Lesosibirsk: Reconciliation Church Project 2008

May 30,20

Blagoslovenia! (Blessings to you!)


At this writing we have been in Russia a little over two weeks and although much has transpired, we still can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. After spending a week in Krasnoyarsk, we were very happy to travel to Lesosibirsk…this is our purpose for being here. Our first stop in Lesosibirsk was the church property (the Tserkaf) and before we knew it we were surrounded and warmly greeted by Genadi, Pastor Roma, Dima, and Elena. It was a wonderful reunion.


The next few days we were busy with finding an apartment. Natasha (our friend from last summer who opened her home to several team members) offered her apartment for us and the missionaries to stay in while searching. After two days of searching, the Lord provided us with a fairly nice apartment. We have only a kitchen, bathroom and living room, but it is adequate for our needs. We have had to buy a sofa/bed and a few other items, but we are now set up and running!


On Sunday Bob was given the opportunity to preach, so he shared some of what we have been learning about God’s plan for missions and challenged the Russian believers to consider that God may be asking some of them to take the gospel to areas outside their local region. Our time in church greeting old friends and meeting some new ones was great and we look forward to more weeks of worship with our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ. Robin came prepared with CEF materials and Pastor Roma has asked if she if would like to teach Sunday School for the rest of the summer and she is eager to do that!


Bob found that there is plenty to do at the church property. At least for now there seems to be money to buy needed materials. We have been working all week with several men from the rehab center doing some concrete work and preparing for the bricklayers to do their work. We are pleased that there is much to do.


We want to encourage all of you who are praying for us and for this work, that yours prayers do make a difference. We had almost no problem with jet-lag and the time change, we found an apartment at an excellent location-right next to the worksite, we are communicating in Russian, making purchases, etc, with some ease, although we must sound like children, we are remembering many words that we have studied…actually understanding some things that people are saying to us! Thank you for your faithful, faith-filled prayers. They support us greatly.


For those of you who have been praying for Vova, he has returned to the rehab center. He is struggling with his alcoholism, but is once again turning to God for help! If you have prayed for Ira, she has not been in church but has asked to go with us this week! It has to be God’s Spirit that is drawing her, because although we can barely communicate, but she is very happy to see us again. Please pray for her some more. Ira needs Jesus.



We plan to attempt to update this blog once a week, so keep checking. From the other side of the world, resting in God's faithful, loving care, Da svee danya!

Financing, Finishing, & Faith

Last summer was a wonderful time of learning, working, and encouragement for all involved with the Lesosibirsk church. We are grateful to have another opportunity for this summer to serve the church in Siberia.

SEND short-term missionaries, Bob and Robin Ivins will return to Siberia, May 14, 2008. They will spend 5 days in Krasnoyarsk before arriving in Lesosibirsk on Sunday, May 18. Bob will be re-assessing the work, finding helpers, and planning what part of the work will be addressed next.

We have recently learned that the local government has passed some legislation that restricts the church from meeting in rented buildings. Since the church is under a contract with the owner of the theatre where they meet, they are continuing to meet there, but this will come to an end at some point.

Please pray for 1)Favor with local officials, 2)God to provide the needed workers and money to complete the new church building.

At this point we do not know how the rest of the work will be financed. We will do all that we can with what is provided. The task ahead is big, but our God is bigger, and we are sure that He has a plan and a purpose for everything.

One team is scheduled to arrive in late July. They are a combo team from many states. For quite a few this will be their second summer to serve in Siberia. There are also some newcomers. This team will be lead by Richard Goshert of SEND International. Richard's team through much hard work, determination, and by God's grace "moved mountains" last year literally raising the building from foundation up in less than 2 weeks! We are anticipating that we and the people of Lesosibirsk be blessed by more amazing things as they come to serve in July.

Jesus said these words in Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Friends, this church that God is raising in Lesosibirsk, Siberia, has the passion and potential to to reach far and wide. Do you know that there are many unreached ethnic people groups (those who have a different language, culture, traditions from Russian) right there in Siberia? Because of it's strategic location and evangelistic emphasis, we believe the Reconciliation Church of Lesosibirsk to be vital part of how these nations will come to a saving knowledge of Christ. This is a God-given, God-driven opportunity to be a part of His Kingdom plan to reach all nations of the world.

Will you partner with us through prayer? Is God leading you to help financially with this work? If so, you may get more information at SEND International website: send.org

This blog along with recent photos will be periodically updated.