THE UNBROKEN HYMN

Nestled amidst the fertile plains and dense forests of Eastern Europe, Belarus stands as a nation deeply marked by history. From the devastation of World War II, where every third citizen perished, to the enduring shadow of the Chernobyl disaster that rendered vast swathes of its land uninhabitable, Belarusians carry a legacy of hardship. Politically aligned with Russia and often described as Europe’s “last dictatorship,” its path since Soviet collapse has been complex, hindered economically by outdated models and restrictive politically.

Religiously, while 79% identify as Christian, the dominant Orthodox Church holds sway, often viewing other denominations with suspicion, a stance solidified by a highly restrictive 2002 Religion Law demanding state registration and limiting activities. Yet, within this challenging landscape, a story of remarkable resilience and quiet revival unfolds – the story of the Lutheran Church in Belarus and the home mission Belarus Lutheran Missionary Fellowship (BLMF).

The Lutheran flame in Belarus was lit remarkably early. While Luther nailed his theses in Wittenberg, Belarusian humanist Francisk Skaryna was translating and publishing parts of the Bible in his native tongue in Prague, later bringing his press home, driven by a desire for his people to know God’s Word. Quickly, Lutheran churches sprang up across the land, from Vitsyebsk to Polatsk, even finding resonance among some Orthodox clergy. For centuries, patronized by dukes and nobility, the church flourished independently.

Recognizing the need for unity and spiritual nourishment, after much prayer to God, the Belarus Lutheran Missionary Fellowship was formed, led by Pastor Valery Hryhoryk. Its core mission was clear:

1. Restore the Biblical, historical Lutheran Church in Belarus;
2. Make Disciples, proclaiming the Gospel and fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission; and
3. Show Christ’s Love through active charity and service.

In 2006, Pastor Valery Hryhoryk got in touch with Pastor Bill Moberly, a director of East European Missions Network (EEMN) in the USA, and after much prayer a partnership in the Gospel was established between EEMN and BLMF. BLMF also became a member of ELSA (European Lutheran Sunday School association, Norway), directed by Alf Dambolt, with the aim to restore Sunday School work in Belarus.

Operating in an environment where non-Orthodox groups are often labelled “sects” and face political and ecclesiastical obstacles, the BLMF started, employing creativity and perseverance.

Annual Summer Bible Camps are going non-stop since 2005. God said to us that we need to grow our parishioners… it is vital to create conditions for talking about the Gospel. We gather youth and kids to grow faith lost under communism. We build relationships and plant seeds of truth! Bible camp became a place for many children to pray to the Great God for the first time in their lives. Seeing former camp children, like Nastya Zuboreva, now bringing their own children, embodies the “succession of generations! Praise the Lord!

Singing the Gospel: Facing public preaching bans, the “Golden Gate” music studio and club create songs that spark thoughts of God and eternity. We leverage concerts and participation in national music events, including TV shows, to spread God’s message melodically. The recorded spiritual songs are present in all social network platforms.

Hands of Love: The “On Duty for Good” movement mobilizes youth to serve the needy, exemplified by their ongoing partnership with the Society of Invalids in Vitsyebsk, offering practical aid and spiritual companionship.

Spreading the Word: Through “Good Book Publishes” initiative, over 40,000 Lutheran books in Russian have been distributed across Belarus and the vast Russian-speaking diaspora since 2005.

Meeting People Where They Are: Innovative “Market Mission” is established with the aim to build “handshake relationships” with ordinary people like seller Marina, who gratefully accepted a Bible, opening doors for future discipleship.

 Core Spiritual Life: Regular Bible studies, youth meetings, church services, and prayer gatherings sustain the faithful within BLMF congregations.

This year BLMF celebrates its 20^th Anniversary!  For 20 years BLMF has been planting seeds – in children at camp, in melodies on the airwaves, in books passed hand-to-hand, in meals shared at the market, and in acts of service – praying for growth in God’s time.

We are grateful to God for all these years of service and protection. We are grateful to God’s servants Bill and Sally Moberly who came to visit us back in 2006, where it was not safe to travel to post-communist countries and when the support for the just emerged BLMF was so much needed. Thank you, Lord, for their boldness!

Partnering with Awakening Lives to World Missions (ALWM) and its director Pastor Bill Moberly, and with the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), we look forward ‒ not to ease ‒ but to continued faithfulness. In the heart of a nation marked by struggle, the Lutheran community of Belarus continues its quiet hymn of resilience, hope, and unwavering commitment to sharing the transformative love of Christ. The story of Belarus Lutheranism and BLMF is one of faith refusing to be silenced that still continues.