Attacks by Chechen rebels will hurt ministry

Russia (MNN) — Attacks last week in Russia’s Ingushetia by Chechen rebels have ministry leaders concerned about their future work. The well planned attacks near the Chechen boarder left nearly 100 people dead. The attacks have Russian security officials on high alert.

Russian Ministries’ Sergey Rakhuba says the terrorist attacks shocked the nation. Speaking from Russia, Rakhuba says they have work among the Chechen people. “Of course it will affect us because (there will be) a lot more control a lot more violence and Russians will not be allowed there for a while because of this. Ultimately, for the next couple of months it will affect our outreach across the border with Chechnya and Ingushetia.” The attacks will hurt their summer camping ministry most as some of the camps could be prevented because of the military presence.

The attacks were only 20 to 30 miles away from Russian Ministries work. Rakhuba believes these attacks were spiritual in nature. Rakhuba says, “Whenever there’s success, we witness that there is always something happens like that, that tries to block our ministry.”

Chechnya is predominately Muslim and Rakhuba says there’s a spiritual battle that’s on-going and he doesn’t expect it to get any better. “Because of the international Muslim fundamental movement that is training young people to attack Russian targets, in opposition to that we train evangelical Christian leaders in that area that are so determined and so eager to continue their ministry to those groups that desperately need a Christian influence,” says Rakhuba.

Funding is needed to help train these leaders and support the national church in the region.