Ivan and Svetlana Bychkov came to the United States from Uzbekistan about a year and a half ago.  They came, not as immigrants, but as refugees - refugees because of their faith.

Uzbekistan, a small country in central Asia, was for decades under the control of the Soviet Union.  After the Soviet Union collapsed, Uzbekistan became an independent nation - a nation where 92% of the people are Muslim, and Christianity is suppressed and persecuted.

In Uzbekistan, Ivan and Svetlana were members of an underground Baptist church.  At constant risk of large fines and imprisonment, they aggressively shared the gospel with youth and children through sports ministries and camping ministries.  Eventually government authorities discovered their activities and forced them to leave their families and their homeland forever.

When God opened the door for them to come to the United States, He also prepared the way for them to begin a brand new ministry to Russian speaking people all across the United States, eastern Europe, and central Asia.

With humble hearts and joyous spirits, Ivan and Svetlana, along with their two small children, Victoriya and Samuil, tell captivating stories of how God can use regular people to do amazing things in the face of hardship and persecution.  Camp Director, Barry Phillips, says, “Ivan and Svetlana were missionary speakers at our preteen camp last summer, and almost everyone I talked to said that their presentations were the highlight of the whole camp!”