Russia
Population: 143,420,309
Ethnic groups: Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1%
Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other
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Our Ministry in Karachaevsk, Russia
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Who is our ministry partner in this area?
We are partnered with the local church in Karachaevsk, led by Pastor Dinislam.
Who are the people in this community and what are some of the life challenges they face?
This community of 35,000 people is 96% Muslim. The remainder are Russian Orthodox, except for a small group of about 60 believers. They are very poor and live mostly off the fruits of the land.
Why is Fellowship involved in this community?
We are continuing to explore opportunities for evangelism and teaching in this community due to the lack of Christians in the area. We also want to support and encourage the small group of believers that does exist.
What work and ministry has already been accomplished?
On our first trip a work crew completely renovated a building that the local church had purchased to not only use as a meeting place but a café to reach out to the Muslim community. This gave us a chance to see what the church was doing and to see and meet the leaders in the local church. The current trip being planned will involve conducting a sports camp for 80-100 Muslims. Through sports activities we will have the chance to reach out and build relationships with Muslim young people.
How can Fellowship benefit this community in the months and years to come?
Based on what we know so far, the best way to impact and support this community will be by encouraging and providing biblical training for the believers who are severely in the minority and have such a hard life.
What are some of our goals and strategies?
These have not yet been firmly established, as we are still in the ‘courting stage.’ After our second trip, we will have a much clearer picture of what our future relationship will look like.
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