RUSSIA MINISTRY
Russia Ministry
러시아 사역
Underground University Russia enables the church in Russia and the former Soviet Union to prepare for martyrdom and persecution amidst escalating legal restrictions. Such preparation must focus on helping the church here to remain one body with the faithful church around the world today and throughout history.
Underground University Russia
UU 러시아
2ND VOM RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TRAINING OF 2023
Nearly 20 Ukrainian and Russian pastors gathered together for our second Russian language training event of the year.
Some Ukrainian participants live and minister in areas still occupied by Russia since 2014 or are directly affected by the ongoing war. Others temporarily moved to areas in Western Ukraine and Western Europe. All of them stay closely connected and support their home churches, and some are strongly considering a return to their homeland.
Pastor Foley teaches on day three of the training.
Our training lasted three full days. Day One of the training was devoted to the theology of martyrdom, Day Two was devoted to trauma recovery from a Christian perspective and Day Three was devoted to training pastors on how to teach and preach martyrdom from the OT/NT.
Additionally, we also showed the film “Tortured for Christ” and a few participants cried because they could relate on a very deep level to the circumstances under which Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand carried out their ministry. After the film, one sister told us, “When I watched the film, I constantly looked at those brothers who live in the DPR, and I was so worried for them. After all, I understand very well how much strength is needed for them to survive, to defend their faith. It’s good that you showed this film since they are experiencing exactly the same persecution!”
All participants enjoyed learning more effective strategies for faithful witness amidst persecution and war as well as needed personal encouragement and guidance in assisting their family members and congregation in trauma recovery. Additionally, they were able to meditate on the Word together, support one another, console the widows (martyr’s wives who attended), hold consultations, discuss theological matters, and benefit from warm fellowship with the brethren.
FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS
Below is a small sampling of the feedback we received from those who attended the conference:
Pastor V., Mariupol
The brothers who, despite dangerous and difficult circumstances, still carry out ministry, were very grateful for the meeting and were glad to have the opportunity to discuss serious ministerial issues. “It is very nice to know about your concern for those who are having a hard time and, in particular, about widows, on whose shoulders a heavy burden has fallen. Thank God, Who reminds us through you that they are not forgotten.
Pastor V., Russia
Greetings to everyone! May peace, grace, and joy multiply!
I remain impressed by the training, all the sessions, and the communication! Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ! I thank God for you!
With deep gratitude for the whole program, and for your care and patience!
Pastor A., DPR
When I received an invitation to attend the training, I asked the Lord to give my heart the tools that He Himself deems necessary. I did not expect that the Lord would answer my prayer from this perspective. When we arrived, I began to listen to lectures, carefully weigh each word, and take notes as much as possible.
I am very pleased and grateful for the perspective the speakers gave us, which I believe is necessary for absolutely all ministers and all Christians. This is something I have never heard in other seminars or even in seminary. I am very grateful to God for the opportunity to take part in this Voice of the Martyrs training, and I think it is essential and very enriching for our pastors!
Pastor E., LPR
Communication with trainers and other ministers is simply priceless! And the opportunity to share experiences is extremely beneficial and shows our strength, our unity, and the fact that we are not alone. It is very important! Your support means a lot! And, of course, the way we were fed and everything was just amazing! I am very grateful to all the organizers for their time, training, and for the interview!
Dr. Foley teaches on day two of the training.
Sister A., Mariupol
Before the war, my husband constantly read the books you sent. We had a church prayer meeting on Fridays with fasting, and we constantly prayed through the prayer requests featured in your resources. I especially remember the book Imprisoned with ISIS and the one about Richard Wurmbrand. Now I see that even then, through your books, the Lord was preparing and equipping us for what awaited us.
We were very glad to meet everyone. And thanks again for telling us about your website resources. Some of them have been sent to us over the years. But we had no clue about the others.
Please Pray With Us For The Following Requests:
이 사역을 위한 기도제목
- Please pray for the attendees at our recent UU Russia training. Most continue to serve in war-torn Ukraine, some even in Russian-controlled territories, and two are involved in relief aid delivery from Russia. Pray for their opportunities to continue to share Christ with civilians and the military on both sides of the front line. Pray for God`s blessing, protection, and provision. Pray that they could provide spiritual, material, and trauma relief to those in need.