History
The Russia mission partnership began in 2001 at the initiative of Rev. Greg Creasy, then Minister of Mission Support for the West Virginia Baptist Convention. A covenant was signed between the West Virginia Baptist Convention, International Ministries, and the Russia Baptist Union. The initial partnership was administered through the newly created New Horizon organization, based in Ryazan, Russia. A building was purchased and renovated, with the help of many West Virginia Baptists, which would double as a church and the headquarters for New Horizon. Goals were set for evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, new church planting, economic development, and increased credibility and acceptance by community leaders.
Over one hundred people from more than twenty-five WVBC churches have shared in ministry by traveling to the Ryazan oblast and building relationships with Russian brothers and sisters in Christ. Teams from West Virginia have ministered at youth camps, coordinated Vacation Bible Schools, taught seminars, renovated ministry facilities, and strengthened cross-cultural relationships that will empower everyone involved to have a greater witness for Christ. Several Ryazan Baptist leaders have also been brought to West Virginia to visit with various churches. Over the years, the activities of the partnership have been coordinated by a Russian Mission partnership leadership team. Rev. Greg Creasy and Rev. Holley Faulkner have served as past chairmen of that team. Rev. David Bess began serving as chairman in 2014.
In 2008, the RMPT began working exclusively with the bishop and churches of the Ryazan Baptist Union. Participating churches from the West Virginia Baptist Convention are now working more directly with churches of the Ryazan Baptist Union in pursuing evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, new church planting, economic development, and mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.
In 2016, a new Russian anti-terrorism law was passed that places tight restrictions on missionary activity and evangelism. David and Jeannie Bess made a special trip to Ryazan to meet with church leaders and a Russian Baptist attorney to formulate a strategy to continue the work of the partnership within the parameters of the new law. Guidelines were created for future mission trips that will minimize possible friction between the Russian government, trip participants and the Ryazan Baptist churches. Preaching and teaching by teams are now no longer feasible, but ministry can still be observed, relationships can still be made and cultivated, encouragement can still be offered, and financial support from West Virginia Baptist churches can still be provided.
Present Ministry
The present ministry of the WVBC Russia mission partnership is three-fold. First, there is an economic development program coordinated by Mr. Keith Miller. Because of a grant from One Great Hour of Sharing and contributions from various individuals, a pool of funds is available to provide micro-loans to start Christian businesses. No loan exceeds 300,000 rubles, which is currently about $4,500. These Christian businesses agree to repay the loans over a period of three years, and to tithe to the Ryazan Baptist church of which the owners must be a member. Second, there is financial support provided through gifts from West Virginia Baptist churches. This support can be designated to aid the ministry of a partner church in Ryazan or can be undesignated to benefit the partnership as a whole. Individual Ryazan Baptist churches have several projects to support, such as halfway houses, building programs, gypsy camp ministry, and various children’s ministries including camps and orphanages. The Ryazan Baptist Union has also started a campground facility that is very similar to Camp Cowen and Parchment Valley. Funds are greatly needed to continue development of this region-wide center for evangelism, discipleship and leadership training. Third, and most importantly, there are the many mutually beneficial and inspiring relationships that exist between West Virginia Baptists and Ryazan Baptists. There are deep bonds between individuals, families and churches. Witnessing how God is at work in the lives of believers from both countries never ceases to be a catalyst for awe and worship.
Future Plans
The WVBC/Russia mission partnership is now transitioning into a second, younger generation. For various reasons, many of the initial participants in the partnership are no longer active, but a second generation is writing a new chapter of cooperation in mission. Additional trip leaders have been trained so that more than one trip can be made per year from West Virginia to Russia. Other regions of the Russia Baptist Union, in addition to Ryazan, are being considered for missionary outreach and support. The WV leadership team is increasingly sharing work responsibilities, so that the partnership can be promoted and expanded more effectively. The passion for Russia missions is strong, bright, and growing among West Virginia Baptists. Although the standard of living has risen since the fall of communism, it is still far below the standard of living in America. Ministry resources in Russia are scarce, but Russian believers are amazing in their extremely efficient use of money and materials. With gifts and encouragement from West Virginia Baptists, much more can be done to share the Gospel and to make disciples throughout the vast, expansive land of Russia.
Russian Baptists
Russian Baptists are an inspiration to West Virginia Baptists. They have a heritage of severe persecution for their devotion to Christ. Their parents and grandparents recall being arrested and removed from their families for leading church services. In clear contrast to the Russian Orthodox Church, they encourage one another to read, study and apply their Bibles to everyday life. Russian Baptists are very Biblical in their worldview and very conservative in their theology. They have a complementarian perspective on family and church and that parallels the patriarchal nature of Russian society. Russian Baptists are deeply devoted to missions. Congregations often send missionaries to other areas of Russia to reach the lost and to begin new churches. Russian Baptists are very warm and personable. Worship services are typically two hours in length, with more than one message, a variety of special music, and both traditional and contemporary congregational singing. They often use colorful costumes to enact Biblical stories through dramatic presentations. They’re very hospitable to people in their communities, building relationships so that the Gospel can be shared.
Written by Rev. David Bess, August 2018