Mass Celebration

(Photo courtesy of Mission Eurasia via Facebook)

On Sunday, around 500,000 evangelical believers gathered in the central square of Kiev, Ukraine to celebrate the Protestant Reformation’s 500th anniversary and to thank God for His faithfulness in their country.

Rakhuba was in contact with colleagues attending the event, and he says, “They reported over 500,000 across denominational lines from all the churches in Kiev and surrounding areas. Many traveled from all four provinces there just to be a part of that celebration, to thank God for the freedom to worship, to thank God for the freedom to preach the Gospel in their country, and to celebrate God’s faithfulness.”

He shares, “It was so exciting to see on the screen of my computer where I was watching young people with so much joy. They glorify God in the midst of their capital. This was the same place where they were protesting just a few years ago fighting for their freedom. But also this is the place where many years ago, communists would force people to demonstrate and propagate socialism, atheism, communism, and other ‘isms’ in their country.”

The celebration was due to a signed order by Ukraine’s president to celebrate the Protestant Reformation’s 500th anniversary. It may have been a move to associate Ukraine more with Western Europe, even as Ukraine works to distance itself from Russia amidst ongoing fighting and protests. But the turnout yesterday showed how powerfully the Holy Spirit is moving in their nation.

In a space used for mass demonstration, the Church used it on Sunday for mass celebration.

“Ukraine is still in the midst of war. Eastern Ukraine and territories are still occupied by Russian or pro-Russian separatists. Crimea was annexed by Russia. So yes, Ukraine is struggling politically, economically, but Ukraine is striving today spiritually, pleading to God to bless that nation.”

‘Radio Silence’ in the News

However, one of the most puzzling things is that this gathering of half a million people in downtown Ukraine…well, it barely made a blip in the news anywhere.

For comparison, about 500,000 people turned out for the widely-covered Women’s March in Washington, DC in January this year.

A church in Kiev, Ukraine.

Rakhuba speculates, “Very few like to recognize that the Evangelical or Protestant movement is taking such a powerful step forward. So the Evangelical Church is growing in that nation, and somehow we see that this all spread through social media, but official networks barely report anything.”

Even as a mass gathering of believers in Ukraine went widely unnoticed by the general public, Mission Eurasia celebrates with the Ukrainian Church and calls on believers worldwide to stand with them in prayer and support — to let them know that they are not alone as the Body of Christ.

A Persistent Church

Rakhuba says empowering the Church in Ukraine and the surrounding countries to advance the Gospel is their mission. “That’s what Mission Eurasia is doing, working with the next generation, those who take the baton, those who get into the generational gap and take the Gospel to their communities.”

(Photo courtesy of Mission Eurasia via Facebook)

One of their unique initiatives is School Without Walls which equips young leaders in Eurasia with biblical training, leadership skills, and practical ministry experience. Click here to learn more!

Rakhuba says Ukrainians are even taking the missions mindset beyond their own communities, and that Ukraine is becoming a hub for sending out the Gospel to neighboring countries and beyond!

“I just talked to a group of young people, they just came to this celebration from their mission trip to Mongolia in China — young Ukrainians who felt like the Holy Spirit was leading them to take the Gospel to…Mongolia where they reached thousands of young people through summer camps!”

Prayer Points

For critical prayer points, Rakhuba says, “I would encourage many of your listeners to continue praying for [Ukraine], that the nation becomes a true hub for the Gospel in the midst of all those Eurasian countries.

“Pray for Mission Eurasia when we bring these strategic missiological initiatives into those nations equipping the next generation, preparing them to lead, and equipping them to serve.”

And finally, he asks, “Pray for peace between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine is celebrating God’s faithfulness, Russia is still after lots of Evangelical groups today trying to monopolize or politicize the spiritual field and limit lots of Evangelicals from their activity, trying to push them behind their church walls.”

According to reports, President Petro Poroshenko ordered the Ukraine withdrawal from Debaltseve, a key rail hub in Eastern Ukraine after days of fierce fighting. Troops are believed to have fought their way out of a surrounded city to avoid surrendering or being taken prisoner.

(Image courtesy of Mission Eurasia)

President of Mission Eurasia (formerly Russian Ministries) Sergey Rakhuba says the country’s demeanor isn’t good. “There’s lots of discouragement, and [many are] disillusioned in the community and society there. People believed that the ceasefire would be the turning point for peace to be restored.”

Rakhuba says some churches they support are now behind enemy lines. “Teams are trying to reach those areas. People are trapped in half-destroyed villages. They’re driving their vans loaded with humanitarian assistance.”

