Church Planting In Siberia

Summer – you can smell it in the air and see it in everything blooming all around us. It reminds us that God is at work, bringing life and beauty to a landscape that was cold and bleak just a few months ago.

The Republic of Altai, Siberia is a region tucked within the Altai Mountains. It is an area blessed with major rivers and forests dotting its beautiful landscape. Altai’s rich natural resources stand in contrast to its economic depression. The limited employment opportunities have resulted in family issues of alcohol abuse, neglect, and child abandonment.

Global Workers Alexey and Tonia Pankov have been in Altai since 2008. Their children, Dima (16) Alyona (13) and Losha (12) were all adopted from the local orphanages they work with. Through their ministry in the capital, Gorno-Altaisk, they serve the community and surrounding villages as they care for families, orphans, and train leaders.

 This year the Pankovs are expanding their outreach into the community - specifically, among the Altai people, by building a community centre/church. The Altai are an indigenous people group, who make up 35% of the population in the region and very few people have come to know Christ as their personal savior.

Currently, the congregation meets in a small space with limited capacity to grow. While Alexey and Tonia continue to travel to villages in the surrounding area for outreach, the ability to accommodate new believers, programs, and visitors is challenging.

Politically and culturally, it is very difficult for evangelical Christians to obtain spaces to meet and worship. Establishing a dedicated building for the community and church programs is crucial for the future of this growing ministry.  The new building, once completed will host programs, particularly for children during school holidays, so that families can receive tangible and practical assistance.

Please consider helping this ministry by partnering with Alexey and Tonia! Our goal is $25,000. Your contribution will help finish the roof on this centre so the people of God in Altai can flourish.

Thank you for planting with us!