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| n A Siberian fisherman repairs his net in preparation for a day on the Yenisei River. Fishing is one of the mainstays of Siberian life |
That is the challenge facing the Siberian Branch of the Bible Society in Russia (BSR). Set up in Novosibirsk in 1994 to serve this vast region at the heart of the Russian Federation, the Siberian Branch is tackling this enormous task through a project entitled To the Ends of the Earth.
Begun in 1998 and funded by the UBS global Scripture initiative Opportunity 21, the project has to date distributed more than 66,000 items of Scripture to communities across Siberia – not an easy achievement, considering the distances and transport difficulties.
Although there are some cities, the largest of which is Novosibirsk with two million inhabitants, a significant part of Siberia’s population lives in far-flung towns, villages and settlements, some only reachable along potholed roads that become impassable in winter, or by long and arduous river journeys. There, the inhabitants live simple lives based on the traditions of hunting and fishing.
The task of distribution is made yet more complex by the rich diversity of the people who populate Siberia. Most are Russians but there are other nationalities such as Ukrainians. Furthermore, about four per cent of the population is made up of some 30 different ethnic groups indigenous to the region, each with its own language and culture.
Many of these groups follow the ancient practices of shamanism – an animist religion indigenous to the region – or Tibetan Buddhism, and resist the Gospel message. The atheism preached during the Communist era also still has a hold on many Siberians. Nevertheless, the church in Siberia is growing and the BSR’s Siberian Branch has 1,456 churches in its database.
“It is difficult to make generalisations about the Siberian region because it is so huge,” says Branch Director Alexei Bulatov, “but the church is definitely growing. In the south, in the Tuva Republic, for instance, 10 years ago there was not a single Christian among the Tuvin people. Now there are 100 churches.
“I compare Tuva with South Korea, where there was an explosion of the Gospel. The same thing is now happening in Tuva. In fact, missionaries from South Korea and the USA are active in Kyzyl (the Tuvin capital), and there are churches of all denominations there now. Even in villages where there is a lot of crime, Christians meet together.”
Alcoholism
Crime and social problems are rife in Siberia and are often linked to the widespread alcoholism that plagues communities across the region. Bringing the hope of God’s Word to these communities and serving the growing Siberian church is the goal of the BSR Siberian Branch, and Mr Bulatov and his staff of 15 do everything they can to meet this objective.
As well as undertaking long journeys in the summers to distribute Scriptures in orphanages, prisons, old people’s homes and other institutions, the BSR works with a broad range of churches, including Russian Orthodox, Baptist and Pentecostal. And to reach members of the smaller nations who tend to live in remote areas, the BSR has partnered with the Siberian Christian Mission of Mercy (SCMM), based in Krasnoyarsk.
“The mission works with very small nations,” says Mr Bulatov. “Two years ago working with the SCMM we met a lady who was the last representative of her nation, the Yugs. She has no children so her nation will die with her.
“We also visited the Kets, and there are only 700 of them left. Other groups may have a few thousand. The SCMM is sending Russian missionaries to these small nations but they also have a Bible school that is preparing missionaries, and some of these are natives of the small nations.”
The Bible Society provides Scriptures for work among these groups, in the local language where possible, or in Russian which most Siberians are able to speak. Parts of the Bible are available in about 10 of the 30 indigenous languages, and translation work is continuing. The most recent Scripture to be published in a language of Siberia, spoken by 200,000 people, is the Tuvin New Testament (see related feature).
The Rev Valerei Kolomeets, Director of the SCMM, is grateful for the translation work and for the support of the Bible Society. He spoke about the difficulties of reaching these far-flung peoples.
Dolgans
“On this map you can see pins for the places where we have work,” he said, indicating where his missionaries work across the length and breadth of Siberia. “In the far north, for instance, are the Dolgans. We have two missionaries among them who are Dolgans themselves. When they became Christians they started their own Bible studies because we were able to give them the Gospel in their own language.
“Their villages are about 3,000 km [1,875 miles] north of Krasnoyarsk. The price of a one-way plane ticket there is 6,000 roubles [US$207], which is expensive for our group. But to get to the Dolgans you either fly or go by reindeer!
“The Bible Society has been a great help in supplying literature for our work, especially Children’s Bibles, which are very popular. But the Society has not only provided us with Scriptures, they have also helped provide the transportation to reach remote communities.
Opportunities
“I want to thank the Bible Society and those who support it for helping us to reach these people,” Mr Kolomeets said. “With continuing support, even more outreach is possible. There are many opportunities in Siberia to reach new people, we just need the resources.”
The stories in this Special Report, gathered during a visit by the BSR to distribute Scriptures in southern Siberia last August, portray an encouraging and challenging picture of Bible work in Siberia. From the remarkable testimony of a violent criminal turned outspoken church leader, to the difficulties faced by a Christian woman living in a town hostile to the Gospel message, to stories about how God’s Word is transforming an entire village, it shows the powerful effect that God’s Word has on individuals and communities who come into contact with it. (SR 28/1 - 2.02) [PHOTOS]