October 4, 2024
CUMMING, Ga. — The United States has a long history of immigration. It is a country built on the backs of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty standing in the New York City harbor bears a quote from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, “New Colossus,” that says, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Russians and many others from Russian-speaking countries in Eastern Europe have a long history of turbulent times. From WWI to the Russian Revolution, WWII, and the tempestuous 90s, many of those people have opted to move to the United States or some other country with hopes for a better life.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the exodus from both countries has been substantial. The war has resulted in increased immigration to the United States. Consequently, Georgia and in particular the metro Atlanta area has a significant population of Russian-speaking people.
According to Buck Burch, the mission’s catalyst for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, five Russian-speaking churches in greater Atlanta identify with Georgia Baptists.
Pastor Max Lisovskiy and the Russian-speaking Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, now meeting in the facilities of North Gwinnett Baptist Church, are at work forging strong relationships with refugees from Ukraine. Currently, 20 percent of the 200-member Lighthouse church fellowship is made up of Ukrainian refugees.
Lisovskiy and his church family have helped the Ukrainian refugees find jobs, secure housing, establish bank accounts, acquire driver’s licenses, and assist with all the paperwork required in moving one’s residence to a new country.
Another is the Living Stone Russian Baptist Church, affiliated with the Lanier Baptist Association, in Cumming, Ga. This church was started two years ago when Russia initially invaded Ukraine. Three families met and decided to establish a church north of Atlanta.
The Living Stone Russian Baptist Church is comprised of individuals from Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries including, Belarus, Moldova, Poland, and Kazakhstan. This young church is ready to reach out to anyone, especially those who speak the Russian language, love them and lead them into the family of God.
Pastor Andrew Mineev, his wife, Oxana, and their family were instrumental in launching the church, which now has a regular attendance of approximately 80 according to Boris Lebedev, who assists Mineev with the preaching and leadership responsibilities of the church. Lebedev has a goal of starting 10 new Russian-speaking churches in Georgia in the near future.
The services are accented by multiple prayers: prayers by the pastors, prayers by the members, prayers by those who testify, and prayers where two or three are gathered in the service to faithfully approach God’s throne of grace. The sermons are faithfully prepared, passionately delivered, and true to God’s Holy Word.
The church regularly meets on Sunday afternoons, but many of the members arrive early to enjoy the fellowship with other believers. After the worship service, there is generally a full meal provided by the families in the church, characterized by a convivial communion of those in attendance.
Zara Damore, one of the members of the church, testified, “This church is an important part of my life. We all share a common love for our Lord and experience a sense of peace and blessing as we communicate with our God.”
Another Living Stone member commented, “Through Christian fellowship we help each other to get better and closer to each other and closer to God. We encourage, teach, and even correct each other as we seek to love God and love each other.”
Ivan Vilcov, one of the lay leaders, explained, “The greatest need in my life was the need for a Savior. Jesus saved me and brought a whole new meaning into my life. He is my friend and a friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Vilcov’s daughter, Emma, 11, stated, “Jesus is my friend, and I love to sing for Him. I am trusting Him to save me from sickness, bullying, and fear.”
Mineev is a dedicated servant of God, who loves people and serves as a catalyst to lead and inspire the people. He and his family are examples to all, and his winsome personality has drawn scores of people into this family of faith.
Russia and Ukraine may be at war in Eastern Europe, but among the Russian-speaking churches in Georgia there is a tie that binds them together in Christian love.
