The Saratov United Methodist Church began in 1995. Originally they met in an observatory, but
spent most of their early years worshiping in a 150 year old home. This home was purchased by their sister
church, Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas TX. Learn more…
A developer wanted to buy the entire block to
build an apartment complex. Church members would not sell the property as ‘we would have no place to worship.’ In 2008, after 3 years of negotiations, the
develop agreed to build a new church a few blocks away in exchange for the
original property which was prime real estate.
The developer built the outer shell and the congregation was to have the
responsibility for the completion of the interior. This new building is the first church built
in the Saratov region (approximately the size of the United States) for a
protestant church.
In addition to Saratov, Marfa Ministry is also helping the Kharkiv United Methodist Church in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It was founded in 2001 by Igor Pak and his sister, Rimma Pak. About 15 members were in the initial congregation which met in an apartment. Over the years the KUMC has met in several different apartments. A parcel of land was purchased in 2010 with the intention of building a church. Pastor Pak has not only helped fund the building, but also has devoted many hours in construction of the building.
Also in January of 2015, Marfa Ministry voted to have the Moscow Theological Seminary as a recipient of funds. This money will fund scholarships for new young pastor in the Eurasia District. A donation of $5000 gives a full scholarship for one year.
