Millions of people of the post-Soviet times left their homes and went in search of jobs in Europe. Temporary work and their stay there became permanent for some. The Slavic diaspora spread to many countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, France, England, and others. Soon they were faced with the real need of organizing churches in these countries of missionary ministry. The Summit of Russian-speaking Churches of Europe was formed for a more productive ministry and coordination of the work of Christian partnerships and associations.
The Summit of organizations working in Europe took place on February 20 to 23 in Urmala, Latvia. The motto of the summit were the words of prophet Isaiah: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” (Is. 52:7a). Here’s what Yuriy Kirilovich Sipko who is the pastor, preacher, and well-known minister of the Russian Baptist Union wrote in brief on the Facebook page:
“At the time when the business seems to have reached its peak, and the world seems to be consumed with the control of the emptiness, the Lord gathered a big forum of different people in a wonderful Latvian city of Urmala. We shall call them Russian-speaking people scattered all over Europe. As apostle Peter calls them, they are strangers. Born-again Christians who are called to the height of ministry in evangelism among strangers and aliens of the ancient continent. This Forum testifies of the unshakable power of the grace of our God and Father, of the faithfulness of our savior, Jesus Christ, and His eternal plan of salvation of mankind, as well as the reality of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the marvelous intention of God the Father! Although you only see a picture, but even in it there is a felt presence of the acceptable sacrifice, as a fragrant aroma. The faces of men who dedicated themselves to the ministry of the Almighty motivate us to want to stand with them and unite together in ministry of the Christian faith. We can pray along with them, as well as for them. We can support them by visiting them where the foreign lands became their homes. We can tell our friends and family who are strangers in Europe that there are churches where they could find Christ.
We sincerely thank you, the holy men of God! We sincerely thank you sisters who are blessed in supporting your husbands and sons in the holy calling. May the grace of God the Father and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit may be with you all in the wonderful ministry of spreading the Gospel! May God be praised in all things! May Christ be glorified today and forever and ever! Yuriy Sipko”.
You can visit the summit’s website here: https://www.spasenie.eu. Some of the pictures taken during the 8th summit can be found in a brief by Vasiliy Trubchin - click here. The recordings of the sermons of the summit can be viewed on the YouTube channel. For more information, visit the Facebook page - click here.
