Regional pastors of the Russian UECB respond to coronavirus situation
2020-03-22

Regional pastors of the Russian UECB respond to coronavirus situation

As new cases of the coronavirus infection are registered in Russia every day, our lead pastors have these words to share.

V.P. Kozorezov - Regional Pastor of Nizhny Novgorod Region and Chuvashia Republic

The situation is difficult for all of us, today fear overcomes and paralyzes our world, but for Christians it is a reminder that we need to learn to trust God in everything, to calm our hearts in Him and not give in to fears. It is necessary to look to Christ in heaven and remember His words: “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden ... and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11: 28-29)

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A.A. Krylov - Regional Pastor of Ryazan Region

It is important to trust in the Lord, to trust in His promises, and to trust in His will. God knows the best for each of us. He will never do harm to His children! “To those who love God ... all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28).

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V.V. Vovk - Pastor of UECB Church in Istra, Advisor to the President on External Relations

There’s no need to be surprised or horrified ... It is important to trust in the Lord, and no showing indifference and tempting the Lord ...

Particular attention must now be paid to hygiene, to wearing masks and obeying the instructions of doctors ...

Christ said: “You are the light of the world!” The Church is called to serve this world with grace and His gospel, proclaiming the victory of Christ over death!

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E.Y. Bakhmutsky - Pastor of Russian Bible Church, Moscow

Without the sovereign will of the Almighty, even the hair does not fall from our heads, and therefore we should not give in to panic, but do everything possible to take care of our neighbors. Today is the time of our service to our neighbors!

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V.V. Levashov - Regional Pastor/Leader of the UECB in the Southern District

We are now arriving in the unchartered territory with many unknowns, and any uncertainty can frighten a person. But do not panic, many more people die from other diseases ...

It is very important to remember that any illness and death are the consequences of sin. It is necessary to take more care of our spiritual roots, and the underlying causes of the occurring phenomena and to pray to the Lord!

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A.V. Litvinov - Regional Pastor of Irkutsk Region

Everything is in the hands of the Lord! We must remain calm, seeking to understand every day in the light of the imminent coming of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ conquers fear!

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K.N. Lapushtyan - Regional Pastor of Pskov Region

There have always been viruses in our world, but the most dangerous of them is the sin virus. It appeared in Eden and is ever multiplying. If the virus of sin has conquered your life, you are not forgiven by God and Christ did not bear your disease, guilt and sin. In this case, all other viruses will be dangerous for you, and especially the virus of death ...Yet with Christ everything is different. He is our source eternal life!

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I.V. Maksakov - Regional Pastor/Leader of the UECB for Urals District

The world’s problems are a result of sin, and our current situation is a reminder that the Lord is coming soon. The coronovirus problem reveals that all things are controlled by the Lord and not by people ...

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P.E. Makushenko - Regional Pastor of Belgorod Region

I would wish everyone a peace of mind, because it is said: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” (Psalm 91: 7)

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N.N. Maslyakov - Regional Pastor/Leader of the UECB for Central District

I am absolutely convinced that the words of Christ are true: “Not a hair from your head will perish.” ( Luke 21:18)

No matter how the situation escalates, in no case should one give in to panic. One must believe God and trust in Him. Now is a good time to show that a person who trusts in God is calm, peaceful, ready to lend a helping hand, encourage, support and serve other people.

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S.Yu. Naboychenko - Regional Pastor for Kaluga Region

It is written: “Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1b).

I trust in the Lord and in his complete protection, but as for our part, we must do everything that we can to help in this difficult situation.

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A.B. Pichugin - Regional Pastor for Moscow Region

I liked the statement of Philip Yancy: “Life will always be full of fearsome circumstances: if not a disease, then financial difficulties; if not poverty, then loneliness; if not loneliness, then failure. In such a world, there is only one choice: to be afraid of God or to be afraid of everything else, to trust God or not to trust anything.”

You need to trust God and tell people that there is hope.

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A.V. Russu - s Regional Pastor for Voronezh Region

Friends, look more at the cross of Calvary, because by the stripes of the Lord we have been/will be healed of all diseases (Isaiah 53). The Lord will never leave us, especially in difficulty. May the reality that death has no power over us, be a comfort to us, for Christ defeated death!

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A.I. Sedogin - Regional Pastor for Lipetsk Region

We must trust in the Lord, and look at Him, as it is written in Psalm 23: “Your rod and your staff - they comfort me.” And without Christ, there will be only worry in life.

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A.V. Smirnov - Ex-President of the Russian UECB

Psalm 91:1-6 says: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the infection that devastates at noonday.”

Christians should be believers, and not just consider themselves as such, by mere words.

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V.G. Fedorov - Regional Pastor for Orenburg Region

Those who trust in the Lord will not be ashamed; He will not allow trial beyond measure.

 

 
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