85th PCSBA of ECB’s convention will take place on October 27 and 28 at the Second Slavic Baptist Church in Sacramento, at 6601 Watt Ave, North Highlands, CA 95660. The theme of the convention is “In the Unity of Generations”. Text: “… He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers...” (Mal. 4:6.)
The topic of the relationship among generations is very relevant to today. We can always find many barriers between various generations including the ethnic, culture, language, education, social, and many others. These barriers arise by themselves… and they do not need to be created… But if they are not addressed, then over time, there is a process of misunderstanding one another, separation, and the inability to do anything together. After that, there is isolation, followed by lack of fellowship, and false assumptions about the others and leads to the loss of respect to one another. Discipleship is only possible in the context of trust and respect.
Apostle Paul didn’t have to think twice about taking a young man Timothy into his ministry team. He served as a great mentor for him and loved him as his own son. He also entrusted ministry to him and involved him in resolving many issues in the life of the churches to whom they ministered. He found time to write letters to Timothy and provided words of support and encouragement. He also exhorted the churches to whom he was sending Timothy to treat him with respect as a fellow-minister despite of his young age. The church of Christ need the energy of the young generation as well as the wisdom of the older saints.
The main thing in overcoming misunderstandings and various barriers is to have mutual love. Only love can cultivate an atmosphere of forgiveness, mutual understanding, trust, and support. We must cherish one another realizing that the next generation will come to the scene and eventually replace the previous one. It is love that makes it possible to not look at the differences, but focus on God who is Love, and who gives us the power to serve together, and who belong to Him, who is our Heavenly Father.
Please pray for the preparations for the convention, where we are hoping to see representatives from various generations, not only among the program participants, but also in the audience.
President of the PCSBA, Ivan Mileyev
