A Birthing in Belarus!
May 2015
A Capitol Ministries team has been invited to Belarus in Eastern Europe to explore an opportunity to plant a discipleship Bible study ministry in the Independent Republic’s Capitol to benefit national political leaders.
The effort is part of emergent objectives of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to broaden the use of the Bible in the nation’s culture.
Capitol Ministries was invited by Russian-born Mikhail Morgulis, a writer, theologian and President of the ministry, Spiritual Diplomacy who was asked by President Lukashenko to spearhead efforts.
The trip is scheduled for May 26 through June 1, and Capitol Ministries’ supporters will play an essential role in the success of the ministry partnership through prayer.
“We welcome prayer that the people, the Parliament, President Lukashenko, and Prep School Officials who are exploring teaching the Bible in schools, will be open to the Gospel, as only our Lord can birth what we are attempting to achieve for the growth of His Kingdom,” said Ralph Drollinger, President and Founder of Capitol Ministries.
The Capitol Ministries contingent will include a number of people who will offer a variety of ways to infuse the Bible into the culture.
As the first American Congressman ever to address the Belarus Parliament, Congressman Stevan Pearce, New Mexico 2nd District, will speak on the biblical foundation of the United States Constitution, the cornerstone upon which our nation was built. He will talk about how the biblical concepts of truth, honesty, fairness, trust and hope can benefit Belarus as its political leaders, in developing their nation, look to the West.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Congressman Pearce will introduce Pastor Dmitry Lazouta, Capitol Ministries’ ministry leader for Belarus, and Pastor Oleg Rachkovski, Capitol Ministries’ Regional Director for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries). Congressman Pearce is a leading Congressional Sponsor of Capitol Ministries in Washington D.C.
Danielle Drollinger will represent Washington D.C.’s Museum Of The Bible (MOTB). In a meeting with the Belarusian Federal Minister of Public Education, she will present The MOTB’s 4-year public school curriculum, “The Bible as Literature.” The curriculum, to be translated into Russian, is a four-year textbook course that is integrated with iPad technology.
Bill Alexson, former Boston Celtic Chaplain, and the President of Sportspower International Ministries, will be bringing a team of retired NBA players to compete with the Belarusian national team in a game that will be televised nation-wide. During the televised halftime, Alexson and the retired NBA players will present the message of the Bible.
The United States recognized Belarus’ independence and established Diplomatic Relations with the country on December 25, 1991 under President George H.W. Bush after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which Belarus had been a constituent republic. The country has been run by President Lukashenko since 1994.
The trip to Belarus fits well with Capitol Ministries’ international expansion efforts to establish effective discipleship ministries in federal Capitols throughout the world. At the same time, Capitol Ministries continues its twin mission of planting Bible-teaching ministries in U.S. State Capitols and local civic governments.
“We are thrilled by all that God is doing in Belarus,” Drollinger said. “This is a tremendous open door; As co-laborers in our joint ministry effort to reach Public Servants for Christ throughout the world in the years ahead, please be praying for these immediate opportunities.
“It’s time we quit playing ‘patty-cake’ in world missions and start to dynamically impact whole nations for Christ. That is certainly what I intend to do as long as I am the President of Capitol Ministries.”