Reaching Russia and the Ukraine through B.E.E.

B.E.E. - Biblical Education by Extension

Biblical Education by Extension is an international organization focusing on training local church leaders to plant churches across their country.

For over 18 years, Abraham and Diane Bible have lived in Urkaine, training Christian leaders.

The vision: to develop training centers where Ukrainians would receive Bible knowledge and leadership skills as they develop into church leaders. This ministry training concept quickly multiplied as God gave Ukrainian ministry teams a vision to expand into Russia. Today, over a dozen Ukranian missionary couples have been trained and live in Russia with thousands of students. Their goal is that all of these students would have an evangelistic Bible study in their homes.

B.E.E. expands into Russia

Bible Education by Extension, coordinated by our missionaries, Abe and Diane Bible, continue to expand and grow into regions of Russia.

A description of the average Russian's culture and attitudes towards Christ follows: Russians tend to be aggressive and very argumentative. The example of leadership has been a dictatorship and this is as strong in the church as other places. Also, there are few men. Mortality rate for men is about age 57. The established churches are 80% women which makes it difficult to raise up men leaders.

The main hindrance to the Gospel in Russia is that people have no Christian influence or background so they need a lot of input before they can make a decision for Christ. Small, home based Bible studies provide solid education and positive exposure to the love and teachings of Christ.

Another challenge is the low percentage of evangelical Christians. Many national evangelical Christians still isolate themselves from society because of the previous decades of persecution. It is very hard for them to accept new Christians because of the vast difference between the Christian sub-culture and overall society.

B.E.E. Russia

Leo & Natasha Druz (Lake Baikal region) live in the city of Kamerovo where people are very cautious and reluctant to accept strangers due to many cases of stealing. They are building friendships with two families and God answered their prayers for a Christian baby sitter. Natasha testifies about positive changes in the wives of pastors and elders who have attended the training. They are more open and are starting to support the spiritual ministries of their husbands.

Sergei Kachuk & leaders (Far East of Siberia) are beginning a ministry with 40 Bible study groups of unbelievers. His local men are starting 10 new churches that were unbelievers’ groups last year.

Russ & Mira Muratav (Lake Baikal region) struggled for 3 years with ministry leadership in one area. Now, with new leaders who support B.E.E. training, he has requests for training from all over the region!

East Asia: Russia & Ukraine Today

Once part of the Soviet Union, Russia is the world's largest country in land mass.

In the 1980's, religious toleration increased dramatically. Churches recovered property seized by the Soviet government. Church attendance shot up and Sunday Schools opened across the country. Unfortunately, this window of opportunity has narrowed.

Today, Abe writes of renewed restrictions: "The Kingdom of darkness is not sitting still. Nearly all western missionaries need to leave Russia every 3 months for visa renewal. Many are not granted renewal visas. All independent TV networks have been taken over by the state. A security sweep has "cleaned up" the media and tough censorship laws are in place. Please continue to pray for us."