Do you remember you the very first church building that you came to when you came to church for the first time? For me it was a hall in a theatre, then came an auditorium of an institute of economics and later a movie theatre. It was all one church, Moscow Bible Church, but it moved almost every year during the first 4 years of its existence.
As you may remember during the last 12,5 years we met at St. Peter and Paul'sLutheran Cathedral, and during at least the last 5 years there was always a topic that I tried to avoid – the issue of one day owning our own building. I strove to avoid this question because capital campaigns are hard, property in Moscow is really expensive,and if the Lord blessed us with necessary resources we still would not be able to find anything that was better than St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
But this last May we were forced to move, and looking for a place to rent turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated. Thus, we began to pray, think and plan for our capital campaign. As we have talked about the vision for this building, it became very clear for us that what we are after is more than just a church building. We envision a place that would become a center of attraction for the whole city. Moscow Bible has a rich history of impacting other churches with innovative ways of reaching Russia for Christ. Therefore, we believe that this building in Moscow may be a self-replicating and self-sustaining model to be emulated by other churches across Russia. Given our track record of essentially planting the Evangelical Free association and my recent training with “City to City,” this plan may not be as far-fetched as it seems.
We are seeking to raise $4.9 million 9 (USD) over the next 5 years. We have saved up over $240,000 (USD) and we are committed to raising at least another $250,000 (USD) in Russia. But the task is monumental, and we will need your help.
WOULD YOU PRAY FOR US?
- Would you commit to pray with us for this? Below you can find out more about how you can pray. But you may also find these prayer requests listed on our website when you visit it.
WOULD YOU SHARE ABOUT US?
- We need your help in spreading the word about this campaign? Would you share about it with your church and your friends that may be interested in joining this exciting vision? Attached is a word document with a sample text that you may consider using as you share about our campaign. Also you can find this text online on our website. Feel free to forward both our executive summary and/or our brochure to your church's board, your friends or Christian foundations that you may know personally.
WOULD YOU SUPPORT US?
- Finally, if the Lord puts it on your heart and enables you, would you consider giving to this venture? Here you can find out more about how you can give towards this project or just go to our page with Eurasia Partners in order to give online.
Attached you will find both "executive summary" of the project and a fuller brochure that describes it more fully. We have created a special website at moscow.church where you can find out information about our campaign.
Yours in praying and hastening the day of revival in Moscow and Russia,
Constantin and Alexandra
PS In case you are wondering why we called the campaign "Faithful and Fearless" the opening paragraph of our executive summary answers that question.
FIVE PRAYER REQUESTS:
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
(Psalm 127:1, NIV)
Please join us in praying regularly for our vision and capital campaign. The task is great, the need is urgent, and we long to glorify God and see His Spirit transform the city of Moscow with the Gospel of Christ through a permanent church home after 30 years of renting various facilities. Here are five specific things you can join us in praying:
- For God’s will to be done;
- For God to be glorified every step of the way;
- For God to the raise necessary funds in a timely fashion;
- For God to grant us wisdom as we navigate fundraising and finding the right home for our church;
- For God to show you whom you can share this vision with or how you can partner with us in this new chapter of our ministry.
