But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)
Greetings from Vladivostok, Russia.
We are 14 hours ahead here at Russia’s most Eastern port city (9,288 Kilometers from Moscow). It is a fascinating location, and I thought I’d write a little about my experience, and why I wanted to travel to this almost unpronounceable place.
Historically, the Russian people view themselves as the inheritors of Byzantium Christianity, the Eastern portion of the Roman empire which survived in Constantinople. In Russia, this kind of Christianity is known is Russian Orthodoxy and is a very elaborate and beautiful branch of the Christian faith.
However, under the Communist regimen, religion here became illegal, and all people were essentially atheist. “Onion domed” churches were demolished, believers were harassed, and clergy were persecuted.
In 1990, religion became legal once more, and there was a huge boom of interest in things related to faith. It was as if an entire generation had been raised in the dark until someone decided to simply turn on the lights. People were hungry and curious for God. I’ve been told that during the 90s a few small flyers for a church meeting could draw 300 visitors.
This isn’t the case anymore. In fact, though 80% of the nation identify as Russian Orthodox, less than 5% attend worship at least once a year. For the most part, Russia is no longer atheist, it is secularist. The newest generation did not grow up under communism but under the increasing influence and distraction of capitalism. Loyalty to Russian Orthodoxy is really just a manifestation of patriotism, and the nation is in a bigger crisis of faith than ever before.
I had a desire to come to Russia because I am convinced that this is an area of the world in dire need of Spiritual support. There are people that struggle with hunger and shelter. There are nations at war. There are neighborhoods in turmoil.
Yet, I have come to believe it is the kind of people that I have met here in Vladivostok who need the “the Communion of Saints.” When I look out across the Pacific Ocean, I can’t help but think that Vladivostok is the “ends of the Earth” Jesus was talking about when he sent out his disciples Acts 1:8. The end of the Earth can be a lonely place. There are not many practicing Christians here in Russia, and the people here are tempted to feel discouraged and to lose hope.
I have met many first generation Christians here, and I have been so amazed by their testimonies. Each one came to the church for an ordinary reason: for English lessons or social events or simply because a friend kept inviting them. However, once they encountered Jesus they were transformed. I have seen many native Russian people moved to tears telling the story of how they became believers of Jesus Christ.
The church here is very young. The first wave of missionaries that came in the 90s has started to recede, and the churches are trying to move towards self sufficiency. The people are so thankful for any guidance we can give them. I have been asked the most basic questions about Christianity, and I am humbled that I can be of service.
I’m grateful that God has given me the opportunity to serve the Kingdom and my brothers and sisters here in Russia. Whenever we pray “Your Kingdom Come” it can feel like an unfulfilled longing, like an empty hope. Yet, I know that God’s Kingdom is growing here in Russia. Good News is being preached in a once oppressive land, and here Good News is desperately needed.
Before you lay down tonight, before you close your eyes, please remember this place. Please, pray for Russia, that God may reign in the hearts of all the Russian people.
Amen.
Kena Hawkins Newkirk 