The faith in Russia under Communism suffered greatly. While in China the faith has flourished and spread under ground, in Russia it was preserved but really not advanced. The faith was crystallized in time, mindsets, and with people groups.

When Communism fell in the early 90’s, there was a great hunger for the spiritual an openness to the influence of other ways. A move of God swept Russia & Eastern Europe like never before with thousands & even millions of people making decisions for Christ. Most of the events where the Gospel was preached were supported or coordinated by Western ministries with Russian believers willing to work, but few in number. Besides, they had been cut off from the rest of the Christian world and hadn’t realized how much things had changed. Most had never known a time when you could share your faith openly or knew how to disciple others much less leadership principles.

So while one person could reach millions with the message of Jesus and even get thousands of salvation decisions at one time, it takes an army of people to disciple & lead those people. In effect, much of the fruit of that harvest didn’t remain. However, over those first few years, new leaders emerged ready to learn how to take their nation into a new era and prepare for the next time God moves in such a way.

This is where the leadership training of EQUIP comes in and where I feel my role plays a part. With leaders being trained in Russia, it creates a container for what God wants to continue doing there. Every Christian leader I spoke to in Russia, no matter the denomination or affiliation, feels as if once again there will be restrictions & possibly even persecution for the church there. Everyone of them also believes that an even greater move of God will occur in the midst of that trouble. And this time – armed with the lessons of the past and top notch leadership training – they’ll be ready and the fruit of the harvest will remain (even if Western missionaries can’t even get in!).

I’m honored that I was able to play a small role in what God is doing in Russia. We trained & certified 500+ leaders who will in turn train almost 15,000 others in the next few years. Laborers for the harvest that is to come and if you have prayed or supported our ministry in any way, you have a part in that too!