Today, we watched 13 Russian children participate in a brief Vacation Bible School which was organized by Pastor Katya Zoubkova. Held during the afternoon, the VBS transitioned into the weekly worship service which is conducted at the Pentecostal Church. When the new Church of the Salvation completes the sanctuary at its own campus, it will conduct its ministries from that location.
Our worship service included a special focus on Phyllis Harman who died on Friday night. Her husband, Don is a long-time member of our team and one who is loved by the whole church here. Prayers go out to him and his family and Phyllis who is now with the saints. The worship service, attended by about 35 people. The blended voices of a 9 person choir singing familiar hymns in Russian reminds each of us of our connection to Christ in the Wesley tradition. Many of those in attendance know the songs by memory and do not use hymnals.
Bert preached the sermon (1 Thes 4:13) which Katya translated. Heartfelt testimonials showed the sense of belonging that members of the church share with fellow Christians.
We had a special treat of unique “snow” as we were unloading the cars and bringing all the worship equipment into the building before the service (see video below).
Bert preaching
