When I first moved to my city in Cyprus, Limassol, there was no Reformed church at all, and only one in the whole nation (not including a group that quietly met in a home in another city). My wife and I went to a non-denom, rule by elders / no pastor assembly where we had some very good friends. But we had come from Redeemer PCA in Manhattan, and the self-effort, performance-oriented approach to God so grieved us that we left, that plus the elders were on different pages theologically.

I visited many evangelical churches in the city (we checked out two charismatic groups, and my wife said, "Please don't bring me to these again!"). We settled on an IFB church, which was well organized, and pastored by a godly man. I met with him privately and flew my true colors, and told him I would not undermine his authority or doctrine. As we had similar views on the Scripture (AV), he had me teach his Adult Sunday School, which I did for about two years or so. I taught on various topics, and expounded various sections of Scripture, according to the doctrines of grace, without running against the pastor's views.

As noted above, it was a ministry of spiritual nurture and edification to brothers and sisters in Christ.

And I learned a lot from how the pastor conducted himself and governed the church, with grace, firmness, and a jovial southern hospitality -- he and his wife both. And my wife loved her, and benefited from her Bible Studies.

Just observing the man over the years I was edified. And we remain friends to this day.

At a certain point I purposed to plant a Reformed church in my city and the Lord eventually brought it to pass. We have gone through difficult straits, and I foresee more coming up. But the Gospel is preached, and our Sovereign God and Father is glorified in the gospel of His Son.

But this is a foreign mission field, and things are not as they are where there is abundant supply of God's ministers.

If worst came to worst, we could always gather with like-minded believers in a home, study, pray, worship together, support one another en route to the Kingdom.

__________________
Steve Rafalsky
Elder, International Evangelical Church (Reformed)
Limassol, Cyprus

"I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17)

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." (Colossians 1:11)