Russia is basically divided into three major parts. The first is Eastern Europe, which extends to the Ural Mountains. The second part stretches from the Urals to most of the rest of Russia. The third part on the edge of the Pacific Ocean is called, “The Russian Far East.” Russia is the largest country in the world covering 11 time zones.
From its onset, it has had a great challenge in ruling this huge area. Moscow being the heart of the country is quite a modern city. St. Petersburg also is a developed city but most of the rest of the country is many years behind the United States. There are thousands of villages in Russia that still use horses, wagons, and crude utilities.
When the doors of Russia and the Former USSR opened up in 1989, there was a flood of Christian organizations coming and beginning evangelistic programs. Unfortunately there were also many cults that came in and set up camp.
In many ways these cults were more organized and systematic in their efforts to take in converts and indoctrinate them. After the first few years, the Christian organizations began to leave the Former USSR, especially after new laws were implemented to limit foreign religious organizations in their work.
Is God finished in Russia? Certainly not! We had a window of time to do specific work. I believe now we have another window with a new focus and strategy from the Holy Spirit.
There is a new wave of Holy Spirit energy work in this part of the world. There is no doubt in my heart that God will use the Russian people as missionaries that will have no problem going to the ends of the earth. The Russian people are very creative and are well known to have abilities to live under harsh conditions and to endure great hardships. Get them saved, filled with the Holy Spirit and educated on the Word of God – and they will be ready to go!
The new Russian wave is just beginning. Pray with us for God to send laborers and tools to equip this army of new believers and so we can get them to the Nations.
Jim has been an active leader in the local church for many years. Some of the areas he has worked in include pastoring, teaching, altar counseling, singles ministry, youth ministry, prison ministry, ministry to the deaf, evangelistic outreaches, church building projects, hosting mission teams, and church planting.
Jim ministers with an emphasis on teaching and facilitating unity among believers. For many years now his heart has been stirred to serve the Lord abroad with a calling to the Russian-speaking people wherever they may be. Jim has helped many in this people group to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. Jim has also worked in the Far East of Russia. There he assisted the Christian churches in the areas of growth and unity by giving counsel conducting seminars and leadership schools.
Jim Harper is married to Tanya and they have three children: Anna Marie, Natasha Joy and Jimmy Andrew.