On August 8-10, my wife and I visited Tacoma, WA. The “evergreen” state has amazed us with its beauty and cleanliness, as well as the friendliness of the people. Despite our usual expectations of the rainy weather, during the days of our visit, there was nothing but sunny weather, as well as warm and close fellowship at different gatherings.
We visited two church services at the Good News Church where the head pastor is Vasiliy Vasilyevich Stupin who is also the vice president of the Association. I greeted the local church on behalf of the Pacific Coast Association and congratulated on the purchase of their very own church building. The purchase of the church building is an important step in the life of the local church, and is in itself a great blessing. This church has been a blessing in serving the generations both in English and in Russian in light of the Slavic and American Culture. The services that I was able to be a part were in both of the languages, Russian and English. I too, had to preach in both languages, and that is the reality of our times. We must be understood by everyone.
During the second service, there was a lot of youth and teenagers. Vasiliy Vasilyevich took Alena and I on a tour and showed us the newly purchased church building which had a wonderful sanctuary, as well as many other facilities. It was surprising for me to see and play a little on a real organ with real pipes. This is a real rarity in our days. The sanctuary is suitable to seat 300 and became the focus of the restoration work. Slavic people truly are amazing! Hard working and hands on, they can do all things with their hands! The church members began to restore the inside of the church buildings right away. I am convinced that in a few months the inside of the church will be completely renovated!
On Sunday evening, Vasiliy Stupin organized a meeting of pastors and their wives of the churches, members of the Pacific Coast Association. The churches of the Northern region are very diverse and unique. They fulfill the Great Commission of Christ by trying to share the Gospel with the people from various cultures and languages, as well as those who have unique past and present. Everyone needs the Gospel. Every pastor who attended the meeting shared about the life of the local church and its handling the limitations of the COVID-19. They also shared their prayer requests. We heard a great suggestion of Olga Senchenko to organize a fellowship group for the wives of pastors of the Association with the goal of mutual prayer and support.
The evening went by very quickly and was a great blessing for all. Many thanks to Vasiliy and Irina Stupin for a wonderful reception and hospitality! I thank God for the Association of churches where everyone feels that they are needed, welcomed, and loved. That is the setting that God uses for His glory!
Ivan Mileyev
