Critical Update: Join us in prayer
DATE: February 11, 2019
Dear friends, prayer supporters, and family of Russian Leadership Ministries,
Peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In our Thanksgiving report sent to you in November, we reported the comprehensive physical and operational inspections that the Russian government commenced on all private educational institutions.
Russian Government Inspection of MTS
Moscow Theological Seminary was subjected to these inspections over three days in the month of October. While the Seminary was generally found to be in order, certain infractions were recorded by the government. They were then addressed by the administration. In our Thanksgiving report, we asked you for prayer for wisdom, justice, and boldness in the matter.
In December, the Russian courts issued findings that could lead to a temporary cessation of building operations until these findings were proven to be rectified. The seminary had rectified the issues and so they appealed in the normal course of the judicial system.
Adverse Court Decision
To our surprise and disappointment, on February 1 the regional appellate court (Perovsky Court in the city of Moscow) affirmed previous court decisions – requiring the suspension of activity at Moscow Theological Seminary for 60 days starting from January 25. This means that all employees of the Seminary are sent (home) on leave and that the Seminary doors are sealed by the bailiff.
During this suspension, we are encouraged that the faculty continues its teaching ministry as volunteers in the churches and the administrative offices of the Russian Baptist Union. Above is a picture of President Peter Mitskevitch at the opening of the Leadership Summit “Building a Christ-centered Youth Service” (January 29, 2019)
Join Us in Prayer
Please pray for the leadership of the Russian Baptist Union, the MTS Board of Directors, suspended faculty and staff, and students. We pray together for wisdom, discernment, and our team’s responses to these challenges.
The Seminary President (Peter Mitskevitch) reminds us of James 1:2-4 which tells us to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Thank you in advance for your continued support. We need you – and we deeply appreciate you. If any of our readers have specific questions, you may feel free to direct your questions to Dale Kemp at dakemp@russianleadership.org.
May God bless the ministry of our Russian brothers and sisters through the Moscow Theological Seminary.
For His Glory,
Dale Kemp, President and Board Chair
Ian Chapman, President Emeritus and Founder
POSTED Feb 12, 2019