Broader religious freedoms that opened up to missionaries and Russian believers after the fall of Communism have been receding in recent years. They now face a serious threat by new restrictions under consideration by the Russian government.
Although religious restrictions are nothing new to Russian believers, the proposed legislation, specifically aimed at Baptists, would severely curtail missionary work and would hinder believers being able to share their faith. Among the items being considered—
· Missionaries would be restricted to preaching and teaching only within Baptist church buildings and only with a letter of permission from their sending and receiving organizations for the specific dates they are to preach.
· Children under 14 would not be allowed to attend church without express written consent from their parents.
· Within Baptist churches, no ESL classes, VBS, or any other social work could be offered.
· No Baptists could operate orphanages, rehabilitation centers, or any ministry outside of church walls.
· Witnessing inside a public building by a Baptist church member would become a crime.
Please pray with us that these measures would be defeated. Pray also in the spirit of 1 Timothy 2:1-4, that God would intercede in the hearts of officials and citizens, that the gospel could continue to be shared in Russia.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
—1 Timothy 2:1-4