Christian Leadership Vacuum in Belarus, by Heidi Boesl, at Mission Network News
"While the nation remains in a position and state of peace, the church struggles to grow due to increasing opposition from the government.
"Why? After seven decades as a republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than have any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on December 8, 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration.
"Just a few years ago, all foreign missionaries and Christian workers were deported. A Christian leadership vacuum took place within a few days. Resilient believers took charge and began to rise up in positions of leadership within the body of Christ to fill the voids left by these new ministry vacancies."