Westerners are naturally curious about Russia, the massive country rich in culture and history that had been closed to Americans for seventy years. With the falling of the Iron Curtain, it became much easier for Americans and Russians to meet and learn about each others’ customs, lifestyles and religions. When WELS first started working in Russia, hundreds of people flocked to learn about the Bible each week. Times have changed. With a strong Russian Orthodox Church denouncing all western churches as well as a booming economy pulling people away from spiritual matters, mission work has become increasingly difficult. Today one missionary and one Russian pastor work to serve four congregations and equip leaders in the church. We pray for a second missionary to join them soon. Igor Logvinov, the Russian pastor, also conducts radio devotions three times a week. The radio program has been a wonderful outreach tool as well as a way to preach the Good News to the elderly who can’t get out and those who are too timid to go to a Lutheran church. Please keep the Russian Mission in your prayers!