Some background...
The Lord has placed me in a unique position to minister to the Russian Armed Forces. I have been a Chaplain for over 25 years and am presently Chief of Chaplains of the United States Service Command, a disaster relief organization operating throughout America for emergency government.

During the past five years, I have been working with the Russian Armed Forces conducting lectures in various Russian military professional institutions addressing the issues of religion in the military. These institutions include the Humanitarian Academy, the officer's professional school responsible for the research and development of religion in the Russian military; the Civil Defense Academy, the primary training school for emergency management in Russia; and the Independent University of Ecology and Politology. Additionally, I was selected to participate in an international conference on social and religious reform in the Russian military conducted by the Humanitarian Academy and NATO Allied nations in 1993 (with subsequent invitations).

The subjects of my lectures range from the constitutionality of the military chaplaincy and religion in the military to contentious objection in the Christian community and the basic right of the Christian soldier to live openly for Christ. Some of these lectures have been published and placed in the libraries of Russian military institutions for the research and development of religion. These libraries are used by American and Allied officers doing research for their advanced War College studies as well.

Unique opportunity...
As most of you know, Russia has applied for membership in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Many objectives must be accomplished before they can qualify for full membership. One main concern is the social reform within Russia military necessary to meet the civil rights standards for NATO membership. A major part of this social reform is religious freedom.

Many missionaries and Christian organizations have contacted me about their concerns in Russia. Russian service members are being won to Christ in many areas of the Confederation of Russia (the old Soviet Union). The problem is that they go back into a system where religion is run by atheists, the old political officers who indoctrinated them in the rudiments of communism. It is a military that has persecuted Christians for over 70 years. It is here that God has given me a most unique opportunity.

My position is unique for two reasons. WMAF has vital part in opening an atheistic system to the Gospel and impacting a nation's military from the inside by the testimonies of believers. Second, this invitation comes at a time when many missionary visas are being canceled or placed on temporary status. Our window may not be open long, therefore, there is a sense of urgency to finish what we have begun.

Ministry objective...
Our mission is to impact the Russian military leaders to allow religious freedom to take place. This is happening in some areas, though cautiously and somewhat reluctantly. The blood-bought believers in Jesus Christ should be able to openly declare themselves to be Christians without retaliation or punishment. But, old habits die hard! The battle is on and time may be running out.

RESULTS:
The International Conference on "Religious and Moral Aspects of Education of Military Personnel," Independent University of Ecology and Politology, Moscow. What a miracle has happened during our recent trip to Moscow. Based on the recent lectures by Rev. Howe, the Russian military have questions related to the doctrinal positions of religious people regarding the military. In answer to this very involved issue, Rev. Marshall has taken on the responsibility for WMAF to provide a reference volume for commanders and staff officers stating the doctrinal positions of religious groups active in Russia. This work is being prepared for the Independent University of Ecology and Politology as a published guide for Russian officers.

UPDATE 1999:
Rev. Marshall's work is almost finished and will be in draft form by the end of 1999. Preparation for the finished copy is underway for delivery in 2000. The rest is up to the Russians and their timetable.