The Oryol Oblast is a region of 860,000 people in the country of Russia. The city of Oryol has a population of 333,000. It is 220 miles (360 kilometers) southwest of Moscow, the capital of Russia. In 2005 property was purchased in the city to construct a third evangelical church. That church, Grace, now includes 40 members.

Former SMS missionary, Victor Mekshinov, started this important endeavor by renovating the original building into a House of Prayer. Since that time, he and his family have emigrated from Russia to America. He now lives in the state of Washington and has been working with SMS missionary, Valery Eroshkin, to finish the new building. Victor has been traveling to many Slavic churches in the United States to promote the progress of this worthy project.

Slowly, the new church is being built. Valery Eroshkin, the pastor of the Transfiguration Church in Oryol, is supervising the construction of Grace Church, as the walls ascend to the skies. Soon, the roof will be assembled. Many members of both churches are assisting in the actual labor. Praise God for the sacrifice and dedication of these believers in Oryol to accomplish such a worthy endeavor. And thank the Lord for donations that are being received to finish this place of worship.