In the midst of much talk these days about immigration, one church is doing something to help. Putnam Baptist Church, in Putnam, Conn., has a thriving ministry to Russian immigrants.

Northeastern Connecticut has long been an area where Russian refugees have settled. In particular, Baptists persecuted under Stalin in the Soviet Union, who were considered American spies, came to this area.

A Russian pastor started to attend the Putnam church in 1998, bringing his grandchildren along with him. Although the church did not realize it at the time, God would use this small beginning for greater things. As time passed, other Russian immigrants joined the pastor and he held special services for them.

The Russian pastor left in 2000, but the ministry continues. In the summer of 2000, Russians started Sunday evening services and a Wednesday Bible study. In the fall that year, the church started a clothing bank to help new arrivals.

Eventually, Putnam saw the possibility of sharing this ministry with other churches within the region. American Baptist Churches of Connecticut then hired an interpreter for them, along with providing funding for teaching supplies and Russian hymn books. The Salvation Army gave Russian immigrants fuel assistance, while the local food bank, Daily Bread, gave them food. Area Baptist churches donated money for English language cassettes and English/Russian Bibles.

The ministry expanded, with the church also helping with immigration problems through the local congressional office. In October 2001, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes started, assisted by people from the church. The Russian youth are not neglected, as the church started a guitar club on Saturday after ESL, is offering vocal lessons for youth after church services, and began a youth group last year.

While church members have done much to help Russian immigrants assimilate into American life and culture, they recognize, too, the value of preserving the rich Russian heritage. To that end, a Russian Cultural School teaches youth to read and write basic Russian and learn something of Russian culture, literature and history. And to foster understanding between Russians and Americans in the church and community, the church has hosted 10 Russian/American services and dinners attended by 100 to 250 people. Cross-cultural friendships are nurtured in this welcoming environment.

What began small with a single Russian pastor attending a church in Putnam has grown into an ever-expanding ministry. Will Child, director of the ministry notes that this is a ministry of compassion, because, as he says, “These Russians have gone through so much.”  However, it has also brought new vitality to Putnam Baptist Church — the membership has taken the ministry on as their service to the surrounding community.

Acting out of concern for the alien and stranger in our midst, this church family is showing a great love to every member of God’s family: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, NRSV)

Eric Nelson is pastor of the Washington Street Baptist Church, Lynn, Mass. He is also editor of The Vine, the regional newsletter of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts. He comes from an American Baptist missionary family and has had a lifelong interest in national and international missions.