UBF in Yekaterinburg

An article about the Yekaterinburg branch of UBF. Published April 6, 2011 on the website “Orthodox Ural”.

Note: In the fall of 2012, all Russian “pastors” and “lambs” (about 20 people) left the “University Bible Fellowship” in Yekaterinburg, where there were only the director of the UBF-Skogen “center” Korean “missionary” David Lee and his family. Once again, the “missionaries” of UBF, and not making proper conclusions, remained in “the broken trough”. These “outcomes” has already happened many times, and no doubt will take place in various departments of the organization. Apparently, as long as its leaders do not repent of their spiritual abuse and is not radically change their organization, not in words but in deeds.

Irina Markova: about Korean missionaries, foreign languages and Sunday school

Irina Markova worked in the tourism department of “Koltsovo” international airport, communicated with the Spaniards in their own language, and learned about God from Korean missionaries. Today Irina, graduated with honors from high school two Yekaterinburg, working in the specialty, tutoring, singing in the choir and teaching … “Act of God” Sunday school Ascension church. On his way Irina told our site.

– Irina, let’s start with, how did you come to faith?

– The way I was not quite straight. I was only just entered his first Institute – Ural State Technical University as an economist with a degree related to the organization of tax investigations [Ural State Technical University – “Ural State Technical University,” until 1992 – “Ural Polytechnic Institute.” In 2010 it was transformed into “Ural Federal University” ] .About UPI then we went to people who are invited to study the Bible. I, in principle, even then it was interesting, but I understand that there is a risk to get into a sect. They called themselves the UBF – «University Bible Fellowship”, with this organization is not the first dozen years. One woman named Tatiana I have very actively to shill, even said some kind of parable on the biblical theme.

We have an appointment, I have come, and we began to study the Bible. After that Tatiana has offered me the questions that need to be answered. After questions Tanya could tell something about themselves related to this passage, then he would ask me about my life. So we are having been occupied for about six months, but then I began to feel that I have to do it more than that to which I at that time was ready. [Without a doubt, Irina bowed it to the “pastoral” (in UBF-skom sense of the word), and all the responsibilities necessary for him: the recruitment of the next beginners lessons with them the Bible on a “one on one”, compulsory tithing, and so on. etc .. Beginners (UBF in the terminology – “the lamb”) beckoning with only one purpose – to make them (without exception) – UBF-Sgiach “pastors”, and in the future (if possible) and UBF-Sgiach “missionaries” in North Korea, China and Muslim countries, etc ..]

You asked to invite new people?

– No, at that time it did not come, it was already then.The fact that the organization appeared in Russia thanks to the two Korean couples [it most likely is not about Russia in general, and about Yekaterinburg] . Their main preacher was a David [David Lee – Director of UBF in Yekaterinburg. The name of David, of course, the real name of this Korean. This is the name he was given in UBF. Change the names of its members – a common practice of the organization] . Every week there was made to write so-called “sogam”, something similar to the Orthodox confession [similar only at first glance. For example, the so-called “Sogam life” is always written for a specific single scenario: the whole past, to Skye-UBF-life should be seen as a dark stripe of life; life after meeting with UBF – just like a happy, joyful, and spiritual. In conclusion it is necessary to witness their devotion to UBF-tion “world mission”, and expressed his desire to become a “shepherd for lost students.” Usually “sogam life” is read publicly on any of UBF-tion “of the conference.” Weekly obligatory version of “sogama” is written somewhat simpler (approximately as the author describes it, etc.).] It was the fact that we had to reconsider his life on the basis of the studied this day biblical passages and write what sin reveals to me the passage, as I’m struggling with it.
– It should have been done in public?
– At that time, Tanya asked me to read it only to her. She was considered my “shepherd”, and I – it “lamb.” [Of course, in order not to scare the “lamb”, it does not make the first time to read their “sogamy” publicly, but privately to his “shepherd” who may use the received recognition in order to control and manipulate the weakness of his “lamb.” Next, recruit when he will learn to write “sogamy” according to UBF-tion “party line”, have each week to read your “sogam” publicly] . But generally they in this group was 11 people, and the rest were read before all your sogam. When Tanya asked me to make it, I realized that then the request will be heard each week. I began to feel the weight of its sins – it was very hard. [As you know, the real Christian confession usually leads to the opposite result, and its fruit – peace of mind and joy in the Holy Spirit. UBF-Skye technique mandatory writing “sogamov” usually holds the only newcomer shoulders the heavy burden of guilt for not being 100 per cent implementation of all necessary UBF member duties to perform which you want to spend all their free time. In addition, the “lamb” is constantly being pressured to become obedient to his “shepherd”, and adopted the so-called UBF-ical “world mission”, publicly declaring “his” desire to become a UBF-skim “shepherd” and “Bible teacher”.] I do not know how to explain it all, Tatiana, and therefore simply told her that she had come to get information, and now, to get it, I’m going.

