The Finno-Ugric Mission Conference brought together people involved in serving related peoples.
On October 10, 2026, the Finno-Ugric Mission Conference was held, focusing on the situation of related peoples, the mission work being done among them, and opportunities to support the spread of the Gospel. The event brought together people from Estonia, Finland, and elsewhere to share experiences, listen to presentations, view exhibits, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and pray for the Finno-Ugric peoples.
The conference featured presentations on the past and present of these related peoples, as well as on missionary work among the Udmurt, Komi, and Khanty peoples. Attendees also received an overview of modern-day Karelia, heard greetings from the Ingrian Church, and learned about new directions in missionary work in Lapland. The presentations helped participants understand which peoples have received the Good News, how they have been served, and what needs are currently most pressing.
The day was enriched by the opening of the Finno-Ugric mission exhibition and an exhibition of Mari patterns presented by Žanna Tohti, which highlighted the cultural heritage and identity of these related peoples.
The Lyudmila Volchikhina Fund was also launched. Lyudmila plays a very important role in Finno-Ugric mission work. As a seminar alumna, she has led many groups to our kindred peoples and has been a key figure in establishing and building relationships. Since she is now in eternity, we honor her life’s work by establishing this foundation, through which we hope to support Finno-Ugric missionary work in the future.
Astrid Nõlvak and the Kaarli Kannel Players provided musical interludes. We were treated to music from various Finno-Ugric peoples and the wonderful sounds of the small kanteles.
At the end of the conference, an interview with Rauli Lehtonen took place, providing an opportunity to hear about his experiences and thoughts on missionary work.
An important part of the conference was the group discussions, where participants were able to reflect on opportunities for cooperation and practical steps to support related peoples. The day concluded with a joint prayer for the Finno-Ugric peoples, reaffirming the conference’s central message: missionary work requires dedication, cooperation, and faithful intercession.
The conference continued on October 11 with a worship service at the Tallinn Missio Congregation. Rauli Lehtonen delivered the sermon, guests from Scandinavia shared testimonies, and Anna Makeeva and Inga Pogonina, both of Mari ethnicity, led the worship.
The conference was organized in collaboration with:
- Estonian Evangelical Alliance
- Theological Seminary of the Estonian Methodist Church
- Tallinn Missio Congregation
- Avainmedia
- Jesus4Eurasia
Photos from the conference can be viewed here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tjGiybXXP9mXojf28
We thank all the speakers, guests, organizers, and participants who contributed to keeping the well-being of the Finno-Ugric peoples and the missionary work among them in our hearts and prayers. May this gathering serve as an encouragement to continue our collaboration, service, and proclamation of the Gospel among our kindred peoples.