While I am an ELCA pastor, my ministry in the former Soviet Union is supported through the cooperation of American and German Lutherans. ELCA Global Mission and the Evangelical Lutheran Mission of Lower Saxony (Hermannsburg) have worked together for almost six years now to more effectively accompany the church in this place, and it seems that both sides of the partnership benefit from this situation.

While the ELCA (through the Central States Synod) has for many years maintained a relationship with the Russian Far East, ELM efforts have been focused in Siberia. But just as recent CSS delegations have made stops in the western part of the country in order to gain a wider perspective, this year leaders from Hermannsburg decided that it was time for them to get an up-close look at Vladivostok. While their trip lasted only three days, the group (Mission Director Michael Thiel, Head of International Partnerships Mirjam Laaser, and Waldemar Rausch who is most directly responsible for Russia-related projects) was able to gain a positive first impression of the region and its leaders. Examples of the hospitality shown to us include a city tour led by long-time member at St. Paul Lutheran in Vladivostok, Irina Barsegova, and a celebration of Harvest Day worship at St. Mary's in Ussuriysk.

New friendships were formed and a deeper understanding of the context was established such that our walking together in the future might become more personal and more deeply rooted in our common sense of faith and mission.