Child Evangelism Fellowship Designated as "Undesirable"
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Child Evangelism Fellowship Designated as "Undesirable"

Ms. Park Tae-yeon is smiling.
Ms. Park Tae-yeon
Photo: VOM Korea

The American-based ministry, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), was recently added to Russia's list of "undesirable organizations." This decision creates serious risks for CEF workers in the country, as well as for the churches and organizations currently using the ministry's materials.

One such worker is Park Tae-yeon, who was arrested on January 15th and is now facing charges that could result in a prison sentence of up to 17 years. The retired missionary's trial is scheduled to begin on July 28th. See more details on her case.

The decision to designate CEF as an "undesirable organization" was made on July 6th. No explanation was provided for the ministry's inclusion on the list. According to Dr. Hyun Sook Foley of VOMK, possessing or distributing the ministry's materials, providing financial support, or maintaining any other form of association with CEF could result in criminal charges.

While Ms. Park's charges are related to immigration matters, and CEF has not been mentioned in her indictment, those following the case are concerned that it may be used to gather information about individuals, churches and organizations with ties to the ministry.

  • In addition to praying for the Lord to strengthen and encourage Ms. Park as her trial approaches, ask that His mighty intervention would take place during the court proceedings relating to this retired missionary's case, so she will soon be able to return home to South Korea as originally planned.
  • May God grant wisdom, discernment and protection to Christian ministries throughout Russia that are seeking to share the Gospel message with children amid increasing challenges.
  • Pray that believers residing in this vast country will stand firm in their faith, and that our Almighty God's church throughout Russia would continue to grow in strength, unity and fruitfulness.

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  • Child Evangelism Fellowship Designated as "Undesirable"
    Ms. Park Tae-yeon is smiling.
    Ms. Park Tae-yeon
    Photo: VOM Korea

    The American-based ministry, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), was recently added to Russia's list of "undesirable organizations." This decision creates serious risks for CEF workers in the country, as well as for the churches and organizations currently using the ministry's materials.

    Read more...

  • New Charges Filed Against Retired Missionary
    Ms. Park Tae-yeon is smiling.
    Ms. Park Tae-yeon
    Photo: VOM Korea

    In January, Ms. Park Tae-yeon – a long-serving missionary who lovingly cared for children in Russia – was planning to retire after 33 years of ministry. However, before she could return to South Korea, Russian authorities prevented the Christian woman from leaving the country. In the process, they also arrested her for alleged immigration violations. (For more details, see this report.)

    Read more...

  • Missionary Detained Under Questionable Charges
    Missionary Park Tae-yeon is smiling.
    Online petition seeks release of retiring
    Korean missionary from Russian prison.
    Photo: VOM Korea

    Ms. Park Tae-yeon is a recently retired Korean missionary who served in Russia as a children's ministry worker with Child Evangelism Fellowship. At the age of 69, she decided that it was time for her to retire and return to Korea. Reflecting on her 33 years of ministry, the Christian woman described herself as "married to Russia."

    Read more...

  • Unregistered Churches Face Opposition
    A large congregation meets outside in front of their church.
    A worship meeting outside a closed church.
    Photo: Council of Churches Baptist via Forum18

    In both Russia and areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by Russian troops, unregistered churches have been experiencing increasing pressures. Officials have forced some congregations to close, while threatening others with penalties if they continue to gather for worship.

    In the city of Rostov-on-Don, Pastor Oleg Volkov was recently fined for "unlawful missionary activity" due to his involvement with an unregistered church. Prosecutors have since sought to ban the church itself because its members refuse to undergo state registration.

    Courts have issued bans on at least ten congregations belonging to the Council of Churches Baptist denomination. Despite these restrictions, many believers continue to meet, often in private homes. However, a new bill has been introduced by Russia's parliament which would outlaw public worship services and any religious ceremonies in residential buildings. Debate on the bill is scheduled for May 2026. If passed, the legislation would directly affect many congregations. More information on the oppression of Russia's Christians can be accessed here.

    Similar actions have occurred in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. On January 25th, Russian police and military officers raided worship services in Krasnodon, as well as those of a church located in a nearby village. The officers ordered all men to stand while they recorded the identities of everyone present. One church leader, Pastor Rytikov, was taken to the police station for interrogation, where officials warned that if his congregation continued to refuse registration, police would disrupt every future service.

    For many years, official registration has been rejected by groups such as the Council of Churches Baptist due to concerns over governmental control. For further reports addressing the challenges experienced by churches in occupied Ukraine, go to this page.

    • Continue to pray for followers of Christ in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine who are being subjected to intense opposition, asking God to spiritually strengthen them, protect their gatherings, and provide His divine wisdom for every decision they must make.
    • May the Holy Spirit move mightily within the hearts and minds of Russia's governing leaders, prompting meaningful changes in policies and attitudes towards religious freedom.
    • Pray for the churches' ongoing outreach efforts, asking that – despite the present challenges – multitudes more will powerfully encounter the truth of the Gospel and, as a result, experience God's saving grace.

    Read more...

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