Words from the President - February 2021

Q:        Peter, tell us about the awards that were recently given to volunteers here in the Baptist Headquarters. What was that all about

Peter: I’m so grateful to the Lord for the churches who are really active in their worship of Him and serving others. This is the role of the church: to pray, apply the bible in life, to love God, each other and our neighbors. In almost every region of Russia, Christians took the opportunity to serve others. Of course the church family takes care of each other, but during the time of crisis, it happened on a larger scale: in the hospitals, volunteering in social projects, food and medicine delivery, other logistical things, and to pray for them. It was a good test of faith and how we respond to needs in our community. I’m so glad that state officials recognized the role of believers in this matter.

            To answer your question more directly, just this month, officials from the mayor of Moscow came to the Baptist headquarters, and our volunteers were awarded with special plaques and certificates honoring their service. It’s good recognition. We prayed together with them, sang songs together with them, and of course we would love for these people to find peace and hope in God during this time of crisis. We are praying for that.             

Q:        Do you think this opened a door for better relationships with government officials and baptists here in Russia? 

Peter: Good question… personal communication is the most effective way to build relationships to show others Christ. Right now, we are talking about the church and state, the churches role in society. We live in a metropolis, with hundreds of ethnicities and nationalities, and a multi-religious situation. We seek to pray for officials (the kings) and at the same time, we are not trying to serve the state as much as serve people. We represent Christ and his church to society. It doesn’t matter what people will think or if they suppose we have a hidden agenda. Our goal is to help others and proclaim Christ to our world.

Q:        There are official laws opposing much religious work in Russia, including evangelism or meeting in homes. How does that hinder the work or cause of this years goal?

Peter: You remember when the apostles were brought before the religious leaders, they were asked to stop preaching about Christ. So we’re in the same situation and we must give the same answer. We have to do what we are called to do: To worship the Lord and share the gospel. We also pray for our national leaders. And we have to recognize that there will always be spiritual opposition. As it was toward Jesus, it will be with us, as we evangelize.

Hopefully,  you can gather from the interview how to pray for Peter and the staff at the Baptist Headquarters in Moscow, for individuals, churches and different events being planned. Until next month!