If you think the political divide between Republicans and Democrats in the United States can threaten church unity, just consider what it must be like to pastor a church in California that has families from both Ukraine and Russia…
At the end of April, Lisa and I enjoyed some wonderful Slavic hospitality when I was asked to speak at Bethany Slavic Missionary Church in Rancho Cordova (just outside Sacramento) on Sacred Marriage. Bethany is a huge cornerstone church for the Slavic community that has supported and/or launched dozens of other Slavic churches throughout California.
This congregation has a large property with two very impressive meeting rooms (and numerous side rooms) because they purchased a former U.S. military compound in the late nineties. The media firestorm was typical: “The Russians are taking over a former military installation!” but the “Russians” who moved in are some of the godliest, most Spirit-filled people we’ve ever met: they love God and Scripture, celebrate the work and presence of the Holy Spirit, support families and refugees, and proclaim the name of Jesus with earnest hearts. Perfect neighbors!
Continue reading this blog post over on Substack HERE.