The end has not yet come.

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, we read about a conversation about the end times between Jesus and His disciples. The descriptions of the final events are terrifying: deceivers will come in Christ’s name, wars and rumors of wars, nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, earthquakes, famines, and troubles.

But this is not the end.

Interestingly, in Greek, it is not simply the beginning of sorrows, like an epidemic of the flu or other diseases. It is the beginning of birth pangs! Who is giving birth? Who is born?

In the book of Revelation, chapter 12, a woman and the pains of childbirth are described. This is a description of the birth of the Messiah in the womb of the Israelite people. And now, once again, birth pangs before the second coming of the Messiah.

But not only Israel suffers. In the last days, the whole world will become an unwilling participant in these sufferings, awaiting the Savior's arrival in this world! But of that day and hour, no one knows except the Heavenly Father.

And what are we as followers of Jesus to do during all these terrifying events?

• "But watch out for yourselves!" (Mark 13:9). Do not look at what is happening around you. Watch out for yourselves.
• "Take heed that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:5).
• "Do not be troubled!" (Mark 13:7).
• "Watch, stay alert, and pray!" (Mark 13:33).

"And the gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10). And in all this horror, the preaching of the Gospel must continue to go forth!

Reach A Village’s ministry partners, ministry leaders and local believers in Southeast Asia, Eurasia, China and Venezuela help to spread the Gospel where military conflicts are taking place. Where religious persecutions are occurring. Where there is hunger and earthquakes. Where brother rises against brother. Where the Gospel is especially needed!

We invite you to join this work, despite the terrifying reality around us. Watch, stay alert and pray!

Remember who appears when the end comes, after all the events described in Mark 13. "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory!" (Mark 13:26).

Igor Kurlianov, Ministry Director

Igor Kurlianov has 25 years of experience in Christian ministry. He has been involved in church ministry as a preacher, deacon, pastor, and missionary. With a Christian mission, he has visited more than 20 countries, gaining extensive experience in intercultural communication. He has assisted local church leaders in developing outreach work in their areas.

Igor is fluent in Russian, English, and Chinese. In 1998, he earned a bachelor's degree in theology from Donetsk Christian University in Ukraine. In 2021, he obtained a master's degree in religious studies from Amur State University in Blagoveshchensk, Russia.

Now he has moved to the US with his family and continues to carry out Christian ministry with Reach A Village. Drawing upon his extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry, he is currently actively involved in creating teaching materials on establishing new churches for Christian workers from various countries.