Lonnie Norris, former missionary to Russia, will serve as field strategy coordinator for the Commonwealth of Independent States Field as of June 1. 

Norris and his wife, Connie, will move to Kiev, Ukraine, in the next few months. The Norrises served in Volgograd, Russia, from 1993 to 2000, where they conducted evangelistic ministry, church planting, and construction. 

"We're excited about the progress and development of the field since we served," Lonnie Norris said. "We are humbled and privileged to be a part of it." 

For the past 11 years, Lonnie Norris has co-owned and operated a home construction business, Granite Ridge Builders, in Indiana, USA. Besides constructing houses for low income home owners, the business specializes in designing, building, and managing homes and group homes for the physically and mentally disabled. 

They are transitioning from their business to their new missionary role. 

Although the couple has been living in the U.S., they've continued to be involved in the CIS, formerly the Soviet Union, in a variety of ways. Connie Norris is assisting U.S. Work & Witness teams over the next few weeks in south-central Russia. 

Lonnie Norris will work with leaders in the CIS to set objectives that include: identifying a clear vision for the field; local church health, evangelism, and church planting; and assessing, modifying, and prioritizing ministries in these days of tightening budgets. 

"The church is becoming more and more indigenous," Lonnie Norris said. "That is exciting. The people of the CIS are incredible learners; I am eager to work and learn alongside them." 

The couple has three adult children: Nate is a marketing specialist for Granite Ridge Builders; Silas, married to Shelby, is a salesperson for the business; Isaac is married to Sarah, and both are volunteer missionaries for JESUS Film Harvest Partners.