opposition for sharing his faith.[br]Photo: Baptist Council of Churches
On June 1st, Vladimir Burshtyn was detained because he had been sharing his Christian faith on the streets of Drogichin, Belarus. The elderly man received a $300 fine for his actions. (For further details on this incident, go to this report.) However, this was not the first time Vladimir was punished for practising his faith. He was previously fined in 2005 for leading an unregistered congregation, and again in 2008 for sharing his faith publicly.
The latest fine is equivalent to more than one month's average pension for a senior citizen like Vladimir. Despite the substantial opposition, the elderly man has determined to walk in the footsteps of the disciples who, in Acts 5, were forbidden from teaching publicly. In response to the persecution they encountered, these first-century believers replied, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). As a result of Vladimir's desire to share the eternal hope that's available through Christ, the district prosecutor threatened him on July 27th with criminal prosecution for "incitement of racial, ethnic, religious or other social hatred or discord" if he continues to share his faith in public.
A new and more restrictive religion law is presently being reviewed by the parliament of Belarus. If adopted in its present form, current restrictions would continue and, in some cases, increase. Not only will all churches be required to register with the government, but even those currently registered will be ordered to re-register within one year. For more on the persecution facing Christians in Belarus, read our country report.
Praise God for the unwavering commitment of this elderly believer, who is determined to spread the Gospel despite personal risks. Pray that Vladimir will receive renewed strength, fortitude and peace in the days to come. May God guide the actions of Belarusian parliament officials as they consider the proposed revisions to the country's religion law, directing their decisions so that our Christian brothers and sisters in this Eastern European nation will be granted religious freedom.
