Indigenous missions is not very pretty during the developmental stage.  The congregations are typically very small while the national leadership is unfaithful, weak or non-existent.  Their evangelistic efforts are puny and their finances are abysmal.

It really does take faith by the missionary and a whole lot of patience to see an indigenous congregation develop.  Praise God, our oldest church is just 7 years old.  Last May it moved into its own facility.  It no longer rents.  The rental cost them every Ruble they gave in tithes and offerings.  Since May, the church has remodeled the outside of their facility, put in a new heating system, purchased the coal and wood for the long winter, and has now amassed a record amount of cash-on-hand.

Their monthly budget includes paying for one preacher’s gas, their own monthly newspaper, youth programs, missions, and general needs to name a few.  I just want to praise the Lord for the giant steps of faith these believers have taken.  Several of them have truly shown themselves to be disciples of Christ.  Please join with me in a prayer of praise at what God is doing in the lives of these Russian people.

Jeff Williams, Russia