At the initiative of three former residents of Dushanbe who are now citizens of the U.S., Valeriy Avramenko, Fatima Avramenko, and Olga Drovorub, and who are all members of Bryte Church, there was a convention of over 150 Tajikistan immigrants. The meeting was attended by guests from Germany, a few U.S. states, and even one woman from Ukraine.
Although the theme of the convention was “Hold on to What you Have!”, and it was the focus of the preaching during the meeting, a lot of emphasis of the first day was on the memories of the precious church in Tajikistan, of the beloved ministers, and about evangelistic activity which took place at the beginning of the perestroyka. Special presentation was dedicated to those who are no longer with us, and who have left this earth.
There were so many choir performers, wonderful singers, musicians, among the attendees that the choir was organized right away and performed wonderful hymns of the pre-immigration period. The congregational singing was accompanied by an orchestra, and how enthusiastically did it play!!!
The atmosphere of the fellowship, performance, and testimonies was full of sincere love, friendship, and a special feelings that people were reluctant to leave. It is rare nowadays to hear and see something similar among the immigrants.
It was pleasant to find out that although the immigration scattered people to different regions, the connection with earthly homeland has not ended. Many people from Germany and the U.S. continue to minister in Tajikistan and many countries of Central Asia and provide relief to those living there. The current residents of Dushanbe could not attend, but sent video recordings with testimonies and their best wishes. The testimonies were extraordinary: the churches were filled by Tajiks; the chairman of the Union of ECB of Tajikistan and vice-chairman are also natives. God accomplishes his wonderful work of salvation in this poor country and people are coming to Christ.
In personal conversations which took place during and after the dinner, the convention’s participants shared news about their everyday lives in countries which have become their new homes on earth. They also noticed that every place has its problems and difficulties, and that the devil always at wars against the saints and tries to destroy the faith, families, to snatch up children, but also that our God is omnipresent, our Heavenly father helps those who sincerely seek Him for help, protection, and blessing.
Many thanks to the convention’s organizers! The time of fellowship which the participants were able to enjoy, was pleasant not only for the former residents of Dushanbe, but also for the guests of the local churches who was fortunate enough to attend such a wonderful event.
Please click on the first slide to view pictures in slide-show format
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