Mission History

In 1990, shortly after the changes in the former Soviet Union, the Christian Reformed Church Synod authorized ministry in the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.), with some specific ministry in the former Republic of Russia.

The years from 1991-94 were characterized by identifying and then testing different strategies. As a result, 12 teachers went to Russia in 1992. They taught English, as well as Christian ethics and morals, to former officers of the Soviet Army. In conjunction with the other CRCNA agencies which make up 'The Russia Ministries Coordinating Council,' the next couple years were spent developing strategy and searching for resident staff. In the Fall of 95, Jeff and Natasha Busscher accepted an invitation to become Field Directors for Russia/Ukraine. Adrian and Wendy Helleman joined them in Moscow in a teaching assignment at Moscow State University, which resulted in a Partner staff relationship with CRWM in Fall of 95.

Culture

There are 150 million people in Russia. Geographically, Russia takes up 76 percent of the area that was once the Soviet Union. Ukraine, the former granary of the Soviet Union, has a population of 55 million, making it the fifth most populous country in Europe.

Christianity has been in this part of the world for 1,000 years, but the 16th century Reformation hardly touched the church here. The Russian Orthodox faith dominates the Christian church in Russia. There are about 400,000 Protestants in Russia and 600,000 in Ukraine, with an additional 3 million spread throughout the other former republics of the Soviet Union. Counting the Orthodox Church, about 73 percent of the population is considered Christian. There are now an estimated 6,000 Christian agencies and groups with ministries in Russia.

Mission Vision

The early 90s were a boom for the former Soviet people as they threw off forced atheism and began to investigate all forms of religious teaching. Western Christian ministries, Russian Orthodox Churches, Eastern religions and American cults were all flooded by the wave of eager investigation.

By the mid-90s, several foreign cult scandals, a growing dissatisfaction of the masses with a non-historic Russian solution, the manipulation of nationalists under the orthodox banner, as well as other factors led to a nationwide suspicion of any foreign work which was at once foreign and non-Orthodox. Although many continue to seek help from these sources, most Russians with a spiritual hunger became afraid of finding help from any of the 6,000 Western Christian ministries attempting to reach out.

CRWM is committed to helping evangelicals in the Orthodox world bring about reformation in their sphere of influence. Through consultation, literature and grants, we are assisting a small group of Russian Calvinists who desire growth. The main effort of CRWM is to develop a new concept in evangelism to Russians through our evangelistic libraries.

Results

We are developing a relationship with evangelicals in the Russian Orthodox Church which is bringing us to a better understanding of how we can contribute to how God is leading them. We have also set up two evangelistic libraries which are leading people to Christ and proving to be an effective means in the hand of God. The Libraries have more than 3,000 registered users and over 30 decisions for Christ.

Support

The most important gift you can give missionaries is a daily prayer for their lives and work. At any given time Christian Reformed World Missions supports about 300 long-term and short-term missionaries and about 200 missionary children located in over 30 countries around the world. These people have been called, commissioned, and sent by Christian Reformed churches to represent our devotion to Jesus Christ, and to urge others to accept His offer of salvation.

Here’s a partial list of items to pray for on behalf of missionaries:

• emotional needs
• physical needs
• relationships with other missionaries
• relationships with nationals
• relationship with God
• effective ministry
• family life

Financial support is also crucial for the ongoing work of bringing the Good News around the world. Support can be given for specific missionaries, or specific projects can be found in the “Project Giving Guide” at your church or available from the World Missions offices in either the United States or Canada.

The Christian Reformed World Missions Team in Russia:

Gary and Galya Timmerman (Anastasia) Ministry Coordinator 

phone 011-7-812-764-2862 fax # 011-7-812-568-1820

More Resources:

Videos
Video-2003 The Land of Orthodoxy: Renewing Christian Faith in Russia (9 min.)