In recent years, sharing the gospel in Russia has become increasingly challenging due to tightening government regulations and growing restrictions on religious activities. These obstacles have necessitated a shift in our strategy, with a growing emphasis on digital outreach as traditional methods become more difficult to sustain.
Increasing Government Control
The Russian government has been progressively tightening its grip on religious activities, making it increasingly difficult for Christian ministries and churches to operate freely. Laws governing religious activities have become more stringent, creating significant hurdles. One of the most pressing challenges is the requirement for all religious literature to bear an official government stamp, signifying its approval. This regulation has made it exceedingly difficult to distribute Derek Prince's Bible study books.
For example, a few years ago, Derek Prince's book Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting was labeled as "terroristic/extremist literature" by the Russian government. The authorities interpreted the book's message as potentially inciting revolution or an attempt to rewrite Russian history. As a result, copies of the book were confiscated from one of Russia's largest Christian bookstores. This incident underscores the precarious situation faced by Christian publishers and bookstores in the country, as they navigate the fine line between faith-based teachings and government scrutiny.
Despite all the difficulties and persecutions, the thirst for the Word of God and the teachings of Derek Prince continues to grow in Russia. Our latest book published in Russian, The Beast or the Lamb, has stirred great interest among Russian pastors and believers.
The Threat of Being Labeled a "Foreign Agent"
Another significant challenge arises from the Russian government's increasing use of the "foreign agent" label. This designation is often applied to organizations that receive funding from outside Russia, effectively branding them as spies. For the outreach of Derek Prince Ministries in Russia, which relies on international donations, this poses a grave risk. Being labeled a "foreign agent" not only threatens the ministry's ability to operate in Russia but also places local partners, such as pastors and church leaders, in jeopardy. Many are understandably fearful of distributing Christian literature, as doing so could associate them with a "foreign agent," potentially leading to severe consequences.
The Urgency of Distributing Existing Resources
Currently, DPM has approximately 50,000 books stored in a warehouse in Moscow. With the increasing restrictions on religious activities and the looming threat of being labeled a foreign agent, there is an urgent need to distribute these resources to and through church leaders while it is still possible. However, the growing difficulties in traditional distribution channels have made it clear that a new approach is needed.
Shifting Focus to Online Outreach
In response to these challenges, Derek Prince Ministries is pivoting its strategy in Russia to focus more heavily on digital content. This shift is not just a matter of convenience but a necessary adaptation to the current environment. With the physical distribution of literature becoming increasingly risky, the Internet offers a more secure and effective way to reach Russian believers.
We are investing in training young leaders to publish Derek Prince's teachings on platforms like YouTube. By focusing on video content and enhancing efforts in Russian video subtitling, DPM aims to ensure that the life-changing messages of Derek Prince continue to reach those who need them most, even in the face of government restrictions. Additionally, a secure website is being developed to provide a safe space for Russian Christians to access teachings and resources without fear of reprisal.
While the challenges of sharing the gospel in Russia are significant, Derek Prince Ministries remains dedicated to serving Russian believers and equipping the churches and ministers. We have been faithfully doing this since the 1980s and will continue until the return of the Lord Jesus. We are deeply grateful to all our donors for standing faithfully with our ministry. Because of this support, thousands of pastors in Russia have been educated and have grown in ministry through Derek's teachings. We believe that in the near future, we will be given even greater opportunities to serve Russian believers, and we need to multiply our efforts and resources in this direction.
