Dear Fellow Laborers,

November 2009

Urgent Prayer

The Russian government is again considering limiting religious freedom in an alarming way. A new bill released October 12th would make the following things illegal.

For anyone visiting Russia, even if they have a religious visa, any type of evangelism outside of a church building. This should not effect us as we have the right to “reside” in Russia, but we will see.

For anyone visiting Russia to preach, the church inviting them in will have to get permission for them to preach even though it is in their own building and also for each specific date that person is to preach.

For any child under the age of 14 to be present at any church service without the express written consent of both parents of that child. (This is a problem because anyone could send any child into a service, then the police could come in and fine the church for each child, the fine being 500 dollars.)

Offering any material benefit (including handing out Bibles or a meal for newcomers), social benefit (saying that the church could help your family) or any “other” benefit will be illegal.

All efforts to rehabilitate (offer help to those addicted to drugs or alcohol) minister to orphans, the elderly, or any other place outside of church buildings, or teach English or VBS anywhere will be illegal.

To witness to anyone in the vicinity of a building of worship of another faith. Orthodox buildings are everywhere here. The word “vicinity” could mean anything.

Here is probably the most disturbing aspect of this law. Any attempt to “psychologically pressure” or “manipulate consciousness” while trying to witness to someone will be fined 175 dollars for each time. One reporter said that any mention of the last judgement or the necessity of forgiveness of sins, could be categorized as “psychological pressure”. Any invitation at the end of a service would be a “manipulation of consciousness”.

This bill is under consideration and has not yet become a law but it looks like there is a very good chance that some or all of it will pass. Please pray that God will intervene and that His plan will be done.

 

Yours in Christ,
Adam, Angela, Alex, Amelia, Alisa, and Austin