The current Russia Mission Partnership Team consists of Curt Arvidson (Mount Vernon Baptist), David Bess (chairman, Beulah Baptist, Grafton), Johnna Gaunch (Pea Ridge Baptist), Jason Marshall (First Baptist, Williamson), Jim McHugh (Hopewell Baptist), and Keith Miller (Gilboa Baptist).
The American Baptist Women of West Virginia have adopted Camp Alpha as their 2020 and 2021 Mission Outreach Project. Donations were not as generous this year as in previous years, due to WVBC churches dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Camp Alpha did not meet in 2020, since Ryazan Baptists were social distancing and churches were only streaming services. Camp Alpha is similar to Camp Cowen, except it’s in its very early stages. 65 children attended the camp in 2019, with 10 of them repenting and turning to Christ as Savior. There are three goals for their building plan: 1) a fence to surround the entire property, 2) a large dining hall and dormitory building, 3) a water well to supply the campground. The Ryazan Baptists do not have an abundance of resources to support this plan, so progress will be very slow without help from West Virginia Baptists.
Mission trips to Ryazan are still on-hold due Covid-19 concerns. The U.S. State Department also has issued an advisory for any religious groups traveling to Russia, warning that they may be detained and questioned about their activities. The Russian law against terrorism, passed a few years ago, is an increasing hindrance for mission activity in the Ryazan oblast. Now not only are preaching and teaching by mission teams prohibited, but their mere presence is being scrutinized. Your continued prayers for the partnership team are appreciated, as we seek innovative ways to share and to receive ministry with our Ryazan Baptist brothers and sisters.
The ministry potential is still great for mutual encouragement in evangelism and discipleship. There is a desperate need for funds among Russian Baptist churches due to their struggling economy. The Economic Development portion of the partnership continues to help startup businesses of Ryazan Baptist church members. Keith Miller travels approximately twice a year to Ryazan, and to other regions in Russia, to stay in touch with the ministry taking place there.
Russia missions is a challenging, yet very fruitful, ministry opportunity. A member of our leadership team would be happy to share with your church or your association details about what God is doing in Ryazan, and how you can get involved in the partnership.