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.