Great was the shock when the house of worship in Novoribnaya burned down completely on Monday 10 March. Evangelist Daniil Skorobogatov sustained some burns, but managed to flee the burning house. It is now clear that not only has there been much sympathy, but also generous contributions. The rebuilding of the house of worship has already begun.
Saved from the fire
A house of worship in the villages of Tajmyr is not only the meeting place of the congregation, it is also the home of the evangelist. On the night of the fire, Daniil was home alone, his wife Anna and their little daughter were staying elsewhere. He woke up to the sounds and smells of fire. He managed to pull himself to safety just in time, wearing only his nightwear. Everything went up in flames: the church's Bibles and songbooks, Daniil's documents and the family's personal belongings.
God calls to continue
We thanked the Lord that Daniil survived. The event caused a lot of stress for Daniil and Anna. They wrote this message to fellow Christians in the area:
Many wonder and worry: where are we and how are we doing? First of all, we would like to thank you for your prayers. Daniil is feeling better. His hand is slowly healing. Right now we are in Khatanga. We got a place here where we can live temporarily. Soon we want to go back. Many people ask, "Maybe now is the time to go back home? To the place where your family and friends live? After all, you have no place to live now." It may surprise some, but we are here to stay. The Lord calls us to work here and we answer His call. Even though hardly any people come to the services, those who are there need our presence. I know it is not easy to say or believe this, but what has happened has not happened beyond God's will. Thank God for everything!
Donations for a new house of worship
Help came very quickly from all sides. Collections were also held in churches in the Netherlands and church members on their own initiative transferred money for the rebuilding of the house of prayer. Thank you to the Lord for this as well!
The construction materials are there. We hope to give an update on the rebuilt house of worship next time.
We pray that the evangelism work in the polar region may continue and that the Lord will strengthen the hearts of Daniil and Anna to joyfully persevere in the Lord's service.
Rev P.W.J. van der Toorn is pastor of the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk in Bunschoten and a member of the deputation committee for the far north of mission.
