KGB Bullies Bust Into Church |
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| Written by Paul | |
| Monday, 02 April 2007 | |
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So says Christian News... Paul The Soviet Union is gone, but some of its oppressors are still active and persecuting Christians in the former countries of the Soviet Union. One is a pro-Russian enclave within the borders of Moldova called Transnistria. It is near the Black Sea, in south Eastern Europe. It is an outlaw regime that is involved in many illicit activities, including money laundering, sex trafficking, and arms smuggling. The Transnistrian regime exists only because of the military and political support of Russia. Critics say the regime is corrupt and has committed various human rights abuses including persecution of the church. But Christians are speaking out. For more than 10 years, members of the Church of Jesus Christ the Savior in Tiraspol have worked to bring light to this darkness and corruption. The church runs an orphanage that houses and teaches 26 children. They learn ethics and biblical principles. Part of the church also serves as an adult rehabilitation center. Victor is a former alcoholic who was denied hospitalization when he broke his back. "They got me out of the hospital because I didnt have money to pay for the treatment," he said. "These people brought me here." Valya's life was also transformed: "I was an alcoholic, smoked and didnt have a place to live. Now I am completely free from alcohol and cigarettes." The church also ministers in local prisons. Despite the good it is doing, it is a target of the Transnistria regime. Yurii Semeniuk is the senior pastor. He said, "They broke up the church services -- KGB agents and other officials are always present at our church services. Very often I am being interrogated for 4-5 hours." "Also, we have to get permission for all the sermons and preaching; we can preach only what they consider is right," he added. The pastor says that church members are threatened with false charges of terrorism if they dont agree to bribe government officials. A church spokesman said that the regime feels threatened and that has resulted in a clash between Communists and Christian evangelicals. Semeniuk said, "Believers and all people need to be free to express their beliefs, views, and faith without oppression." Church members ask fellow Christians to pray for them, and place pressure on the Transnistrian regime to end the hostilities. www.cbn.com
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