A growing evangelical revival is underway in Transnistria, a Russian-controlled breakaway region of Moldova. The region is difficult to access and remains under strong Russian influence, with about 2,000 Russian troops stationed there.
In 2000, Pastor Yuriy Semenyuk moved with his wife and three children from Ukraine to Transnistria in response to what he believed was a calling from God. “In my heart, I really love people; that is my passion to serve people. I love God and I wanted to do something for Him all my life. And after a while, God told me, ‘Yuriy, I need you in one place that name is Transnistria’,” he said.
Semenyuk faced threats from police, government officials, and gangsters. “Once I was kidnapped, but praise God, God let me escape,” he said. Today, Church of Christ Savior is the largest congregation in the region. The church holds weekly services, youth programs, baptisms, and street evangelism. Signs, wonders, and healings are regularly reported. The ministry also partners with Orphan’s Promise to offer free classes through the School of Life project, which has helped many families come to Christ.
