Eurasia

The Eurasia Committee and Area Student Representatives (ASRs) came together in March from across Europe and Eurasia to meet in Lithuania, for a time of team development and for the Eurasia Committee meeting.

Throughout our times of worship and devotion, training, strategic planning, and fun there was a deep sense of 'team' as we enjoyed fellowship together. We were also aware of God's guidance during our discussions as we reviewed last year's Europe-Eurasia conference and together considered the way forward. Times such as this are vital for strengthening the Eurasia team and refining our vision as we support the work of the national movements and contact groups across our region.

While we were together, two new ASRs were interviewed and appointed for Eastern Europe and for the Caucasus. We also welcomed new members to the Eurasia committee from Portugal and Egypt. Kevin Vaughan continues in his role as chairman of the committee and Kristian Kristensen (Denmark) took over as treasurer.

A highlight of our time in Lithuania was an evening with members of the Lithuanian CMF who shared how, as they had prayed regularly with others from the CMF in their hospitals and institutions, they found themselves being given positions as heads of their departments and institutions. I was challenged by their dedication to pray in, and for, their places of work and sensed that because of their commitment to seek God's will and way in their workplaces, they had been given these positions of influence despite their relatively small numbers.

Priorities

In the almost 9 months of being  Regional Secretary, my priority has been to follow up on the Europe-Eurasia conference and invest time into building a strong foundation on which further growth can occur. This applies both to the people who volunteer and work with ICMDA in Eurasia, and also in our systems and structures. The latter aspect includes work on a database, and our communication and work towards www.icmda.net/resources which hosts recordings from the Europe-Eurasia conference among other resources, and has just gone online with some initial resources.

The ongoing growth in our region requires wisdom and resources. Our thanks go to CMF and its members who have given both to past conference bursary funds and to the ongoing work of ICMDA in Eurasia. Do pray for Christians in healthcare across Eurasia, the ICMDA Eurasia team, and the organisations we partner with.

ASR still needed for Western Europe

We are still seeking applications for the role of ASR for Western Europe. If you would be interested, or know someone who may be appropriate, please contact me on Eurasia@icmda-online.org

Conference Season

In May, ARCHAE (the Austrian CMF) ran their first conference for students and juniors with 60 attending. This was an encouraging time for those present, including our ASR for Central Europe - Chris. Also in May I had the privilege of joining the Romanian CMA at their annual conference which explored the theme of 'the Psyche and Soul'. The same weekend saw two other conferences in the Balkans, in Serbia and Bulgaria. Later the same month the Spanish CMF ran an International Saline Solution at their national conference, with the assistance of HCFI and International Health Services.