CEE Story From The Mission Field
God Stirs Hearts in Udmurtia
March 6, 2008
More than 500 Russians flocked to a January Open Church event in Izhevsk, Udmurtia, forcing organizers to turn away those who exceeded a local theater’s capacity. By the end of the gathering approximately 450 people had heard the Gospel and received basic food packages, and 13 people publicly had decided to begin a relationship with Jesus.
“We saw the Spirit of God come down on that auditorium,” said IMB missionary Tim Wicker.
Fifty-five individuals attended an initial follow-up Bible study that more than 40 people are still visiting weekly. Believers see this as the beginnings of a new church.
“The prayer is for a church in every village and several in the larger towns (in Udmurtia),” said Jack Gilliland, virtual strategy coordinator (VSC) for the republic.
Jack, who also is pastor of Rea Valley Baptist Church in Flippin, Ark., visited Russia many times before following God’s call to become a VSC. Now he helps organize volunteer trips to Udmurtia. His most recent endeavor saw five men from Arkansas and Texas join IMB workers in helping with the Open Church event in Izhevsk, and conduct a Lead Like Jesus leadership conference that more than 60 Russia believers attended.
The men got to be a part of sharing the Gospel and distributing food packets with approximately 800 people through a total of four Open Church gatherings. They also prayerwalked and assisted in making preparations for future 2008 trips that will involve more workers conducting humanitarian work and English as a Second Language classes.
Jack said the benefits of volunteering in Central and Eastern Europe as a VSC group are incredible.
“We go where the missionaries do not live (i.e. virtual strategy coordinators) and ‘sub’ for them, while at the same time working with them to compliment what they would be doing if they actually lived there,” he said. “This is one of the most important and best ways that churches, mission groups or even in our case a whole association can be involved in helping with our call to get the Gospel to the world.”
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary student and volunteer Carl* said believers need to take action from across the ocean. Carl* traveled with the team in January and is currently preparing to serve as a missionary to Udmurtia with his wife.
“Now, more than ever, they need prayer support,” he said. “The enemy will not sit idly by as the Udmurtian believers share the love of Christ. Pray that God will continue to call short- and long-term volunteers to serve in Udmurtia. There is much to be done.”
Maurice Hitt, who served as the team leader for the January trip, agrees.
“When (people) are interceding for missionaries and missions needs, they are on the front lines of missions,” he said.
Those interested in future trips to Udmurtia with Jack’s groups can find more information at whiteriverba.com. Other volunteer projects and prayer requests are available at hope4russia.org. For additional details about the recent travels to Udmurtia, visit januaryudmurttrip.blogspot.com.
* Name changed for security reasons.