While many Christians escaped, Rakhuba says at least one pastor stayed. “He says our congregation grew by two or three times now. We don’t have enough room in our small church. They’re looking for hope. The church is reaching out to people on both sides with the Gospel.”

Mission Eurasia continues to provide I-Care Packs, which contain food, hygiene items, and Scripture. The ministry is also providing encouragement to pastors on the frontlines of assistance. “We bring pastors together for special training seminars, providing training on leadership in the midst of war and turmoil. We help them to train volunteer counselors.”

Rakhuba says the only answer to this conflict is the Gospel. “The Gospel transforms people’s hearts, especially when the Gospel is supported by practical deeds of believers.”

Your financial support will help Mission Eurasia do this work.

In the meantime, pray for unity for a once-unified Russian/Ukrainian evangelical church.

(Image courtesy of Mission Eurasia)

Ukraine (MNN) — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was also a leading MNN story in 2014–more than 60 stories were written about it.

One of the stories featured President of Mission Eurasia Sergey Rakhuba who was in the war zone talking to church leaders about how to help. Rakhuba was able to hand out I Care Packs in Slavyansk. “I saw the Christian work in the midst of the crisis, and I’m so proud to see these young Christian leaders. They are getting the Gospel advanced through the crisis.”

Ukrainian soldiers retook Slavansk, allowing Good News Church to reopen. Rakhuba says half of those attending are new: people helped by the church. Worshipping with them was moving. “I could not hold my tears back, hearing that congregation of over 500 or 600 singing Hallelujah to God. They were praising God that He saved their lives.”

You can support the work of Mission Eurasia among refugees through this link.

Ukrainian soldiers read Gospel of Luke.

Ukraine (MNN) — A new front has been opened in eastern Ukraine in recent days. According to reports, tanks, artillery, and infantry crossed from Russia into Novoazovsk, a border town near Russia. These attacks caused panic among Ukrainian forces in what Ukrainian and Western military officials described as a stealth invasion. Some believe Russia orchestrated it to help the separatists, who have been on retreat for the last couple of weeks.

One of the areas where Ukrainian soldiers successfully pushed out the separatists was Slavyansk. President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba was just in that region. “The people of Ukraine are exhausted, and they really, really want to have peace in their communities.”

President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba in Ukraine.

Rakhuba was there to talk to church leaders about how to help the victims of the conflict. He was able to personally hand out the Russian Ministries I Care packs. “I saw the Christian work in the midst of the crisis, and I’m so proud to see these young Christian leaders, these pastors. They are getting the Gospel advanced through the crisis.”

Good News Church in Slavyansk was taken over by Russian separatists. Rakhuba says, “Their Sunday School classes were stuffed with explosives and weapons.”

After Ukrainian soldiers retook the city, church members pooled finances and bought billboards. “The billboard was saying, ‘Hope is still here. Hope is in God. Slavyansk  citizens, believe, and God will come and rescue you.” So, there is hope.”

Rakhuba was able to worship with these brothers and sisters. “Half of the congregation are mostly new people that came because of the crisis. The church helped them during the crisis, and they expect the church to double in size.”

What was it like to worship with them? “I could not hold my tears back, hearing that congregation of over 500 or 600 singing Hallelujah to God, Holy, Holy, Holy. They were praising God that He saved their lives.”

Russian Ministries ‘I Care’ Packs distribution.

The I Care packs from Russian Ministries have made both a physical and spiritual impact on the community. Rakhuba says revival could happen. “People are so open to the Gospel. People are so open to God. I want to encourage [Christians] to continue praying that God would move the leaders of the Ukrainian church to advance the Gospel.”

Russian Ministries is in the midst of training more pastors to use I Care packs to help refugees physically, but also meet their spiritual needs. More I Care packs are needed. It costs just $50 to provide enough food for a week for a whole family, along with counseling and God’s Word.

You can listen to the full interview with Sergey Rakhuba, below

Click here to make a generous donation.

Below is a video of the Good News Church worship service this past Sunday, which Rakhuba attended.

Staff apartments are being used to house rebel militia.
(Image courtesy Overseas Council)

Ukraine (MNN) — Pro-Russian separatists have taken over Donetsk Christian University, trapping more than 20 staff members and their families inside. The school is one of many public buildings the separatists are occupying in a desperate attempt to solidify their hold on the city.

“This place is so dear to m. It’s so close to me, and I know the people that are there,” shares Russian Ministries president Sergey Rakhuba.