– And then there was Orthodox in your life?

– No. Four years I periodically met Tanya at the university, even tried to hide from it, but then, four years later, again started to go to this organization. [Members of the UBF is very intrusive. Given the already received information about the newcomer’s weaknesses, they are trying to use a difficult period in one’s life that occur each, to tie him to her under the guise of spiritual “assistance”.] I knew something of what Tatiana says about God really true. I will always remember her phrase that people relate to God as a servant, referring to it only in times of difficulty. I knew that Tanya right that God should live forever. [As in the life of “lamb” period of difficulties ends, of UBF-skie “pastors” hinted to him that time would have something and give UBF (their time, energy, money) in response to the expression of “love” and “care” of the organization] . Perhaps my meeting with God, everything happened in UBF. [Far from denying this fact, it’s worth thinking about the methods used for the treatment of recruits and future fruits of their stay in the organization. Conventional UBF-skie methods are as follows: group and individual pressure, manipulation weaknesses suggestion of guilt, suggestion unconventional domestic UBF-Sgiach interpretations of the Bible, the hard “training” / “education”, etc .. But the real purpose of the novice treatment – make it devotional, a loyal member of UBF, so he spent the rest of his life for the benefit of UBF-tion “world mission”]. In two days, we went to a conference at the camp site, where after the service we all have declared the need to write sogam [again – definitely] .

– This again you scared?

– I was more than ready for this sort of thing than four years earlier, but felt that this decision is not mine, I just agree with what I say. Moreover, I began to notice that there is pressure not only on me. For example, the community had two non-native boy. In the hostel they were hard, and they moved into the apartment, where all of our classes were held.They had to get up at six in the morning, when they had the so-called “spiritual bread” – you need to read and write a short passage sogam. As a result, the boys are constantly not getting enough sleep. I understand that this is a pure sectarian influence – when a person is not allowed to sleep, and he can not resist. [There is described a so-called life in UBF-skom “tent” ( “common life”). In this case, they appear to have lived in UBF-skom “center” or removable UBF apartment. Guys, suspecting nothing, under the guise of assistance in housing, actually came under room pressure group UBF members and their constant indoctrination (indoctrination).] It was an inconsistent state. On the one hand, I opened up this unprecedented joy, on the other hand, some forms have become more and more I am concerned. [We must bear in mind that sources like “joy” in the majority of sects and cults are often not very spiritual. For example, in the UBF followers deliberately instilled a sense of elitism and the special significance of UBF-tion life that they (unlike other “heat Frigid” Christians) commit supposedly great cause “global mission” to rescue the students. Also, such an artificial “lightness” is often due to the fact that UBF members removed responsibility for making personal decisions: where to live, where to work, where to study, for whom and when to marry / get married, etc .. All of these solutions per person accepts his superior “shepherd” and / or director of UBF department (usually the Korean missionaries). From an ordinary member of a loyalty to the organization and absolute obedience to the directions required ( “lines”) of its UBF-Sgiach “pastors” who supposedly better than he knows the will of God towards him.] I add to this conflict with my mother. I am a long time did not tell her about where to go, and when it decided to admit, my mother has been set very negatively and immediately said that this sect.

– And how do you get out of this impasse?

– One day before Easter we were given a passage from the New Testament that it was necessary to learn and very clearly tell. [Usually around UBF Easter one and all to learn the word 15 Chapter 1 Corinthians, and often hold even a competition with prizes for those who most effectively and without error recites this chapter.] When I taught at the Bright Week, I had the Voznesenka because I live nearby, and knew at that moment that this week everyone can ring the bells. It so happened that I was alone in the belfry. I was found amazing inspiration – that’s it here, near the bell, it is necessary to repeat this passage. In short, from that day on I have very vivid impression. When I told them to Tanya, she does not appear on the face or a smile. At the end of Tatiana he said that a person can not be two houses. Only then I realized that to Orthodoxy in UBF rather negative attitude [tacit teaching of UBF – have their adherents is only one way, and “the best church” – is, of course, the very UBF. All the rest – at least – is worse. But Orthodox Christians in their eyes – the Pharisees, scribes, lawyers, etc .. Although publicly announce that they are in Russia, of course, afraid]. It was for me another “bell”.