2007 Shelehov Mission Update

The FCC – Shelehov partnership is a miracle relationship brought together by God to grow His kingdom in America and Russia. Our coming together and the blessings from that event are documented in our Church history forever. The Lord’s plan for our mutual ministries, sometimes referred to as our Spiritual DNA, continues to be revealed. Spiritual growth has matured on both sides of the globe with uncanny parallelism. Like the Aurora Borealis, the Lord frequently reveals his work in both places simultaneously.

Since our beginning a short 13 years ago, both Churches have grown more than 5 fold, doubling every three years. This summer the Shelehov Church will celebrate their 150th baptized member. In Russian churches baptism is a defining event and considered with great seriousness. Such a visible and public marker is necessary in a culture that attempted for over 71 years to eradicate all allegiance to God both public and private. From these ashes the Shelehov Church has become one of the largest congregations in the region, and its influence through leadership and facilities is known across Russia and Germany. FCC has been a quiet and sustainable partner, realizing its role as supporter and mentor when called upon. Taking an intentional servant’s position, FCC encourages them to be the Russian Church for the Russian people and resist becoming a Western institution. The Lord has blessed our young brothers and sisters in vision for reaching their own culture by following biblical precepts. Frequently, we are the students who are learning from our Russian brothers and sisters. Where there have been needs, God has led them to develop new ministries. FCC has shared the joy of the harvest. Through community work, children and orphanage ministry, development of a rehabilitation center, praise and worship, strategic planning, and pastoral and ministry training they continue grow at an unparalleled rate.

In Russia, the evangelistic expansion of Christianity that first attracted many new believers following “perestroika” has largely subsided. This has only brought strength and resolve to the Shelehov church.  The leaders were able to build the large Church facility quickly with financial support of FCC.   It now stands as the only facility in the entire region where conference gatherings are possible.  Christian training makes Shelehov a regional center of Christian influence.  It is the support of this work that requires our continued partnership, until the Lord breaks the chord of responsibility to which He originally called us.