Until last spring, Rakhuba was a member of Donetsk Christian University’s Board of Trustees. He’s been in close contact with the school’s president about the situation.

“The concern is that when the Ukrainian army sees that insurgents [have] taken over the building and turned it into their stronghold…. Ukrainian army then starts going after [it] with military action,” says Rakhuba.

Taking over buildings like the Donetsk Christian University puts innocent people right in the line of fire. Along with the school, separatists have reportedly seized several businesses.

Separatists appear to be “digging in their heels” and preparing for a showdown with Ukrainian government forces, who warned rebels yesterday of a plan to re-take the city.

“I cannot comprehend the magnitude of that tragedy that will happen” if urban warfare breaks loose in Donetsk, Rakhuba says.

Russian Ministries and their in-country cohorts are hoping and praying the situation will not escalate further. At the same time, though, “We are prepared, and we want your listeners to stand with us.”

It’s an urgent situation that needs your help. First of all, pray! “I want your listeners to pray for the leaders of this Bible School that are there now dealing with this crisis, so that God supernaturally would intervene and protect them all,” says Rakhuba.

Items received through “I Care” Refugee Program distributed in eastern Ukraine.
(Image courtesy Russian Ministries)

Pray that the Lord will continue to work mightily in Ukraine through Russian Ministries. Their “I Care” Refugee Assistance program helps churches in eastern Ukraine care for refugees displaced by current violence. Along with relief aid like food and personal care items, churches are equipped with counseling resources and pastoral training.

Click here to put your faith into action by supporting Ukrainian believers.

School Without Walls students have been sent with resources in-hand to cities that were previously occupied by pro-Russian separatists.

“There are thousands of people that recently were liberated by the Ukrainian Army,” Rakhuba shares. “People [in occupied cities] were not able to have water for weeks, they did not have electricity; everything was paralyzed.”

Listen to the interview for more details on this situation.

Please keep Ukraine in your
prayers today!
(Image courtesy Sergey Rakhuba via Facebook)

Ukraine (MNN) — Tensions are escalating again in Ukraine. On Sunday, pro-Russia protestors took hold of three cities in eastern Ukraine: Donetsk, Luhansk, and Khariv. Yesterday the interim government issued a 48-hour ultimatum to activists in these cities: enter into talks or face force. Russia says civil war could result if Ukraine uses force against the protestors.

Sergey Rakhuba of Russian Ministries says they have workers are in each city held by pro-Russian activists. He speaks with them regularly, sometimes hourly, he adds.

“The situation in Ukraine is changing by the hour; the more we watch it, the more concern we have in our hearts,” Rakhuba states.

Concern partly centers on the extent of Russia’s involvement in current unrest. U.S. officials have expressed suspicion based on similarities between the take-over in Crimea and the seizure of government buildings in these three cities.

“This is the same scenario, same plan, same strategy, and I would be very doubtful if somebody would say ‘Russia has nothing to do with it.'” Rakhuba adds.

“The propaganda in Russia today on the national TV and state-owned media channels, they just simply pour lots of disinformation about Ukraine and [are] encouraging Russians to support the invasion.”

Gospel Opportunities
While the struggle for Ukraine is continually evolving, a few things are staying constant. First, uncertainty is causing a new hunger for the Gospel.

“I see how the country has awakened. Because of all this turmoil, uprise, concern, anxiety, the nation is open for spiritual revival today,” says Rakhuba.

“I’ve seen people kneel down on the ground, on the main squares in Ukraine…raising their hands, crying out to God so that God would intervene and bring peace, restore peace, and bring reconciliation to their communities, to their nation.”

Following initial unrest in Kiev, Russian Ministries began equipping churches with copies of Scripture to give protestors. Now, they’re sending another wave to churches in eastern Ukraine.

Last month, Ukrainians gathered in Kiev to pray for their nation.
(Image courtesy Russian Ministries)

“We want to equip the Church to use this opportunity, use the momentum…to help people find the source of true hope in Jesus through reading the Scriptures,” Rakhuba notes.

“We plan to print another 200,000 copies of Scripture–Gospel of Luke–that is designed in Russian language for [the] eastern regions of Ukraine where people mostly speak Russian.”

Each copy also includes a suggested prayer of personal repentance and restoration of fellowship with God. There is also a suggested prayer for healing of the nation and community.

“We would greatly appreciate if people go to www.russian-minsitries.org and join us in partnership to help equip the evangelical Church, evangelical Christians and leaders in Ukraine,” says Rakhuba.

