My last missionary trip to Russia took place in May 2019. Whenever I travel to Russia, I always spend time in the Moscow Baptist Theological Seminary fellowshipping with students, professors and staff. I was involved in organizing the Moscow Seminary in 1993, and I helped as a visiting lecturer when there was a lack of Russian-speaking professors. For the last twenty-eight years I have also served as a trustee of the seminary.

This year the seminary faced its first serious hurdle since its inception.  A governmental commission came in October 2018 and found a reason to close the seminary building for two months – January to March 2019. The commission gave two reasons for its action: one seminary professor failed to go for his annual physical checkup and a few professors were not qualified to teach. As it turned out, the professor scheduled his annual checkup after the commission finished its work. Regarding teaching qualifications of the professors, it was discovered that some of their degrees, earned in the West, were not translated into Russian on time. Hence, a $5000 fine was issued, which the seminary challenged without success.

The seminary continued to operate even after the seminary building was sealed (closed).  Classes were held at the headquarters of the Russian Baptist Union in Moscow. On March 25 the seminary building was unsealed. Praise God, the seminary program continues unabated. In my meetings with professors and seminary staff, I found them confident and fully trusting God for the future.

Then, I had the joy of participating in the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Baptist Church in Khimki, a suburb of Moscow. This was one of the first churches in the Moscow Region where I regularly ministered in the nineteen-eighties and nineties. Through many trying years, the congregation in Khimki was finally able to build their own sanctuary through the help of Slavic Missionary Service. Today, the congregation has a vibrant Christian witness in this thriving suburb of Moscow. 

During the trip I also spent time in the Tambov Region of Central Russia, the home of my family.  I ministered in five Baptist churches and lectured in a Bible Institute for students in the “Black Soil Region” of Russia (Lipetsk, Tambov and Voronezh). Also, I was given the opportunity to share my Christian experience in a seminar organized by Orthodox believers, who are praying for a spiritual renewal within the Orthodox Church of Russia.

Another unusual opportunity arose while visiting Tambov. An art exhibit, dedicated to the “Antonov Uprising,” was held in the main museum of Tambov. During the award ceremony, I was given the privilege to address the large crowd gathered for this unique occasion. The reason for such an unusual opportunity to bear a Christian witness was the fact that I am a direct descendant of one of the participants of the Antonov Uprising. 

Sharing the story of my family, I was able to witness to a very diverse audience what it means to be a Christian. Present were outstanding businessmen, city leaders and professional people from all walks of life. The people who came to the exhibit were eager to receive a copy of the book about my family, which bears a very clear explanation of the Christian faith.

All in all, I had twenty-seven meetings during the nineteen days spent in Russia. I thank God for all those who make my continuing ministry possible by assisting both prayerfully and financially. Thank you for your partnership in all these amazing ministries.

George Boltniew,
SMS Representative