When God called the Ron Reasoner Family to Russia in 1993, they had no idea what God had in store. The Bible says that God inhabits eternity (Isaiah 57:15) and He has great plans for each of His children. (Jeremiah 29:11) They went out by faith as God directed their steps. Pastor Ron often says, "True faith is found one step beyond absolute surrender."

Over the next 25 years, they planted 10 churches and a Bible Institute in Russia. Many souls were saved and countless adventures were experienced. (You can read about those adventures and salvations in the books Ron and Kathy have written under the Published Books Page.) 

When God called Ron and Kathy back to America due to Ron's health crisis, they felt led to start another church in the Portland Metropolitan area where one in five people speak Russian as their first language. 

Inspired by their last church plant in Domodedovo, Russia, where Russians, Ukrainians, Moldovans, Peruvians, Americans, Canadians, Armenians, and Filpinos served the Lord together in unity, Ron and Kathy wanted to plant a multicultural church in Vancouver, Washington. Thus, the name, "Bridgeway Baptist Church" was formed and "Serving Together as One" became the theme. 

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, both of Ron and Kathy's missionary sons were forced to leave Russia. Joel and Michelle Reasoner (their eldest) now pastors Bellingham Baptist Church in Bellingham, Washington where Joel continues to use his knowledge of Russian to help Slavic people come to know Christ. Their second son, Micah and Sarah Reasoner, came to Vancouver, Washington to serve as the Slavic Pastor at Bridgeway Baptist church. They work with the Russian and Ukrainian families who fled their war-torn countries. Many of our Slavic people in the Domodedovo church are now members of Bridgeway Baptist Church! 

Amazing how God works! Ron left Russia due to health problems, started a new church in Vancouver, Washington that became a landing place for those Slavic people who feared for their lives in Russia and Ukraine.

Truly God inhabits eternity and knows exactly what how to orchestrate events so that He can protect His children around the world!

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If you are seeking a Russian speaking ministry and community, we invite you to visit us at Bridgeway Baptist Church. We have so many stories to tell!

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