The global economic downturn has greatly impacted the progress of the Russian Ministry Center Project, as the crisis has widened and lengthened. The Window Project brought great momentum and much construction was accomplished from 2008 until now with an amazing amount of $220,000 given since 2008. The Russian church, encouraged by the partnership and prayers and overwhelmed by the generosity of their brothers and sisters from around the world, continues to give towards this project through special offerings and regular monthly projects, in spite of their limited resources.

The funding still needed to complete this project remains well over $100,000. God has blessed the church and demonstrated His ability to accomplish the impossible during this time, as the fee for unfinished construction miraculously changed from doubling each year to a much lower set rate and a major issue concerning connecting to the city water was resolved.

The desire and need for completion is still great, but the reality of funding and the financial climate has compelled the development of a new plan of action to enable us to move toward that goal. With the preliminary work of electrical wiring, plumbing, and ventilation completed in the entire building, it is now feasible to break down the interior finishing work into smaller target areas. Although, this adds some complexity, extra paperwork, and fees, this process will allow areas of the building to be occupied before the entire facility is completed.

The priority is to complete an area that would provide the church space for ministries and outreach to begin. The first target area is the main floor entrance, meeting rooms and restrooms (Stage 1). Upon finishing Stage 1, inspection and approval could be given to occupy this area for usage. The estimate for completing Stage 1 is $35,000.

The next area of focus would be the Student Center/Café (Stage 2) located upstairs. The completion of the entrance area is necessary before moving into the Student Center/Café or the Main Auditorium (Stage 3). After each stage is completed, the inspection and approval can then be granted to use that area, even while the remaining areas are closed off and still under construction. The last area of focus would be the downstairs classrooms and offices (Stage 4).

We continue to plan and pray for the opportunity to celebrate a dedication in 2010. However, we also realize that this celebration may now look very different. Instead of planning one large dedication and celebration, consideration is being given to dedicate and celebrate the completion of each stage of the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center. A decision will be made by the end of 2009 regarding a tentatively planned event for April 2010.

As you continue to partner and pray with the Russian church through these challenges, please remember that we are hopeful and encouraged by the opportunity to trust in our God to help the Russian church finish what He began so many years ago through His faithful servants and their vision to reach out to the heart of Russia and this region.

Summer Celebrations

Pastor Andrei and Lena (Russian Women’s Leader) were able to visit a two congregations this summer. Before the NAC, Pastor Mark Nielson and the Monroe City Church of God welcomed the Russian guest to a special cookout celebration in Southern Indiana. Pastor Mark has visited Chelyabinsk and has stayed very connected and involved in the efforts to help the Russian church complete the Ministry Center. After the convention, Pastor Andrei and Lena then visited Kentucky. During this weekend they were treated to a special 4th of July celebration that's best experienced in the community and atmosphere of a small town. The hosts for this special visit to Kentucky have also invested heavily into the lives of the church in Chelyabinsk. The worship pastor of First Church of God (Lexington, KY), Pat Davis visited Chelyabinsk and helped introduce the "Bell Ministry" through a visit in 2001 with the Kentucky Bell Choir. Also involved in hosting this visit was Tom & Jan Cockerham were part of the CoMission Teams to Russia in 1994-‘95 and again in 1996. These individuals have also stayed very connected to the Russian church since their first involvement. It was a special joy and honor for the Russian leaders to have this opportunity to share updates in the construction of the Ministry Center firsthand and experience the hospitality of the "Hoosier" and "Bluegrass" states.