lived such a life. But God saw Yura and heard his cry. Support the work of SGA »
Ivan is an SGA-supported pastor in Belarus. His love for Christ and the church drives him to minister to those in his community. He shares how his local church is working hard to keep the hunger for God’s Word alive. Support the work of SGA »
Religious freedom in the former Soviet Union is at a premium. SGA-supported Pastor Nikolai shares how he and his team are working to share the Gospel wherever possible as the weather allows for more ministry activities. Support the work of SGA »
Maxim is an SGA-supported missionary pastor in Far East Russia. He shares the stories of teens, Yevgeny and Karina, who have a strong desire to know and serve God, even in the midst of great resistance. Support the work of SGA »
The youth of today are the church of tomorrow. SGA-supported Pastor Nikolai is working to reach unchurched kids. Learn more about “Future Club” and why Gospel-based ministry is so important for today’s youth. Support the work of SGA »
God gives us the ability to thrive in times of trial. We are able to rest in His comfort as we navigate life’s challenges. SGA-supported Pastor Alexei shares how one teen showed great faith as she battled cancer. Support the work of SGA »
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