Do Not Travel: The Increasing Importance of the Russian Translation Project
You Can Still Make a Difference
On February 12, 2023, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory for Russia: Do not travel.1 They’ve also told U.S. citizens to leave Russia immediately. “U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said, and also warned, “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”2
Russian pastors gather. They’re working hard to bring the gospel truth to their country.
These travel restrictions place an increasing importance on The Influence Lab’s Russian Translation Project. At this point, over 7,000 evangelical pastors are waiting for printed and digital copies of Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry and You.” Already translated into Russian, we have not yet met the need for these books to go to print.
And, because of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the travel restrictions, we must be extremely careful in getting the funds into the hands of our inside people for this project to continue. In the interest of protecting our inside sources from possible persecution, we cannot share names, but these are trusted people who—if we can get the funds physically into their hands—will oversee the printing and distribution of this much-needed book.
“We can’t release names or photos,” said Phil Cooke, “but this is our chance to help make things happen from the inside. These pastors desperately need the tools that will help them share the gospel in today’s digital age and counteract propaganda with truth.”
“Maximize Your Influence” will equip Russian pastors with digital strategies to share the gospel.
Endorsed by YouVersion’s founder Bobby Gruenewald, OneHope president Rob Hoskins and Avail leadership consultant Sam Chand, “Maximize Your Influence” helps pastors navigate the digital age. The book equips ministry leaders in the mindset and messaging that will engage audiences in today’s digital generation. In countries like Russia where access to training in digital media strategies is limited, it’s a critical resource.
Because of the political climate and the challenge of going under the radar, the total needed for this project is now estimated at $25,000.
Can you help? We’re seeking partners to consider generous gifts of $10,000, $5,000 $500 or even $50.
You can still make a difference. Let’s support these Russian pastors and help them know they are not alone. Give here.
The Influence Lab is a Guidestar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency. View our 2023 2023 Candid Seal of Transparency on Guidestar here.
1https://ru.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-russia-do-not-travel-february-12-2023/
2https://www.reuters.com/world/us/united-states-tells-citizens-depart-russia-immediately-2023-02-13/