Tyumen is the gateway to Russia’s Siberian oil and gas fields. The city is burgeoning as the center of Russia’s chief export. Alliance work in this region began in partnership with a strong missionary church in the nearby city of Tobolsk, from which a number of church planters have been sent out around the region. The Tobolsk church’s ministries include evangelism and church planting in nearby towns, outreach to Tatar people, and a alcohol rehabilitation center. In 2005, concrete work began on a church plant in Tyumen itself. Alliance workers lived and worked in this ministry from 2005-2007 before departure for Home Assignment in the US.