The Russia Initiative, a mission program of the General Board of Global Ministries

The Russia Initiative began in 1991 as a renewed ministry of United Methodism in Russia. This year we celebrate the 120th anniversary of the first Methodist ministry in Russia and the 100th anniversary since a Methodist Church was officially recognized in St. Petersburg. There are 129 churches and Bible groups in the Eurasia Episcopal Area, including Russia, Ukraine and other surrounding countries of the former Soviet Union. There are 128 pastoral leaders and 5 missionaries serving in the area. In a few weeks Bishop Hans Växby will lead the five annual conferences of the Eurasia UMC in developing a “road map” as a six-year vision for the whole Episcopal Area.

The heart of the Russia Initiative is in the partnerships between United Methodist congregations in the United States and Eurasia. Relational and financial support sustains many churches in their ministries throughout a vast area of eleven time zones.

This letter comes to you at a time when we have been seeing a decline in contributions through the Russia Initiative. We are now concerned whether there will be sufficient funds over the course of this year to support pastoral salaries and various important ministries. No doubt the economic downturn over the past year has been a factor. This letter is to let you know of the critical need in the Eurasia UMC. We kindly ask you to consider making a contribution to the Russia Initiative if at all possible in the next few months.

You may be a leader of a congregation that is currently partnered with a church in Eurasia. We are very grateful for your continuing support. Your congregation may be a former partner or may have made occasional contributions to the Russia Initiative. Whether you contribute to your respective partner church or give an undesignated gift “to be used where needed” – we thank you for your support that is urgently needed for our brothers and sisters at this time.
Funds transmittal forms are available on our website at: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/initiatives/russia

Grace and peace,

Jim Athearn
Dr. W. James Athearn
Coordinator, Russia Initiative
GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES
The United Methodist Church
116 Frasher Drive, Clear Brook, VA 22624
Tel: 540-662-2066 Fax: 540-662-6998