Rising Walls

On day two of the extension, we were able to make the trek to the city of Leninsk Kuznetsky, the home of "our" church and prison. We'd been introduced to the ministry there in 2002 and had visited again in 2003. Like before, this was a highlight of our trip.

First we went to meet our Russian friends at the site of their church building project. When we first made our acquaintance here, they told us how they had outgrown their present building and had been working on a new one since 1993. Would it ever be completed? This summer the congregation stepped out in faith to make major strides towards finishing the brick structure. This is what I (Maren) wrote in my journal about what we found this past summer.

Pastor Nicolay met and led us to the new church site. We were

amazed and thrilled at what we saw. Though the work hadn't

progressed far beyond what it was 2 years ago, the place was abuzz

with activity. I can't explain the joy I felt as we climbed around

the building site with the pastor and saw God's people hard at work

building God's house.

With the help of skilled volunteers from churches in other Russian cities and from visiting Americans and Germans, the walls were rising!

Our tour brought us up to the unfinished sanctuary where cement was being mixed and bricks put in place. People were working everywhere! Downstairs we saw the makeshift bunkrooms and laundry area for the visiting volunteers.

Another part of this major operation was the cafeteria. There we met the cook and her assistants that fed 25 people a day-- mainly from the garden produce of a church deacon. We made extra mouths to feed on this day. Borsch, buckwheat with chicken gravy, cucumber/dill salad, bread, fruit-preserves, and tea. It couldn't have tasted better!

That was July. In December an update came. With 40 volunteers working in September, the walls had been completed and the ceiling and tile roof added. Just in time for winter! During the cold months, window frames and more were being prepared in their workshop.

It's hard to believe. After fourteen long years, the Leninsk Kuznetsky Baptist Church is nearing the day when they will meet in their new house of worship. The watching neighbors will be able to come. I can't but hope that they will wonder at the faith of God's people that has grown along with the walls.

We've been spectators too, who just happened to be given a part in the project. Our faith has also grown with the walls as we've seen God call many of you to do what you could. You were a part of that day in July because you gave towards the building project! Thank you on behalf of your Siberian brothers and sisters.

Want to get involved?

Find the church appeal, building timeline,

past photos, and ways you can help Build a Church.