Support an Eritrean Pastor & church in Russia

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

I am seeking your support for a unique church in Northern OssetiaAlania, Russia, led by an Eritrean pastor Tedros Bahlebi. 

My name is Natalia Lee and I am a Russian Christian now residing near Chicago, IL. In 2003 I met pastor Tedros Bahlebi and had a privilege of serving with him at Northern Caucasus Presbyterian mission in Russia for a few years. Later I developed friendship with him and his family.

Pastor Tedros came to the former USSR from Ethiopia  in 1986 to study medicine and while finishing his Postgraduate program, he encountered our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and had a powerful conversion experience. The Lord called him to ministry in 1997, so he left his career in medicine and never looked back.

Currently Pastor Tedros, his wife Olya and their two sons Emmanuel and Samuel live in Vladikavkas, Northern Ossetia. This region is known for its deep pagan traditions mixed with Christian Orthodox culture. In 2008, despite all hardships they started Vladikavkaz Christian church which has now 50 members. Pastor Tedros’ focus is on raising local leaders and planting new churches in Northern Caucasus area. Eleven years later, Tedros planted 5 more daughter chuches. The mission has grown and more churches can be planted if only pastor Tedros had a reliable car for him and other church leaders.

Unfortunately, Russia, since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, has been going through economic difficulties. Majority of Russian citizens fall in “poverty zone”.  The Republic Northern Ossetia Alania has experienced steady economic decline in recent years with the highest rate of unemployment in the region.  In a word,  the church is not able to raise funds for a new van. Currently the church in Vladikavkaz is leasing a hall and a small office room. For years they have been praying to have their own building.  The church does not have any sponsors and relies solely on church donations.

Knowing all the circumstances of this ministry and trying to support this mission, I decided to seek help from a global Christian community. I can characterize Pastor Tedros as a true and unique global Christian leader. He preaches the Gospel in Russian, English, Ethiopian and Eritrean and he traveled to many countries and visited multiple churches all over the world. He is known in Eritrean and Ethiopian Christian communities in the USA, churches in Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.  Pastor Tedros also preaches the Gospel on Paltalk.com room  – “Eritrean Christians Room Plus All” every Tuesday from 19:00 - 21:00 and every Thursday from 19:30-21:30 (GMT).

I am asking today for your financial support to raise $35,000 to purchase a mini-van for Pastor Tedros and church leaders to bring the Word of God to towns and villages in Northern Caucasus area ofRussia and fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am also seeking to raise $140,000 to purchase land and start the construction of a new church building in Vladikavkaz. We appreciate everyone whom the Holy Spirit touches to support this mission in prayers or financial donations.

May God’s Peace and Grace be with you at such a time like this. All Praise be to God!