Newly Confirmed Members

The Russian mission serves the Ingrian Lutheran Church in Karelia, Russia, formerly part of Finland. During Stalin's reign of terror, Lutheran pastors and Finnish men were executed and thousands of Lutherans relocated to Siberia and other locations. Church buildings were destroyed or converted for use as warehouses and such.  Now that people are free to worship in these spiritually and economically devastated areas, spiritual life is being reborn in older generations. Children, adolescents, and adults are finding the church for the first time. Russia is a large country and yet churches are slowly being widely established. Mission areas include:

• Infrastructure: Refurbishing buildings formerly used as churches as well as constructing new buildings, supplying materials for worship services, Sunday schools, and Bible camps.

• Personnel: Pastors salaries, youth ministers and other ministries. Many Pastors are unpaid or are paid very little, a serious barrier to the life of the church. About $200 a month supports a Pastor.

• Education: Funding the seminary at Keltto as well as training for youth ministers and other church personnel. Public school children can attend camps to learn English through Bible study.
  
• Community: Hot meals are served and bread is distributed to the poor and the elderly.

 For more information and to speak with someone regarding up-coming mission trips, contact:  melnorma@yahoo.com