06.10
I sat down with Dima Lazouta yesterday and he answered some of the questions that you texted me on Sunday. We didn’t have room to answer all the questions, so I tried to chose a sampling of the different subjects…
Q: I hear negative comments all the time regarding mission work and financial support to other countries when we have so many homeless and and hungry here in the United States. Can you give me your opinion?
Dema – We’re suppose to do both. Take care of our ‘Jerusalem,’ as well as the ‘ends of the earth.
Ken – Jesus said that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26). We should address poverty and I’m proud of how our church does this – through GENEROUS benevolence gifts (which continue to amaze me), as well as projects like Street Reach. But we should also spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Q: How do you keep the government from influencing your message in Belarus?
This problem is only difficult if you are connected with the government. We are separate from the government and don’t help the State or any political party. When the church was closely connected to the government, the government would use the church for its own purpose. We are aware of this danger, so we stay disconnected. Because of this, we say what we want.
Q: What is your favorite country to visit?
The United States, but we like it best because we have more friends here than in other countries (other than Belarus, of course).
Q: What is the population of Belarus and what percentage go to church and/or are Believers?
Ten million people live in Belarus. Two million of them live in Minsk, the capital, where we also live. About 2% of the population are Believers. Also, our country is ranked as the eleventh most difficult country in the world to become a Believer. 70 years of Soviet propaganda have hardened hearts toward Christ.
Q: How is it sitting in worship here compared to back home in Belarus?
The message is the same, but the worship style is different. Also, it’s very exciting to see so many people in a worship service. We don’t have large churches like WCC in Belarus.
Q: Does socialism generally de-emphasize the role of the church?
In Russia, yes, but that’s because the socialists are atheistic communists. In Europe, no. In fact, Christians are very content with a socialistic government because they see socialism’s goals aligning with biblical principles.
Q: Does (the socialistic) talk about redistribution of wealth violate the commandment of not to covet your neighbors’ property?
This is a deep question with no easy answer. In Europe, socialism is more balanced (than Russia) because European’s seek social justice. There may be some coveting involved, but socialism helps fulfill the Bible’s command to care for the poor and eliminate overwhelming debt. I personally believe that socialism focuses people on caring for others – especially the poor and sick – better than capitalism. Socialism does not have all the answers, though. Probably something between socialism and capitalism is best.
Q: Other than money and mission trips, how can we support your work in Belarus?
Dema – Prayer. Paul all the time is asking for prayer. You share so many resources with us (sending Ken and other leaders to train us, buying books for our training, sending people on mission trips for English school and the Orphanage, and also giving money), but prayer is the most important thing. We take prayer seriously. Please pray for wisdom and boldness for us. Pray for open hearts among unbelievers. Pray that God will raise business leaders who will fund our ministry.
Ken - the American Church has some strengths over the Belorussian Church. But, we could learn from their devotion to prayer. They depend on prayer and take it very seriously.
That’s all for this week. We’ll be answering your questions about how we know Christianity is right this Sunday. See you then…
