The West Virginia Baptist Russia Mission Partnership leadership team met via Zoom on Tuesday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. We had full attendance with Curt Arvidson, David Bess, Jason Marshall, Jim McHugh, Keith Miller, and Zach Stevens participating. It’s been several months since we’ve met due the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Since I’ve accepted the call to pastor the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, PA, it’s no longer appropriate for me to continue as the chairman of the team. Jason Marshall, pastor of FBC Rainelle, was elected as the new chairman. I was elected to work with Jason in a vice-chairman/advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership. My ministry at FBC Waynesburg began July 2.
While money transfers and mission trips are not possible due to sanctions and restricted travel, the economic development aspect of the partnership is still thriving. An economic development fund was established several years ago to make loans to startup businesses. These businesses are begun by church members of Ryazan Baptist churches. The loans are then repaid to the fund over a 3-year period. The terms of each loan include an agreement to tithe from the profits to the business owner’s congregation. Once a loan is repaid, another Ryazan Baptist church member may submit a business plan for funding. The monies are distributed and collected within Russia, so they’re not affected by sanctions. Keith Miller continues to serve as the administrator for the approval or rejection of each loan. Startup taxi businesses are the most popular and successful. A variety of other businesses have been created as well.
The leadership team discussed the possibility and/or feasibility of expanding the partnership. For over 20 years, the WVBC has worked with Ryazan Baptists to strengthen their ministry in the Ryazan oblast. There are now other Russian Baptist regions that could benefit from development and support. On the American Baptist side, there may be other ABC regions who would like to join the WVBC in future ministry with Russian Baptist congregation. I’ll work with Jason Marshall, Todd McClure, and Charles Jones in the coming months to explore what our options may be.
When the war with Ukraine comes to an end, it’s likely Russian Baptists will have a much different ministry situation than prior to the war. We want to be faithful to support our Russian Baptist brothers and sisters in Christ at that time, whatever their needs may be. In the meantime, we continue to support them through our prayers and through interaction over Telegram.
Jason Marshall will be representing the RMPT this year at Camp Global. We’ll have another Zoom meeting on Tuesday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m.
If you’d like to offer financial support to Russia missions in general or to a particular project such as Camp Alpha or Economic Development, please send your gift to the WVBC office. We’ll hold the support received until we are able to transfer funds once again.
Please pray for our Ryazan Baptist brothers and sisters in Christ during this difficult period. Pray also for our WVBC/RMPT leadership team, that we’ll have the Lord’s wisdom in all we do. We’re convinced that God will work even through this horrible time of bloodshed to glorify the name of Jesus and to advance His kingdom.
Blessings,
David Bess
Nearly one year ago, a new Russian law was passed that considerably restricts the ability of non-Russian citizens to preach, speak, teach or share before group assemblies. This law was intended to combat terrorist leaders from rallying groups within the country, but has had far-reaching consequences for both Russian and non-Russian Christians. My wife Jeannie and I traveled to Russia February 15-20, 2017 to meet face-to-face with Ryazan Baptist pastors and church leaders to determine a strategy for the mission partnership in light of this new law. God blessed and provided insights that will enable ministry to move forward despite the government restrictions. The following guidelines for future trips have been adopted.
