For all SMS missionaries and for anyone who is building a new church, here is a short message that was written from the pastor in the 1956 bulletin when the Russian Baptist Church (now known as Emmanuel Baptist Church) dedicated its new building in Manville, New Jersey. The pastor during that time was Alex Leonovich. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). In the construction of this edifice, we have indeed proven this verse over and over and over. Our congregation is small in number and poor in money, but rich in faith.
From the very beginning as we launched our building program, we did so in faith, not really knowing where the money for such an undertaking would come. As we look back today, we see plainly God's providing hand. "To God be the glory, great things He hath done!"
As proud as we are of this structure, we must remember that the building itself is only a means to an end. Let us take to heart the challenge of the Apostle Paul who writes; "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). When we are surrendered to God, He will be able to work in and through us to accomplish His purpose.
The House of God should be a House of Prayer. It is a place where we should labor for God by the winning of souls for Christ, by edifying the believers and by holding forth the Word of Truth. Here we should train and send forth laborers "into the harvest fields." If we adhere to all this, our labor, sacrifices and effort in the construction of this building will not have been in vain. We will rejoice in God's continued blessing upon our lives and service for Him.