Click here for a direct link and select “Scripture for Ukraine” in the drop-down menu.

Prayer Needed
The second consistent factor in Ukraine’s unrest is the need for global prayer.

“There are lots of concerns that Russia has chosen the politics of separating Ukraine, of dividing Ukraine, breaking Ukraine up,” Rakhuba shares.

(Image courtesy Sergey Rakhuba via Facebook)

“I want to encourage your listeners to continue praying that God will give wisdom and courage to the interim government of Ukraine now and especially Mr. Turchinov, who is an evangelical Christian. He’s calling upon the rest of the world, asking for prayer support.”

Ask the Lord to guide and direct Ukraine’s interim government according to His will.

“Continue praying for the church leaders in Ukraine,” adds Rakhuba. “This is a very difficult time. They need wisdom, direction, courage now.

“[Pray that] they will lead their congregation, that they will make right choices and fulfill their Christian evangelical responsibilities in times of turmoil, when they will become the salt and the light.”

Pray that the Church will step up as a spiritual force in Ukraine. Pray that believers will be bold about sharing the Gospel.

Write your prayer for Ukraine on our Facebook wall.

Ukrainians gathered on the Maidan square in central Kiev, and in city squares around the country, for prayer meetings to ask God for His hand to be upon the situation in Ukraine. (Photo by Boris Volkov, Russian Ministries)

Rakhuba says the fear and anxiety is prompted by a massive propaganda effort by Russia and President Vladimir Putin. “They think that nothing can stop him from invading the rest of Ukraine, or at least the eastern regions. We see now that there are more pro-Russian people uprising now.”

However, Rakhuba says these individuals aren’t Ukrainians. They’re Russian thugs. “Russian thugs are there to provoke violence. As soon as Ukrainian authorities respond, then Russia will say, ‘Sure, you see? Russian people were attacked.’ Russia is using so much disinformation today you would not believe.”

What can fix the anxiety? Rakhuba says, “They want to see that the world community is standing behind them and they are ready to defend them.”

Ukrainian troops are powerless. They don’t have the fire-power to go up against the Russian military. Despite that, Rakhuba says, “Mobilization was declared by the acting President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov and brings even more anxiety.”

This young woman prays for her country.

Is there unity in the body of Christ? Rakhuba says, No. There appear to be three sides. Some say do nothing and pray. Others suggest that the church needs to become militant and be more active in seeking freedom. Others side squarely with Russia.

The anxiety and uncertainty, however, is causing a craving for truth, says Rakhuba. “[Ukrainians] are so hungry for the Gospel. They’re so hungry for true answers, answers about eternity [and] about hope in Christ.”

Russian Ministries is raising money for Scripture. “We are working to print hundreds of thousands of copies of the Gospel of Luke that will be distributed across the nation. We [have] already seen how much people are open to the Gospel today.”

You can support Russian Ministries by spending significant time in prayer for the Ukrainian people. You can also help with their Gospel of Luke distribution effort that could be the basis of revival in Ukraine.

Click here to give generously today.

Please keep
Ukraine in your prayers today!
(Image courtesy Sergey Rakhuba
via Facebook)

Ukraine (MNN) — In Ukraine, tensions remain high as Sunday’s Crimea referendum draws near. Ukrainian forces being held hostage by Russian troops recently told Reuters that one executive order could end their lives.

“All it takes is one order and they will open fire,” a Ukrainian officer said. “We won’t be able to hold out long.”

The decision to join forces with Russia or Ukraine is being put to a vote in autonomous Crimea on Sunday. But according to Reuters, there’s not much of a choice. They report that Crimea’s regional assembly recently passed a resolution to “sever links to Kiev and join Russia anyway.”

Come what may, Russian Ministries is continuing to stand by churches in the region, said the ministry’s board of directors in an official release.

“We pray that the Church in both Russia and Ukraine, which have survived the persecution of the Stalin era, will stand firm for the Gospel and will serve as salt and light during this time of great turmoil and unrest,” said President Sergey Rakhuba in a written statement.

Russian Ministries’ national affiliate, The Association for Spiritual Renewal, has its ministry headquarters in Ukraine and oversees ministry outreach in 12 countries of the former Soviet Union, including Russia and Ukraine.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we denounce aggression and violence, knowing that ‘the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God’ (James 1:20, ESV),” reads one portion of the official statement.

