Vladivostok, Russia
UPDATE August 2002
Pastor Alexei telephoned from Russia to say that the construction on the new Dormitory had stopped again. There were no more bricks to build with, and their line of credit had been exhausted again. The workers are willing, but without bricks they can not do much.
Some of the students are stripping down old cars and other machinery,
hoping to find something to sell. Maybe they will bring in a few
rubles to help the construction efforts. Others are cleaning old
bricks salvaged from the ruins of other buildings on the camp
grounds.
I could tell Alexei that we only have a limited amount of money
to send. It won't even pay off their outstanding bills, but maybe
it will extend their credit a little. He is philosophical, and
we talked about other things. I know it was humbling for him to
phone and ask for the money. He doesn't have any other choices.
All I can do is pass his plea on to you.
The plan is to try to get about a third of the building roofed and closed in by the time the freezing weather comes in October. Construction is far behind schedule, our hope was to have dormitory space for new students when classes start in September.
To pay for material already used, and to get a part of the dormitory
closed in by winter will take NZ$25,000 (US$12,500). Is
this your opportunity to share in being God's provision for a
Bible School in Eastern Russia? Please respond generously to their
appeal for help.
Progress so far, although slow, has had some wonderful answers to prayer. The first was finding a Christian builder and architect, who has been doing this project as unto the Lord, and saved us thousands of dollars. Some of his builders are muslims from the republics, and many of these have been impacted by the church and the Bible School students. Some have attended the church, stopped smoking, and so far four have become believers.
Another of God's provision is a couple from New Zealand, Grant and Gail Williams, who are spending 3 months at the school. Grant has some building expertise, and they will be sending regular reports on the situation in Vladivostok. They recently graduated from Faith Bible College in New Zealand, and have a strong missions burden.
|