What does the war in Ukraine mean for the future of the West Virginia Baptist Russia Mission Partnership?  The bloodshed continues day after day.  The Russian government is determined in its goals.  Many Ukrainians are just as determined to defend their land.  Sanctions from the West upon Russia are heavy, essentially closing down interaction with the United States.  For supporters of Russian missions, where do we go from here?

First, pray for the war to end.  Our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ share our abhorrence for the taking of human life.  Anything they may wish to share about peace, however, could be taken as resistance to their government and punished severely.

Second, pray for reconciliation to begin.  This conflict is more of a civil war than a war between two sovereign countries.  Families within both Ukraine and Russia are deeply divided over whether Ukrainians should be independent or a part of the Russian nation.  Even if the Russian military retreats, a bitter rift between the two factions will remain.

Third, pray for wisdom for the WVBC/Russia leadership team.  The challenges for the partnership are enormous.  In 2016, the Russian government enacted a new, oppressive law that prohibits mission team members from preaching or teaching.  Any kind of group ministry by foreigners could result in heavy fines, including construction and renovation projects.  With the outbreak of Covid-19, mission trips were no longer feasible.  Now with the war in Ukraine, money transfers aren’t possible, and communication is restricted.  Only the Economic Development fund remains since the fund and the transfers all occur within Ryazan.

Finally, pray for Russian Baptists.  They face a severely strained economy. The oppression by the government and the opposition from the Russian Orthodox Church continues.  Pray that they unite in spiritual devotion to their Lord despite political division over Ukraine.  Pray that their boldness for the Lord Jesus remains strong.  Pray that God provides for their needs in absence of help from international partners. 

So, what does the war in Ukraine mean for the future of the West Virginia Baptist Russia Mission Partnership?  The Lord only knows.  He is always faithful.  For now, we pray, we wait, and we see what doors the Lord may open for greater ministry in the future.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:4-6 ESV

– David Bess
WVBC/Russia Mission Partnership Chairman