20 November 2024

Eurasia Region

Eurasia North Field

The Eurasia North Field began with the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Russia and the Ukraine in 1992 and continued to grow the work in countries like Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Georgia, Belarus, and Latvia. Since 2014, a state of war has existed between Russia and Ukraine, and in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, impacting much of the work on this field. By God’s grace, many churches have continued to minister to their communities in the midst of large-scale displacement of persons, the death and destruction that war brings, and the growing need for the most basic necessities. Nazarenes from across the denomination have gone to help in whatever ways they could to alleviate the pain and trauma of those caught up in the situation. All who have been on the giving and receiving sides of compassionate ministries in train stations and refugee camps have been changed by the experience. Many normal church activities have been disrupted if not halted. But outreach and learning continues through camps and Vacation Bible Schools (VBSs) across the field. The story today reminds us that missionaries, responding to God’s call upon their lives, continue to work in Jesus’ name in the face of whatever challenges may come. Often out of their own homes or flats for months at a time, they pour their lives out for others. And God gives increase, fruit for their labors of love, compassion, and sacrifice.

1,112 Members

39 Organized Churches; 3 Not Yet Organized Churches

33 District Licensed, and 24 Ordained Ministers on 5 Districts

From Classroom to Calling: Linda Russell's Lifelong Mission of Faith and Service

Life's tapestry is woven with experiences that shape purpose and direction. Linda Russell dedicated over 27 years to missionary work in the Eurasia North Field, serving as a Nazarene in Volunteer Service (NIVS) and later as a global assigned missionary until November 2022. During this time, she worked as the field finance coordinator by day and taught conversational English by night, bridging cultural gaps and nurturing faith among diverse students. Her summers were filled with joy as she coordinated youth teams for Vacation Bible Schools at church plants.

Linda, like most Nazarene missionaries, enjoyed the support of Links districts and churches that provided vital encouragement, offering uplifting messages that served, in her words, as "rays of sunshine and cups of cold water" on challenging days.

Now retired and back in her childhood home district of Philadelphia (USA), Linda's commitment to her mission remains strong. She actively promotes NMI in her local church, sharing the impact of Alabaster offerings with children and youth. Linda speaks at various churches, emphasizing missions and connecting with young leaders overseas. By providing updates on praises and prayer requests, she connects domestic congregations with the remarkable work taking place abroad, fostering a network of intercessory prayer.

After spending 17 years in public education, Linda embraced her missionary calling at the age of 40, seeing her earlier career as essential preparation for her mission. She acknowledges God's guidance throughout her journey and finds solace in Jeremiah 29:11, believing that God has plans to prosper her and give her hope. Today, she continues her mission by serving as a bridge, fostering prayer and support for those who are on the front lines of faith worldwide.

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to serve in the Eurasia Region? For more information, click here.

NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
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