Invitation to Rebuild Russian Embassy of Love UMC

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of Mission,

 

Last week I sent around an email telling of the fire that destroyed the Embassy of Love UMC building in Syktyvkar, Russia.  Yesterday a plate of cookies was passed around at the meeting of the WPA Russia Initiative Committee.  Symbolic of Fat Tuesday?  Of the richness of our lives in the midst of a world of want and poverty?  One of the main agenda items of that meeting:  finding ways we can assist the pastors and congregation of the Embassy of Love UMC.

 

Today, Ash Wednesday, when many Christians around the world will experience the imposition of ashes, the sign of the cross placed on their foreheads with ashes, it seems fitting that I invite you to remember also the ashes of our sister church in the Komi Republic of Russia.  Many people give up something for Lent.  When we are hungry for something, it is a reminder of the suffering of the Christ – of the extreme hunger of many people around the world. Maybe that can also be a reminder of the loss of a house of worship in a country that just a few years ago had a government that promoted atheism.

 

During Lent, some Christians take on certain disciplines – as preparation for the Feast of Easter.  This is an invitation to add the pastors, Olga and Pavel, and the congregation of the Embassy of Love to your prayers during Lent.  This is an invitation to give something to help rebuild that church.  Please share this with your congregations and others who have an interest or passion for offering Christ in Russia.  

 

Make out checks to …

WPA United Methodist Church

Note in the memo line: 

New Church Starts – Embassy of Love, Advance #SS001810R

Send to:

 

The United Methodist Center

1204 Freedom Road, PO Box 5002

Cranberry Township, PA  16066-0002

 

I've attached a list of speakers willing to talk at local church and UMW meetings about the Russia Initiative and the Embassy of Love mission opportunity.  Invite one of them during Lent to offer this story of faithful United Methodists in a far off land.

 

Diane Miller

WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator

724-652-9182

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