Alexey Bannikov
Shanyrack Church | Astana, Kazakhstan
Tell us about your family.
My wife's name is Olesya. We've been married for 27 years. We have eight wonderful children. We like to do things together: reading books, traveling, and doing a church ministry.
How have you seen God working in your family?
I am very thankful to Jesus for the gift of my family. My wife is my closest friend and the most faithful companion in the ministry God has given us. We walk side by side, supporting and strengthening one another as we follow Jesus together. I am also thankful beyond words for our eight children. Each of them loves Jesus and serves Him wholeheartedly, using their unique gifts in different parts of the world. Watching them pursue God’s calling brings me immense joy and humble awe. As a father, it is one of my greatest blessings to see the Lord leading my children into His Kingdom and purposes, even though I know I am far from a perfect dad. God’s grace covers us and keeps us.
How have you seen God working in your life?
I am still deeply grateful to Jesus for choosing me and saving me thirty years ago. When I look back, I see no reason why He should have noticed me among so many others. I had nothing to offer—no achievements or strength. Yet His grace reached into my life in a way that felt completely undeserved. That moment remains fresh and powerful in my heart, as vivid and emotional today as when it first happened. It is still the greatest source of motivation for everything I do—my choices, my ministry, and my commitment to Jesus and His Kingdom. Whenever I struggle, I return to that simple truth: I am here only because He saved and and called me.
How have you seen God working in your church?
I have seen God faithfully build His church in Kazakhstan over the past twenty-five years, in communities where we had the privilege of serving from the very beginning. Even in seasons of serious opposition, the Lord continued to open doors we could never have opened ourselves. Thousands of people have heard the gospel, and many have surrendered their lives to Jesus and become part of His Church. Looking back, I recognize clearly that Jesus is the true founder and builder of еру church. And because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I am confident that He will do the same in our new project: planting a new church in the heart of Astana.
What is your church’s mission/vision?
Our vision is to plant a new church in the very heart of Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Astana is home to nearly two million people, the vast majority of whom identify as Muslim, and most have never heard the gospel even once. Evangelical believers make up roughly 0.1% of the population, which means the need for a vibrant, Christ-centered church is both urgent and enormous. We believe God is calling us to establish a community where people can encounter Jesus, grow as disciples, and be sent out to reach others. Within five years, we prayerfully hope to see a church of around one thousand people—a church grounded in the Great Commandment to love God and others, and fully committed to the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
How can we be praying for you?
1. For a church building. In our context, it is not possible to establish a new church without having our own physical space. Pray for God’s provision of finances, permits, and partners who stand with us.
2. For a strong core team and new leaders. Pray that God will raise up committed believers who will share the vision, serve faithfully, and shepherd others.
3. For open hearts in Astana. Pray that God prepares the hearts of people in the city—especially those who have never heard the gospel. Ask for favor, opportunities, and spiritual breakthrough so many will encounter Jesus and become disciples.
To send Alexey a note of encouragement, write to HelloCP@spanishriver.com.