What is God's Love Doing in the Former USSR?

A recent article in Christianity Today tells the story about Nigerian named , Sunday Adelajah, who traveled to the Ukraine, USSR to study journalism in 1986. He found not only how to write but Christ. After some time Sunday established a Bible study in his home. However, he soon found that racism among the people kept "respectable" people away.
(http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/151/42.0.html)

Much to his chagrin, Sunday's message of hope and healing appealed to the dregs of society. Alcoholics, criminals, prostitutes and other unseemly characters began to study scripture and many found the Savior. Through the Savior they found healing and changed lives. Now that house Bible study has over 25,000 members and is actively involved in politics, social work and education. During the recent mass marches his church provided tents, food, water and prayers.

Sunday and other Evangelical Christians are witnessing for Christ and telling about His plan of healing and responsibility. They are also doing much, much more. In the same way that Evangelical Christianity provided the foundation for democracy in Europe and America, it is also a key to freedom and democracy in the former USSR.

When I read about Pastor Sunday I am thrilled. It is my strong contention that our ministry in the former USSR is a powerful voice for democracy. Not because we get directly involved in politics for we do not. However, we provide the processes and health necessary for those damamged by centuries of dictatorships to think, decide, get involved in church activities and vote their conscience.

For ten years I have been teaching my friends how to form committees, discuss issues, listen respectfully and come to a decision among them selves without getting into fist fights. Management of conflict is essential to developing a democracy.

One of the Christian Bible colleges where I taught had a severe problem. Their students were so in used to open discussion and handling differences that their small group Bible studies often ended in shouting matches or worse. Galina trained the faculty and students how to relate with Genuineness, Respect, Empathy and Warmth. Amazingly, they began to cooperate and support each other even if they did not agree on the meaning of baptism. As Christians learn how to debate, discuss, dialogue and still love one another they will be leaders in the new nations.

PTL! Lives are being changed and democracy is flourishing in the former USSR. Pray for Lifeways Russia, the name of our Russian Ministry, and for those emerging democracies.

Ps. Before long a representative of Lifeways Russia will be here to raise money for their life changing and nation changing work. More on that later