Although Liebenzell began its ministry in Russia in 2001, the roots for this work go back almost 500 years, when the first evangelical Lutheran church was built in Moscow. By the time of the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, there were 1.2 German immigrants spread throughout the country. Following WW I, the few that remained were forced to move to Siberia, where they struggled to survive. Believers went underground as the Communist government confiscated church buildings and banned speaking in German. Bibles and hymnals were scarce and young people drifted away. 

Greater religious freedom followed the fall of Communism and the USSR in 1991; one church leader was able to travel and make contact with the Liebenzell Bible Seminary in Germany. He requested missionaries to help train a new generation of church leaders.

In Russia today, economic chaos has led to resignation and poverty for many of the 148 million Russian citizens. Even though Russia is rich when it comes to natural resources, the State has no money and the economy is hard to control. The economic decline in recent years had led to a shocking rise in crime and corruption. Many people have resigned to the condition and have drowned their doubts and hopelessness in alcohol. Drug additions and alcoholism are enormous social problems. Marriage and family life suffer as most women work outside the home and have little time for child care.

Spiritually, only a dwindling minority of Russians believe in the God of the Bible. In contrast, many are interested in the supernatural and occult practices. The Orthodox church has worked hard politically to limit the growth and effectiveness of evangelical churches. Strict regulations regarding visas have hampered the ministry, forcing missionaries to leave the country at least once a year to renew visas – after a long wait.

Today, Liebenzell partners with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. About 200 congregations make up the denomination; most are state registered, but some are not. Most congregations have less than 30 members, although this is often a function of the size of the meeting space.

Liebenzell missionaries work in Yekaterinburg and Tscheljabinsk, two large industrial cities located on the eastern slopes of the Ural Mountains. Missionaries primarily engage in church planting and development and evangelism. The evangelism activities are wide-ranging including a ministry to street children and youth groups conducted at orphanages.