The young church plant in Tyumen continues to grow. I was able to be in Tyumen recently to join with them in worship on a Sunday morning. Here are some updates and praises:
--the hall that they have rented to meet in for Sunday services is working out great. It can hold 50-60 people, is well lit, and is located on a main street with lots of transportation options. They even have several people who work in the building coming on Sundays to the church services.
--Three small groups are now meeting during the week.
--Several people are preparing to be baptized this spring.
--Last year two medical students started coming to the church. After several months of meeting with Pastor Sasha they accepted the Lord. They graduated as doctors in June, were married in the church in July, and moved to the northern part of the Tyumen region to work (they actually live on the Arctic circle). Since there was no church in the city, they have started a Bible study in their apartment.
--The financial crisis is hitting Tyumen. Until recently Tyumen was the second only to Moscow in the number of building projects in progress. Now all construction is on hold. Thousands of people are out of work. In this small church alone seven people have recently been let go from their jobs due to cutbacks and closures.
--The church regularly travels to a small village two hours outside the city that has no church what so ever. People in this village are hearing about Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives.
--The church also ministers in one orphanage three hours outside the city. As children turn eighteen they must leave the orphanage, often with no skills or support system. Pastor Sasha is helping these young people find jobs and places to live. This year the church is helping five “graduates” from the orphanage that have moved to Tyumen.
PRAY…
--for the church as they plan special outreaches for Christmas and New Year.
--for that those out of work will be able to find jobs to support their families.
--for wisdom and discern for Pastor Sasha as he counsels many people.
