Only a few hours ago, the 35th spiritually edifying convention of the Russian Union of Churches of ECB has ended. It took place from March 21 to March 23 in the “Izmaylovo” Concert Hall in Moscow. The theme of the convention was: “God Gave us the Ministry of Reconciliation” 2 Cor. 5:18. This convention was attended by the delegates from all regions of Russia, as well as many guests, representatives of missions, and leaders of other Baptist unions and associations.
In the first day of the convention, following a wonderfully performed musical program of choir and orchestra conducted by E. C. Goncharenko, there was a word of welcome and prayer of the chairman of the Russian Union of ECB, Aleksey Vasilyevich Smirnov. There was a video presentation about the brotherhood of ECB, made especially for those who did not have any idea about who the Baptists are. This is especially relevant in the present time for the Russian community because the idea of a “Baptist”, which was “imposed” by the society in the years of national atheism, is still fresh in the minds of the Russians.
A lot of time was dedicated to welcoming the guests, including delegates of other religious confessions, as well as government officials. The sermon was on: “He gave us the Ministry of Reconciliation” delivered by V. Ryaguzov.
After the credentials committee and audit reports, there was a report of the chairman of the Russian Union of ECB, A. V. Smirnov.
The second day of the convention began with a presentation of missionary strategy of the union. There was an emphasis on the important and the necessity of participation of all the church members of the union in a personal, internal, and external missions, as well as submission of all the ministries of the Union of ECB to the Great Commission.
After this, the delegates of the convention began resolving the main question election of a new leadership of the association. Peter Valterovich Mitskevich was a candidate for chairman, and he shared his vision about future ministry of the union. The convention elected Peter Valterovich Mitskevich as the chairman of the Russian Union of ECB, and Viktor Vladimirovich Ignatenkov as his assistant.
During the evening service there was Communion and a sermon by the chairman of the Kazakhstan ECB Union, Francis Tissen.
The last day of the convention began with a Bible study on the topic of “Ancient Way that Changed Contemporary World”, led by Provost P. P.
There was also a sermon of the chairman of the Union of ECB, Peter Valterovich Mitskevich on Isaiah 6.
In the closing of the convention, new resolutions were taken, one of which began a big discussion about position of the Russian Union concerning the letter written earlier, published in the association’s website, which negatively affected the relationships between Russian and Ukrainian Unions. The new leadership was given a task to meet with the leadership of the Ukrainian Union of Baptists to improve the relationship and resolve all the issues that are in the way.
The convention concluded with an expression of gratitude to those who ministered in organizing the convention.
For me, these three days went by very quickly because they were full of meeting many new people and exploring opportunities to do ministry of PCSBA with many other missions and unions. The brotherhood has no bounds, and our spirits cannot be separated by the distance, nationality, or language and cultural barriers. We are united in one past. Although the conditions of the present time are different, the preaching to the Slavic people, obedience to the Great Commission still remains relevant and essential for all. Our future is also one - eternity spent as one family of redeemed from all ages and generations, tribes and tongues, in worshipping: ”Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing”. Rev. 5:12
Ivan Mileyev
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