The Soviet Union – the country with the largest land mass in the world – has within its borders over a hundred ethnic groups speaking hundreds of languages and dialects. Stretching nearly halfway around the world (11 time zones) this area represents one of the most diverse mixtures of races and people found anywhere in the world.
And now The Forerunner is appearing in the Russian language. Last April, at Christian Youth International’s Evangelism Training Seminar in Moscow, a staff of over 30 students were assembled who will be writing and distributing a newspaper to the university campuses all across the Soviet Union.
From Moscow to Vladivostok, Riga to Kiev, thousands of Russian speaking university students will be receiving a newspaper declaring that God’s word is sovereign over every area of Soviet life. Passages of scripture with expository teaching will be included in this publication, along with the exciting stories of the throngs of young people who are coming to know God daily.
Soviet students will discover for the first time, the heritage of Russia which is rich in Christian history, as well as principles for the reformation of their government. Articles on science, music, the arts, economics, education – all fields of learning – will be presented from a uniquely Christian perspective.
Two managing editors from Kiev, several journalism majors, artists and photographers from campuses all across the Soviet Union are eager to begin work on this publication. We will be training the staff in workshops to be held at a national leadership conference in Moscow in July, and the editors will receive in depth training for the following three weeks at the main editorial office in Kiev.
How you can help
The workers are ready and waiting. The only remaining need is funding for computer equipment, supplies and staff salaries. This is where you can help! Your tax deductable gift is needed at this time to bring the gospel in printed form to the university campuses of the Soviet Union.
Currently, the exchange rate of American dollars for Soviet rubles is so high that a gift of only $100 can pay a one year salary for one of Soviet students who will be employed as full time staff members. Computer hardware and software, including a laser printer, will also be donated to the Soviet Forerunner. This is your opportunity be a part of the work in one of the most fertile harvest fields in the world today!
There are two ways in which you can help to ensure the success of this valuable effort:
1. Donate a special gift. Computer equipment and other needed supplies are being paid for by individuals through tax deductible gifts. Other costs, such as shipping, mailing and printing, are also going to need to be covered for the first few issues.
2. Buy a subscription to The Forerunner. When you buy a new subscription, renew your subscription, or add a year to your current subscription, a portion of your money will be used to pay for much needed supplies for the Soviet Forerunner. Will you be a part of this important effort?
