In the winter, people on Russia’s coast can walk on water! Groups gather in the city of Vladivostok (vlad-ee-VOH-stock) to have fun on the frozen sea, even in the coldest of temperatures.

Vladivostok is a port city on the far eastern side of the country. The city’s economy relies heavily on the sea for shipping and fishing. There is only one Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve a population of more than half a million people.

One way this church communicates is through a printed newspaper. This newspaper is distributed throughout the city and local territories. It has articles about health, family values, spiritual lessons, and other practical topics.

Lidiya had always felt a void in her life that she didn’t know how to fill. She searched for years without finding anything to satisfy the emptiness.

One day, Lidiya was offered a newspaper. When she got home, she read the paper and was interested in its message. She had never heard of the Seventh-day Adventist Church before.

Shortly after, she found out that one of her neighbors was an Adventist. She asked the neighbor when she could get the next newspaper. When it arrived, she read every article and decided to visit the local Adventist church.

Lidiya talked with the pastor and began Bible studies. She attended the church every Sabbath and decided to be baptized. Since then, Lidiya has become very involved in the church’s outreach ministries.

“I like the Adventist Church because it doesn’t only study the Bible. It also does practical things and provides for people in need. I can find a ministry that fits me and implement my energy here despite my old age.”

Whenever a new shipment of newspapers comes in, Lidiya is always ready to help. Despite being 82 years old, the idea of ministry gives her a lot of energy.

“I take part in distributing newspapers. First of all we sort them, which can be a tiring process. Then we take them and distribute them in mailboxes and on the street.”

The newspaper ministry is just one of the many types of outreach this church does. On Sundays, a group meets for a fitness and health class. They exercise together and learn how to take care of their bodies.

A few times a year, church members rent out a music hall and put on a special concert for the community to enjoy. People fill the seats and enjoy a variety of musical performances.

Church members are passionate about serving the people around them, and it has caused their congregation to grow. On Sabbaths, the church is filled with people who travel from all over the city. They sing and study together, and each Sabbath they pray for God to lead their congregation.

The membership has grown so big that they have begun building a second church in Vladivostok. This new building will be used as a church and community center to host programs that serve the people around them.

A portion of your mission offerings will help finish this second building. Your contributions will bless the people of Vladivostok and help share the Adventist message with this city.

Please pray for this quarter’s 13th Sabbath offering projects happening throughout the Euro-Asia Division. And thank you for supporting the mission offerings!