God's timing is always accurate! The construction of Grace Church in the city of Oryol, Russia continues forward. The Transfiguration Church, where a handful of members departed in 2005 to begin this new venture, desired to help the progress of the third evangelical church in a city of 820,000 people. The walls were erected, but no funds were available to assemble the roof.

The pastor asked the 220 members of the church prayerfully to consider assisting the next phase of construction – the roof. Many thought the daunting task could never be accomplished, but nonetheless the members willingly offered "extra" donations for their "sister" church. God truly can help His children during times of insecurity and inflation.

Within a few months, enough funds were collected to buy materials and compensate the workers. Members of both churches were excited to see the roof appear on the building this past month. Working together as a "family" of believers has strengthened the Christian community in Oryol. Please pray that funds will be generated for the next phase, the installment of the windows and doors.

In August, a combined baptismal service was conducted in the small town of Shablikino, Russia. Four candidates of the Grace Church in Oryol were baptized, as well as three candidates from the Evangelical Baptist Church of Shablikino. (SMS assisted the believers in Shablikino to purchase the property and renovate the building which became the first evangelical church in this area.) The event, which was conducted in a nearby river, was a wonderful witness to the community concerning the Biblical principles of the believers.