Russian Ministries recently gathered prayer partners at its U.S. headquarters to pray for the crisis in Ukraine.
(Image courtesy Russian Ministries)

“Through our active ministry involvement in both Russia and Ukraine, our organization is devoted to helping the church be salt and light during this conflict in order to bring healing and hope to the nations. We call upon all leaders, both religious and secular, to embrace peaceful means of deciding questions of political alignment and national determination. We ask our brothers and sisters to always assume the best motives of others as events unfold in the days ahead. We also caution Christian leaders not to let their political views, whatever they are, overshadow their Christian convictions.

“In times of uncertainty, the hearts of men and women are looking for stability. True followers of Jesus Christ know that they can depend on the “solid rock” of their faith. Especially in these tense times, we renew our commitment to helping others find comfort, healing, and faith in Him, in both Russia and Ukraine.  

“We call on the global Christian community to support us, prayerfully and financially, in our effort to bring reconciliation and restore peace to this land in great turmoil.”  

Click here and select “Scripture for Ukraine” to support Russian Ministries Gospel outreach to young professionals.

From Michael Cherenkov blog.

Ukraine (MNN) — “Crimea was, is, and will be an integral part of Ukraine.”

Those were the words of interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk calling the newly-appointed Crimean parliament’s vote to leave Ukraine and become part of Russia “an illegitimate decision.” A referendum on the matter will be held March 16.

President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba says he isn’t focusing on that part of the crisis anymore. “The world cannot do much at this point anymore, except raising the rhetoric, escalating the tensions and the international dialogue. I don’t think Russia will back out of Crimea.”

Free and fair elections aren’t expected. U.S. President Barak Obama says any decision about Crimea should include the legitimate Ukrainian government, which is being ignored by Russia. Many world leaders are saying the international community will ignore the vote. “But isn’t that what happened in the last few years in Abkhazia and Georgia in South Ossetia? I think this is the same scenario that’s happening in Crimea,” says Rakhuba.

While extremely disappointed, Rakhuba instead wants to focus on the future of ministry in Ukraine in the wake of the crisis. “How do we and what should we do, and how do we help the national church to go through their reconciliation process? It definitely will affect work in Crimea.”

Rakhuba says, “We’re developing curriculum on reconciliation. We want to train pastors who will train others to bring reconciliation and healing during this post-turmoil time.”

Reconciliation isn’t the only focus. He believes it’s a good time for this kind of outreach. “The situation is so ripe for outreach, and people are so hungry for God. So I don’t want the church to lose momentum in this regard. That’s why we’re putting in so much effort in providing resources for them.”

News Testaments for business professionals released in Ukraine.

Rakhuba says craving for the Gospel is unprecedented. He says that’s why they have printed several versions of Scripture, including the latest version that targets business people. “We designed and printed this Gospel for young professionals. We really think we are empowering them. And we want [MNN] listeners to continue praying for young Christian leaders in Ukraine.”

Because the demand for Scripture is so great in Ukraine and Russia today, Russian Ministries is asking you to help support their efforts. Click here to help.

President of Russian Ministries Sergey Rakhuba grew up in Ukraine. While Ukraine seemed pleased that anti-protesting laws were overturned, the amnesty legislation didn’t fare as well. “When the Ukrainian Rada, which is the Ukrainian Parliament, was ready to take a vote, the president showed up in a room and basically forced his party to vote for his version of the law.”

Healing in Ukraine is needed now as country divide widens. Protestors are hungry to read Scripture.

The amnesty puts limits on it. It gives protestors 15 days to vacate public buildings and clean up barricades in Independence Square. If this doesn’t happen, those protestors who have been arrested will not be freed.

Many parliamentarians had indicated they wouldn’t vote for the provision. They eventually did, but only after Yanukovych threatened his deputies that he would hold snap parliamentary elections if the legislation didn’t pass.

Rakhuba says the nation is divided, and so is the church. He’s asking us to pray that God will raise up a spiritual voice: a leader “who will have enough courage and, as an ambassador of God, will lead the evangelical church in the process of becoming an entity of peace and reconciliation and trouble in their nation.” Healing in Ukraine is needed now.

Since many church leaders have already taken a stand, it will be difficult to find someone who has no political agenda.

In the meantime, Russian Ministries is still giving out Gospels of John to interested Ukrainians.100,000 copies have already been distributed. “100,000 copies of Scripture or Gospels of John in the Ukrainian language were just a drop in the bucket. In a time of trouble, people are a lot more open to receiving the Gospel. And we believe Scripture will transform lives.”

Your gift of $25 will print 100 Gospels of John which Rakhuba believes could be a key to revival in Ukraine. God working through your generous support will do just that.

Click here to give safely and securely online.