Russia

The defeat of the Russian Empire in World War I led to the seizure of power by the communists and the formation of the USSR. The brutal rule of Josef STALIN (1924-53) strengthened Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 broke up the USSR into 15 independent republics. Since then, Russia has struggled in its efforts to build a democratic political system and market economy to replace the strict social, political, and economic controls of the communist period.

YWAM in RUSSIA:
Work in Russia began in 1998 in Moscow and then in the following year the base in Perm began. Now Russia has 7 operating locations with 80 full time staff.

YWAM Russia is commited to reaching the 140 million people of Russia with the life changing news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They believe Christ's command to make disciples of all nations is a command for them in Russia. They believe that God has given them unique gifts and a call to go to all nations.

prayer needs:
-YWAM Perm Prayer Requests:
For our PCYM (Principles in Child and Youth Ministries) school students, as they are now being trained and equipped for youth ministry in the former Soviet Union.

For our present DTS outreach teams located in the northern Russian city, and in the country of Georgia . . . please continue to pray for their protection and continued, effective ministry.

Pray for our Kids Club ministry as the team begins making home visits.

That God would change the heart of the local Orthodox Church, which strongly opposes YWAM working with local youth.

For the pregnancy counseling centers that continue to minister life in two Women’s Hospitals in Perm.

For Java Jaw, our English clubs at local universities . . . that more students would come who are open to the truth of the gospel.