P.O.Box 447 t Okemah, Oklahoma 74859 t USA

Phone 918.623.1232 t Fax 918.623.1262 t Email RLTPKT@onalot.com

April 2004

Dear Brethren,

I reported in my last newsletter that I was planning to depart for Ukraine on March 8. That plan did not happen. My dad, Louis Thompson, had brain surgery for Parkinson Disease on March 3^rd. He developed complications in the next few days. Therefore, I postponed my trip until the 26^th of March. Many of you have emailed and called me with your prayer support for my dad and our family. Thank you for your love and concern. Dad is doing much better and continues to improve everyday.

The conference on March 12 was well attended by a number of Religious and Political leaders. Carol Bailey and Igor Kovlosvky spoke on behalf of Blagovest. It was great that Lynn and Barbara Camp from EEM were able to be in Donetsk and meet these leaders. It was also good to have them visit the staff and offices of Blagovest/Libre. We are thankful for the working partnership that we have with this fantastic ministry. Over 80 people attended the Annual Bible Lectureship from at least five regions. Bill and Kay Keele from Broken Arrow were well received. Many commented on how their lessons were practical and so needed for the churches and for the families in Ukraine. There are many who are dealing with constant conflict and family problems. Bill and Kay supplied Biblical information in a practical way that will make a difference in the homes and in the churches.

Our annual banquet for the Ukraine staff was conducted on March 18^th in Donetsk with 27 present. Helen Girshman was honored for 10 years of service to Blagovest/Libre Press. Helen is the chief editor of all the material that is translated in Ukraine for us. This job has increased dramatically over the years. David Deffenbaugh also honored Dema Grischuk for his work with WBS and BBI. Dema has served as the Dean of Blagovest Biblical Institute since its inception three years ago. He is leaving us to go to work with Steve Tallifer. Steve works directly with the orphans and youth camps in Ukraine. Dema will be a great asset to his team. I really missed being at the banquet this year. Certainly, it is my conviction that God has brought together some of the most talented and dedicated men and women in Ukraine to work on our staff. They are the people that make things happen every day, 365 days a year. Please remember them in your prayers. To learn more about the staff, please see our web page.

As noted above, it is my plan to leave on March 26^th for Ukraine. While there, I plan to visit Chernigiv, Simperopol, Sevastopol, Feodosia, Kramastork, Donetsk and Kiev. The Crimea is really opening up to the gospel. It is an area that we have been working in for sometime now. I have plans to meet with the Minister of Education in Crimea. He is favorable to the work that we are doing. He recently gave his approval to the curriculum that we are teaching in the Orphanages in Crimea. All educational programs used in the camps and in the orphanages must be approved by his office. Please be in prayer about this meeting. I pray that we will be able to expand the Lord’s work in the Crimea. Carol Bailey has done an outstanding job in the Crimea making contacts and converting people to Christ. His love for people and his love for God attract many to come and listen to the gospel for the first time. Carol has just returned from a very successful trip to the Ukraine. He spent two months there preaching and teaching in Churches, Universities, Colleges and Institutes. He also placed additional newspaper ads for WBS in the Chernigiv Region and in the Crimea. Correspondence Courses are one of the greatest ways to reach the masses. As the work develops in both of these areas, we will be putting more people into those areas. We are thankful for the Henryetta, Oklahoma church for supporting the work in Chernigiv. The work is just beginning with ground level activity. Please keep this new work in your prayers.

John Sims is now in the Ukraine following up on the humanitarian aid that has been sent to the orphanages in Crimea. John and his assistants are doing a great job in seeing that all the aid that we promised to hospitals and orphanages are getting to the people and being used in the manner that we intended. While in Ukraine, I plan to meet with John as we identify areas that need help. The humanitarian work demonstrates to the people and the officials that we are really interested in them. We love them and care for them personally. A vital part of New Testament Christianity is caring for those who are in need. (James 1:27). As their physical needs are met, the people respond enthusiastically to our invitation to come and hear about the God who loves them so much. I want to thank every one of you for using the physical blessings that God has given to you to help the widows and orphans in the Ukraine. You are helping to make a difference now and for all eternity.

Last year, we sponsored a youth camp for High School and College students in the Ukraine. There were over 70 in attendance for two weeks. The University Street church in Donetsk led the camp session. We contributed $5,000 for the facility and food. The participants contributed the remainder $1500. We also furnished Bibles and spiritual materials for every student. By the end of the session, nine precious souls had been immersed into Jesus Christ. That is so exciting. This is a great example of a Ukraine church reaching out to young people and leading them to Christ. The congregation plans to host another camp this July. They have asked us for help. They need $6000. $3000 must be paid in April for the camp facility. Therefore, I am asking for your help. We need to raise this money as soon as possible. It is my plan now to go to Ukraine in July and be a part of this camp session. The $6,000 that is needed for this camp is in addition to the regular funds that we use each month in the ongoing evangelistic and benevolent work. Please reach down and make a special contribution now for these kids to come, to be surrounded by Christians, and to learn more about Jesus Christ. In the envelope this month, there are two contribution forms. Please use one for your regular contribution and one for the Ukraine Youth Camp. Thank you for your generous heart and spirit.

When I reflect on the Ukraine work over the past eleven years, I am reminded of Paul’s statement in Ephesians 2:12. He talked about the Gentiles and noted that there was a time when they “were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in this world.” I have seen the love of God work in the lives of literally thousands of people. I have witnessed over and over the lives of individuals who are now filled with hope. The hope of God. The hope of tomorrow. The hope of eternal life. Brethren, you help to make this possible by your generous donations. Thank you. May God continue to bless us all as we continue to follow His lead into a lost and dying world with His message of Hope and Salvation.

Roger L. Thompson

John 12:32