Houses of Prayer
While travelling around Moldova it is often thrilling to see the signs “Dom Molitvy” or “Kasa de Rugachuny.” The words actually mean “House of Prayer” – a reference to Jesus’ words in Luke 19 v 46 - “My House shall be called a House of Prayer.”
On Sunday 26 January we travelled 120km to Beleavintsy where Nikolai Tsurkan (former Student) pastors the church. At the entrance I spotted the little sign “Kasa de Rugachuny”. Although it was a very cold winter’s morning, a congregation of forty assembled to hear God’s word. The House of Prayer project was launched a number of years ago with six portable halls erected in needy villages. It is now virtually impossible to obtain permission to erect these halls, so churches must seek the more permanent solution of buying buildings. Costs are rising rapidly in Moldova with a village house now costing £5000 with another £1500 to renovate. |
A group of faithful believers meet in their small village "Dom Molitvy" in Moldova
|
Being aware that it is impossible for village congregations to raise this money, Slavic Gospel Association has funded eight such buildings but there are new requests, as many villages are without a “Dom Molitvy”. One such request is from Leonid Turea (former student) who pastors in the village of Bogdaneshty. Ten baptised members now meet in their home village of Titskany where they want to establish a church. With no building, it is difficult to see this vision fulfilled and so Slavic Gospel Association is committed to their cause. A number of other requests are being processed.
It is our privilege to serve the Lord alongside dedicated workers with a heart for church planting. With your faithful support we plan to continue placing these “Dom Molitvy” in villages that require an evangelical witness. Pray for the church planters as they face opposition from the state (Orthodox) church. Thank you for your sacrificial giving so that brothers and sisters in Christ can have a place set apart for worship and evangelism.
|
|
Examples of completed church buildings
|
|
