News & Stories

Russian Church Plant Takes Root

November 29, 2007

Talking to strangers is not a common practice in Russia. People keep to themselves, especially in public places. That’s why Alliance missionary Trish Eggleton was a bit apprehensive of an older woman who was hanging around the park where Trish was with her children. “She asked me if I worked there,” said Trish, who told her no and moved her girls to a different area of the park.  
 
“I noticed the lady walk by a few times,” Trish said. “Then she approached me and burst into tears.” The lonely woman, Tamara, bore her soul to Trish, confiding in her that she was on a pension that barely provided enough to pay for food and utilities. “I hugged her and told her she was not alone; God loves her and would care for her.”  
 
Trish went to a nearby store and bought bread, cheese, and ham for the woman. “Tamara is a sweet lady who has seen lots of history in her life,” she said. “It has been wonderful to see our kids minister to her just by giving her their attention. Pray that the Lord will show open her heart to His eternal love.” 
 
Trish and her husband, Alan, church planters in St. Petersburg, have been hosting small groups in their home to study the Bible. Attendance has increased, outgrowing the Eggletons’ apartment. “We had 37 people recently,” Alan said. 
 
One first-time guest said that she felt like she’d entered another world. The visitor, Yulia, related that her usual observation of people is swearing, arguing, and general misery. But among the believers, she enjoyed the music, worship, and fellowship.  
 
The Eggletons also hosted the church’s first summer camp with 24 young people in attendance. “People got to know each other,” said Alan. “The kind of knowing that comes from being in close contact for five days. Great friendships were built, and three people made decisions to follow Christ.”  
 
With the growth of this church plant, the Eggletons are seeking the Lord’s guidance for a place of worship. “Pray that God will provide a strategic location,” Alan requested. “And pray that we will find innovative ways to minister to the young and the old whom He has entrusted to us.”