Europe

Belarus

Despite constitutional freedom of religion, censorship and government restrictions increasingly restrict the life and work of religious groups.  Many groups have difficulty obtaining legally registered status, purchasing established places of worship or property to build churches, and openly training clergy.  Many religious groups not controlled by the government are caught in an endless loop; they are denied permission to convert their properties for religious uses because they are not a registered religious group, but they are unable to register due to the lack of a legal address. As a result, many groups meet in buildings illegally or in the homes of individual members, as it is practically impossible for a religious group to rent and meet in a public facility. 

In 2004, ICM began its first church building partnership with a well-established ministry in Belarus.  Because building churches was practically impossible during Soviet rule, the joy and excitement at the dedication of the first ICM church was tremendous.  Although many communities in Belarus, especially those devastated by Chernobyl, struggle to hold on to hope, our faithful God has raised up congregations to share the hope of Christ with their countrymen.