An evangelical pastor in Minsk says the country’s current turmoil could help open it up for the gospel.
‘Some people have seen us supporting victims … and God in His sovereignty is maybe using this time to recreate the reputation of the evangelical church here.’
The protesters have been entirely peaceful, with Pastor Taras noting that people were taking their shoes off before they stood on benches to look over the crowd. The police have been dragging the peaceful protesters off the streets, and attempting to stop even accredited journalists from filming.
Taras established an evangelical church with 12 believers in 2008. It now has around 56 members. ‘Despite the persecution and the trouble the government is trying to make, the gospel is powerful to save people.’
State-vetted evangelism
Churches are able to register in order to conduct evangelism openly. However, Taras was told by the registrar as he presented all his documents for registration: ‘There is an unwritten law that we shouldn’t give registration to new evangelical churches.’
Taras explained: ‘Because of [a] union between the Orthodox Church and the government, [there is an] unofficial resolution to suppress alternative religions. There’s a very negative interpretation around evangelicals. We’re seen as Western, alien, destructive, and there to take over political power and to change the regime.’
