Shelehov Update - June 2007

Dear Friends of Shelehov:

Carolyn and I enjoyed a wonderful phone call with Kirill, Sasha and Alpha early this Sunday morning.  Pastor Sasha and Alpha have their first son, born May 5th.  His name is Volodya, named after his grandfather.  They also have three girls, 6, 8, and 10.   The family news was warm and close, just like a family.

Oksana has moved to Germany and Kirill is now our best interpreter.   His English is excellent.  I think he uses it more and more with his professional work.  He leaves for Oksana’s wedding and a first time visit to Moscow.  We agreed to make a personal call to him, soon.

I affirmed with Sasha the use of the FCC funds for leadership and people, as directed three years ago.  When asked about their strategic plan for the future and the best use of our support, he was quick to state that they originally would not have invested in people as we requested three years ago, but in fact it has been the most profitable.   There are men in ministry college because of the work of Oleg at the rehab center, and other churches in the region now model their ministry work, which is people centered.

Sasha also confirmed that the Shelehov Church is in fact the people’s education center for Christian work and training in the region.  He was also clear to explain that Shelehov is not the jurisdiction center (political center) but that it is widely known as the people’s ministry center.   I agreed that the later is more important and they should continue to grow in this regard.

Sasha has also been appointed to a civic regional political position on a government sponsored board for civil service organizations.  This is very unusual for religious leaders to serve in this capacity.   Sasha says  that they have been listening to our constant teaching and modeling that the church members must be good citizens and have influence in their community.   On all of our visits we make calls on the city leaders in education, police and the museum.

In our short hour Sasha also referred to other ministry growth indicators: strategic growth plan for 2010, a capital business model to acquire more land for the drug rehab center as we suggested, ministry assessments to grow what works best and drop what doesn’t, student investment in young men who are now in ministry college for three years, regional training conference at the church, celebration of Church’s 15 year anniversary next month.   Sasha agreed to send a report on these issues.

This week are sending the last of this year’s FCC budget funds, as well as some designated funds to sustain our annual level of commitment to the ministry there.   Carolyn and I are also planning the next trip to Shelehov in April of 2008.  We will leave the day after Easter.  If you sense that God may be calling you to go, please contact us.

Thank you for your prayers and support for our FCC ministry in Shelehov, now in its 12th year.

Rick & Carolyn Rios