CEE Story From The Mission Field
Church Burning in Russia
May 28, 2003
Persecution of believers has reached a new height in Russia this week. The Baptist Church in Balashiha, a city near Moscow, was set on fire by a group of arsonists. The roof was totally destroyed before the fire could be contained. The church had begun building on this “House of Prayer” in July 2001 and it was nearing completion.
This is not the first time the Balashiha church has been attacked. Since its beginning in 1992 it has been under constant attack from atheists and ultra-nationalists in the city because of its unwavering commitment to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without fear. The price they have paid has been high.
† November 2002 the church was robbed. The thieves stole sound equipment, Bibles and hymnals from the worship hall.
† January 2003 a group of young men destroyed a section of the church's fence and broke two church widows.
† February 2003 a young man destroyed another section of the church's fence and broke another church window
† April 2003 two young men spread an obnoxious smelling liquid throughout the worship hall. The smell was so bad that meetings could not be held in the hall until it was professionally cleaned.
† May 11, 2003 a group of young boys destroyed a large glass window.
† May 18, 2003 the House of Prayer in the city Balashiha was shown nationally during the program "Russian House." The program firmly stated the church should to be closed down.
† May 22, 2003 at about 3 a.m. arsonists broke into the second floor of the church by means of a ladder. Containers of gasoline were then used to accelerate the fire. The roof was totally lost in the blaze but the church walls remain standing.
Please pray for this Russian church and its members as it seeks to recover from the recent attacks against it. There are currently 110 members, led by three pastors - brothers Victor Charlamov, Denis Levshin and Valter Mitskevich. Pray for strength and courage for church members not only to continue to stand strong in their faith, but to live their daily lives as powerful witnesses in the midst of a community that is hostile toward them.
View the photo essay of "Church Burning in Russia."