History
The History of Stoneworks International
Russia — the early days
For many years, Stoneworks has sent teams of volunteers to camps in the St. Petersburg area.
These trips are always fruitful times of ministry, as the teams establish relationships with many of the camp staff and children. A number of the children ask Jesus into their hearts.
Stoneworks has sent teams to Russia from Massachusetts, Kentucky and California.
Several years ago, David Hulley and his daughter Elizabeth spent time in St. Petersburg doing follow-up and making new contacts. In 2004 Elizabeth Hulley moved to St. Petersburg as the first Stoneworks overseas worker. She is involved in follow-up with children met at the camps.
Since then Stoneworks has developed several programs and has helped several longer-term missionaries ministering in Russia. The work continues.
Belarus
In 2007 Stoneworks began discussing and praying about an affiliation with Spring of Revival, in Belarus. Spring of Revival, under the direction of Olga Goncharenko, ministers in orphanages and camps in the Minsk area. Olga and other workers there have been involved as interpreters for teams ministering in Russia, and many people on those teams have also ministered in Belarus.
Due to the similarity of vision and ministry, and the sharing of personnel, the affiliation seemed like a good step - and it formally began on January 1, 2008. Stoneworks has now become a central source of news and support regarding the ministry of Spring of Revival.
Montenegro
Also in 2007, contacts were made with the Brethren Assembly in Podgorica, Montenegro, led by Vladimir Cizmanski. Through Executive Director Mike Cantrell, relationships with this church have grown.
In 2008 Stoneworks sent a short-term team from Georgia to minister with the church in sponsoring a summer camp for teens. This was a great success. Stoneworks is currently expanding ministry in Montenegro, and Christina Melton began her three-year mission commitment in the fall of 2009. Each year sees mission teams involved in a variety of ministries — youth camps, prayer walks, worship training, evangelism, and church retreats.
New Opportunities
We see growth ahead — Stoneworks is making new connections in Hungary and Serbia, and opportunities are opening up in Estonia as well.
We rejoice that doors continue to open and that ministry in Belarus and Montenegro has been added to that in Russia. As we consider further growth we realize anew that it is the Lord who builds the house. It is our desire to follow, to serve, and to glorify Him.
Stoneworks International, Inc. incorporated in December, 2003, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and has IRS 501(c)3 non-profit designation.
