October 2000

Two members of Winstanley's handbell ministry returned to the country of Kazakhstan as a volunteer mission team. This was the third team which had an emphasis in handbell music ministries through the partnership between the Southern Baptists of Illinois and the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Kazakhstan. The team ministered in Almaty, the formal capital of Kazakhstan.

"ko-lah-kol chik" (which means "little bells" in Russian)

"It's like heavenly music..." was said by many people in Kazakhstan.

After each concert the people came up and asked many questions about the handbells, and were given the opportunity to ring the bells. Watching the faces of the children as they lit up when they were given a chance to hold and ring the bells was a real blessing.

	"The ministry of this music team brought many blessings to our churches. Many hearts were opened for Jesus as their Savior while listening to the ringing and singing of these faithful children of God." Franz Tisen (President of the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Kazakhstan)

Two daily practice sessions were held to accommodate the schedules of the twenty-four ringers who were trained play the handbells. This year three additional three octave sets of handbells were given to the Kazakhstan Baptists as a gift from the Illinois Baptists. It is our prayer that God will use this instrument to bring many people to Christ, and to bring joy to our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in Kazakhstan.

We praise God for lives changes both here and in Kazakhstan; for commitments made; for involvement of Illinois Baptists in going, giving, sharing and praying; for safety of travel; for peaceful skies over Kazakhstan; for hospitality and love from the Christians of Kazakhstan; and for building bridges and deepening relationships with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world.