How Kingdom Bank helped us build a ministry home
Bella and Roman share their journey from Austria to Scotland, where they’ve built a growing student ministry amidst the challenges of a global pandemic.
As Bella and Roman’s ministry grew, so did their need for a new home; one that could accommodate their family, counselling work, and passion for hospitality.
Tell us about yourselves.
I’m Bella and I’m married to Roman. We’re originally from Austria but have been working for Community Church Edinburgh for the past five years, after studying at Bible College.
We started around the time of the pandemic when there was only one student in our congregation of 150. It was a really hard time for lots of students, with people struggling with loneliness. We started an online Bible study which steadily grew.
Today, we run a student ministry that has become a vital part of the church, offering Sunday lunches, pastoral care, and one-on-one Bible studies. Roman recently stepped back, but I continue to lead the team, drawing on my counselling background to support students and others dealing with trauma and abuse.
What is Community Church Edinburgh like?
It’s a busy, city church, so very different from the small community we come from in Austria. We meet in a historic building with lots of space to use for ministry throughout the week. We’re passionate about community outreach, so run a toy library and a foodbank.
The main goal of the church is to be a Christ-centred community, encouraging personal growth and discipleship, and helping others.
Our members are from different parts of Scotland so building community can be challenging. This has created a need to find new ways of doing community and friendship, with things like house groups and intentional discipleship.
Why did you decide to buy this flat?
We were living in a rented flat, but the landlord decided they wanted to move in. We started our conversation with Kingdom Bank to work out how much we could afford to borrow. Our new home needed to be close enough to church and large enough for our family.
We found this flat after missing out on another property. But looking back now, we can see, so clearly, how God was at work. It’s a four-bedroom home, perfect for us to raise our kids, host visitors from Austria, and extend hospitality to others. We’re close to the train station and local groups for the kids, and it’s everything we prayed for and more.
“We needed a mortgage, but more than that, we needed understanding and guidance”
How were Kingdom Bank able to help?
Kingdom Bank was a lifeline for us. We needed a mortgage, but more than that, we needed understanding and guidance . Janet, from the team, was amazing—patient, clear, and always quick to respond. They worked with us through tight deadlines and helped us secure the home we now can’t believe is ours. We’re so thankful because if we’d gone with a regular bank, we’re not sure we would’ve received the same level of care or flexibility.
“If we’d gone with a regular bank, we’re not sure we would’ve received the same level of care or flexibility.”
How does this flat help your ministry?
Hospitality is a massive part of what we do. There’s an old German saying about generosity and hospitality, that we’re to “make space in the smallest house.” It’s amazing to have this space which opens up so many opportunities. Already, we’ve hosted neighbours for dinner, and people in need have stayed with us. Space has made discipleship easier, and as a family we want to love people well with the opportunities we have in our home.
We really feel that this flat has been a testimony of God’s goodness and provision; it feels like a miracle and has even made it into a recent sermon!
By opening a savings account with Kingdom Bank, your money can do more than just grow—it can help provide mortgages to families like Bella and Roman, enabling them to build homes where faith and community can flourish. Join us in making a difference. Your savings could be the key that helps someone else find their home and continue their ministry.