The gospel goes to far east Russia

The region of far east Russia is almost as vast in area as the USA. Within it lies some of the most inhospitable territory on earth, subjected to the harshest and most extreme weather.

Many regions lack the most basic infrastructure and amenities. Nevertheless, faithful servants of Christ, 12 of them supported by the Slavic Gospel Association’s (SGA’s) Project 70, are taking the gospel to scattered communities in seemingly unreachable corners of this huge landmass. They find ways and means of overcoming the absence of roads and basic communication facilities such as telephone and internet to carry on their ministry, presenting the gospel by any means possible.

Ice roads and Bible Clubs

Winter events include special Christmas programmes which teams take to various villages. Reaching these can mean using ‘winter ice roads’ – frozen rivers – the only overland travel routes. During these months preparations are made for summer programmes of outreach which include Holiday Bible Clubs and other activities for children and young people. Facilities are repaired and renovated, supplies are delivered and stored, in preparation for team members to come and engage in gospel ministry. It is a difficult and demanding ministry.

SGA(UK), in partnership with SGA colleagues in USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, is supporting an ambitious flying programme as the most effective means of reaching far-flung villages and communities, and sharing the gospel with them.

Two small aeroplanes, supplied by Kingdom Air Corps of Alaska, are now operating from their base in Khabarovsk, carrying supplies and aid, and also evangelists and missionaries to share God’s word in spiritually dark places. This is an exciting and potentially fruitful venture, but it presents major challenges. The most obvious is the need for more aeroplanes. We rejoice that two are operational, but the project aims to have 12 planes in service, with suitably gifted pilots and missionary personnel, so that villages furthest from civilisation can be reached. Even with 12 planes operational this will be a daunting task.

Hard but thrilling gospel work

As well as the multiplication of aeroplanes and flying personnel, support teams must also grow. More mechanics, ground staff and administrators are needed to properly service this ministry. However, workers are already scarce and finding suitably gifted team members is a serious challenge. Praise God that several qualified people from other parts of Russia have expressed interest in serving in this ministry. Pray for them, and ask God to raise up more to enter into this difficult but thrilling gospel work.