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Ramifications uncertain – Need for prayer CERTAIN!
On June 30 and July 8, CharismaNews.com carried articles about the new “anti-terrorism law” that was proposed in Russia and signed by President Vladimir Putin.
Having helped plant a new congregation in a Russian town while I was the Senior Minister of the First Christian Church of Morrow, Georgia, this news was of concern to many of my friends in Metro-Atlanta and in Russia. Having made numerous trips to Eastern Europe and into Russia while serving with Mission Services, the number of people I know that might be affected grew much larger!
Not wanting to push a panic button based upon an article written by an unknown author, I contacted several friends…some living in Russia, some citizens of Russia, some having deep relationships with people in Russia, and some who found it necessary to come back to the United States. The viewpoints of these friends differ widely on the ramifications of the law. More than one agreed with these points found in the July 8 article from charismanews.com:
- Religious activity is no longer permitted in private homes. Most churches in Russia meet in homes.
- If the church has purchased property it cannot be converted into a place of worship.
- In church buildings, it is not permitted to invite people to turn to God. Worship services are permitted but making a non-believer a follower of Christ is against the law.
One responded, “the key factor is the matter of enforcement. That will depend upon local authorities who can use the law to the fullest extent or not pay attention to it till established religious leaders complain.” Another wrote, “Not sure what all is behind this new legislation or what game Putin might be playing. Time will tell when any enforcement might start. It could be severe persecution. A tool to shake down or scapegoat. A message to somebody. Or something else.”
Then I received the following from a good friend, a Russian citizen that I have known for 25+ years, “No, it should not affect us at all. If there is a worship service within the house (which is allowed) then during worship service missionary activity is also allowed. In general the purpose of the whole law is protection of government from Orange Revolution and M radicals. As long as we do not want to do any of these things no one is actually thinking about us. I hope you will be able to explain these details to people in your circle and they will not be afraid of all this stuff.“
What can we take away from such varied opinions? We really do not know what will happen! We have no idea what is planned by politicians, their motives, or their enforcement ideas. We do know that evangelism is going to be controlled to some degree by this law. Limitations are imposed about when someone can share the gospel and where someone can ask another about committing their life to Jesus. Thus, prayer is certainly needed. Satan is happy about these limitations, and he is happy about the fear that has swelled in the lives of many.
We also know that God remains sovereign and His promise to hear our prayer is unchanged. Upon those we may ALWAYS rest assured! You think about that!
Praying for more to be His,
Reggie Hundley
Executive Director
Mission Services Association, Inc.
the missions network
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