Construction Update

Phases Completed - The ventilation, plumbing and electrical wiring for the interior are completed. A few remaining areas will need to be addressed in the future, but the majority of the hardware, pipes and ducts are laid. In addition to these interior areas, within the past year the empty shell of a building has had the windows and doors installed and nearly all the exterior facade and painting completed. What a difference one year can make!

Next Phases - The connection to heat and the wiring for the ventilation system as well as the purchase and installation of the air handler are the next steps. Beyond that, preparations are being made for putting in walls and flooring and interior painting. Currently, the work proceeds only as the funds are in hand for each step. Each time a step is completed, there has always been enough for moving forward. As the final steps are approaching, we continue to trust that every need will be provided at the right time.

The Drywall Project - The people of the Chelyabinsk Church are currently raising money for one of the next steps in the construction. To finish the interior walls, it is estimated that 300 drywall boards will be needed. Each drywall board costs approximately 300 Rubles. (about $9 US) In two weeks the church has collected for 43 boards already. Although the dollar is stronger now than it has been in over 10 years, the economic crisis throughout the world has hit Russia hard. Those who still have their jobs make significantly less than even a year ago while expenses and prices have still increased. The believers are generous and cheerful givers and God is blessing the church for being sacrificial in their giving and trusting in their hearts. May God bless all who go above and beyond during these difficult times.

Passing the Torch

Leaders that truly make a difference invest in others and find ways to empower others to do even greater things. One such leader recently passed away, Dr. Don Pickett. He opened the door to Russia by empowering a small group of youth and a young youth leader from Florida in the 1990’s that established a connection with Chelyabinsk, which eventually led to the planting of a church. Those that knew him are well aware of his love for young people and his passion and heart for the Russian people. We know he hoped to return once more to Chelyabinsk to be part of the dedication service. Instead, he is rejoicing now in heaven. We are saddened by the loss and had to say a temporary “goodbye” to a dear saint and champion of young leaders, however we also must remember the importance of continuing his legacy. It is our hope and prayer that the leadership development taking place in Russia today will accept the baton passed by Dr. Pickett and continue to encourage, train, and challenge young people to be all that God has gifted and created them to be, wherever that may take them.

Easter Celebration 2009

Orthodox Easter on April 19 was the date we hoped to dedicate the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center. We had visions of many of you standing together with the Russian church in thanksgiving and praise as this dream would finally become realized. Although the completion and dedication did not happen, our Easter was still filled with thanksgiving and praise as we celebrated the risen Savior. A year ago, we first shared the need facing the Russian church and the window of opportunity to see this building project completed. During this time we have seen God continue to pour out His blessings, even in the midst of difficult economic times. The original estimated goal was $350,000 to complete the exterior work and inspections so that the building can be occupied and used. To date $220,000 or over 60% has already been received. The economic fluctuations have so far benefited the project in that the dollar gained 30% more value in exchange rates and materials have either held steady in cost or decreased. The remaining $100,000 is needed as quickly as possible before circumstances and situations change again.

When the Window Project began last year, a compelling reason was the high fees and construction penalties that doubled each year. We are so thankful that the laws changed in November so the fee is decreasing to a set amount instead of continuing to double each year. However, penalties are not the only reason for urgency. Just two days before Easter, the pastors were told that the rented auditorium used for services is unavailable for the following week. Fortunately, this is only for one week and with enough notice to make the announcement to the congregation. It certainly highlights the desperate need for a facility that will always be available for services and ongoing ministry.

Providing finances and inspections, we hope to be in the Ministry Center within the year. The church leadership is making plans for a community ministry launch by the end of summer. That which God has begun, He will see through. Please share this update and need with others and continue to pray with us during these times. It is only through the partnership of all of us together that the Russian church can realize this dream. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of God and the generosity and encouragement of His people.

Deadlines vs. Faith

Deadlines do matter in life to complete tasks and projects, but I was recently reminded that the achievement of our hopes and dreams matter more. A few months ago, the realization that the dedication the Ministry Center had to be postponed was discouraging. At that time, Pastor Sergei withdrew for a moment and returned with a Russian church bulletin from 2002. In it was an announcement for a youth conference to be held at the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center in August 2003. That conference never happened and during that year, the Russian church and the Ministry Center faced the beginning of many setbacks and economic hardships. Pastor Sergei reminded us that our faith should not be shaken by missing a “printed” date but rather be challenged to a deeper level of trust. The Russian church understands and knows what it is like to face difficult times. This project has taken longer to complete than ever imagined and even as it still seems to be an endless task, with God nothing is impossible. Dates are set as goals for us to reach but it is ultimately God’s schedule that is followed. We do believe that the opportunity to complete this project is at hand. Although the window of opportunity may be narrowing, God has given us all the grace, strength and faith to see it through. We continue to plan, prepare, and set dates, but at the same time keep our faith that tomorrow is in God’s mighty hands.

Adopting a Vision for Chelyabinsk

Soon after the Goldman family arrived in Chelyabinsk in the fall of 2007, they were contacted by several American couples who were stuck in lengthy delays in adoption processes. Some spent over two months waiting in Chelyabinsk and were determined not to leave this time without their children. During this time, they came to church and met the people and pastors. These families were quickly “adopted” and found the support and encouragement they needed from an unexpected source, a Russian church. As their prayers were answered and they left Chelyabinsk with their children, Pastor Andrei had the honor to pray a dedication over them as newly formed families.

This was a ministry we never envisioned but one that God brought about and it was our privilege as the church (in Russia) to serve these families. The relationships and connection did not end when those families departed Chelyabinsk. They still are part of our extended family of believers and have also become partners in the Window Project.

One couple is from Colombia, Missouri and attends a small country church. Dwayne recently visited this family and the church in February while renewing visas. In an adoption, there is a tremendous need of support from friends and family; it is the time when others come alongside and lift you up in prayer and support. In a similar way, Midway Heights Baptist Church has “adopted” the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center and the Russian church through their love and support. How amazing to see how God brings His people together in ways that are beyond our imagination or expectations.