SEND opens library with eternal focus
By Dave B. in Siberia
“Hey, Dave, do you have any books about moral purity? Do you have any Christian videos I could show to the guys at the rehab center? Does the resource center have anything that could help with our preacher training program? Do you have any books that could help me and my marriage?” These are just a few of the many inquiries we have received since opening the Christian Resource Center in Ulan-Ude, and they are evidence of the hunger people here in distant Siberia have for good Christian books and resources.
The vision for the Christian Resource Center project was born back when my family was studying Russian in Ukraine, but it took nearly four years to come to fruition.
For years (literally), I waited to see all these resources — many of which were still packed away in boxes I shipped from Ukraine — sitting on bookshelves and available to people for use. Praise God that the center is now open.
Besides a library of more than 1,200 books, the center also offers music, videos, pamphlets and tracts. We also have computers and a printer/copier available, so that people can work at the center.
I presented this resource to the pastors from our region, explaining to them how the center would work, the kinds of books available, and my desire to serve them in their various ministry roles. Praise God that we have already been able to hand out eight pastor book sets — an excellent collection of 35 books — to area pastors and churches. The resource center significantly adds to the materials they can use to study the Word, and now each of these pastors has his own borrower card.
Our vision is that the center will: cultivate a love for reading; provide access to excellent Christian books and other resources; equip believers through various training opportunities; support other local ministries; assist the development of churches and pastors throughout Buryatia; become a facilitator and promoter of theological education throughout Buryatia; and encourage as many people as possible in their own spiritual growth.
It seems our youth already are being equipped through the resource center. A few weeks ago, Marina borrowed a commentary on Galatians from the center. I thought it a bit strange that a teenage girl would want such a book, but I gladly lent it out.
A few weeks later, we found out that our youth group used the commentary to prepare for Bible Ring, a trivia competition. Our group has never done very well in the competition. Often they’ll return and say, “We got fourth place!” And we’ll say, “Great! How many teams were there?” The reply: “Four.”
This time, Bible Ring was focused on Galatians. Our youth placed first, and they were so excited! And I was excited too, because they had borrowed a book that helped them not just to win, but to gain a greater prize — knowledge of God’s Word.
Will you commit to pray for this strategic ministry center? Will you pray that these resources will be widely used and will have significant impact on individuals and on churches throughout this region?
Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
