Oksana Leonova, director of the Transfiguration Center in Bryansk, Russia, is happy to announce that the kitchen at the center is finally finished. When a section of the ground floor of the building was given to the street children ministry, Oksana, as well as Slavic Missionary Service, contemplated the massive task of reconstruction.

Immediately, a front entrance was created and a foyer was constructed to welcome the children into the center. (Before this time, the entrance to the second story was a flight of stairs located in the back of the building.) Also, a small bathroom was installed on the first floor adjacent to the foyer. But the dining hall and kitchen would take much more time to complete.

After a few years, enough contributions were given for the dining hall so that the walls were covered, the floor tiled and the ceiling fixtures installed. Oksana and her volunteer staff were overjoyed with this new place for ministry. Soon, the hall was busy with spiritual activities, including Bible studies, children’s outreach, women’s meetings and special occasions.

Work on the kitchen stalled, as few contributions were received for this huge undertaking. But SMS and Oksana trusted that God would provide in His perfect timing. The makeshift kitchen on the second floor proved sufficient for many years, and the staff would have to make due for a few more years. Slowly, funds were raised, and construction on the kitchen was started.

Excitement filled the air when the ceiling, walls and floor were finished. The staff and even the children waited with anticipation, as funds were acquired for the appliances. First, the sink was installed, next the refrigerators and a freezer, then the ovens; and finally, a dishwasher. Praise God for all who contributed to bring this construction to completion!  

Now, Oksana remarks that it is very difficult to keep the children (as well as others) out of the kitchen area. Many times, instead of moving to the dining hall for activities, the children want to remain around the cozy kitchen table to have the Bible study or a time of crafts. Of course, when the group is small, Oksana cannot refuse, as many of the neglected children now experience the warmth of a kitchen for the first time.

The Transfiguration Center has cared for countless numbers of neglected and abandoned children over the course of twenty-two years. Therefore, the center has become an important and integral part of the ministries of the Second Baptist Church and of the community of Bryansk. Pray that God will continue to help Oksana and the staff so that they might provide compassion, hope and possibilities for a better way of life in Christ Jesus to all that enter the doors.