Regional Women's Conference in Tver

For nine years, in the beginning of March, we organized a festive women’s gathering. This year, because of the pandemic, we didn’t even think to hold one, but God allowed it, so we not only invited ladies from Tver churches but also from the entire region. The men decided to move their planned elders' counsel to the same time so they could bring their wives. As a result, Christian brothers and sisters from the cities of Torzhok, Vyshny Volochek, Udomlya, Kimr, Kuvshinovo, Ostashkov, Selishche, Lotoshino, Konakovo and villages gathered in Tver.

Elder Igor Kudryashov opened the conference with a blessing and then the elders sang  the hymn, "O our Father in Heaven!" and presented each lady with a chocolate treat. For all the ladies, it was unexpectedly touching and a true blessing. We were glad that we could manage to meet again. Everyone experienced such heightened spiritual encouragement and unity in love for our Lord, and a feeling of incredible happiness that we are once again giving praise and worship to our loving Creator together. This is a touching moment, especially when you remember how for many months we glorified God only through online gatherings, and so you begin to value face to face meetings so much more.

Elena Zvyagina, a sister from Nizhny Novgorod, who is a member of the women's ministry department (Russian UECB), was invited to lead the conference.

The chosen theme about Eternity was very exciting. Elena was interesting, lively, emotionally accessible, using many Bible verses and examples, she presented material that prompted participants to think and realize that everything we do, how we act, what decisions we make, what we choose, what we give preference to and devote our time determines - where and how we will spend eternity, because we will give an account for every act and thought. This does not mean we are saved by works. We know that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, yet all of our works will be judged. And now, with the time of quarantines coming to an end, you understand that you need to make the most of every opportunity to serve the Lord. The most important thing that can be in the life of a Christian is to devote yourself and your time to glorify His Holy Name. Analyze every day you have lived so that there are no missed opportunities that you will have to regret in the future...Looking toward eternity!

The sisters especially liked the rather large practical part of the conference - the work in groups. Bags were handed out with a load - a burden that we carry through life - pride, anxiety, hopelessness, loneliness, fears, envy, guilt, doubt, anger, death, and which hinders you from enjoying life and eternity. The sisters shared their experiences on the issues that were handed out to them. An interesting illustration was how we hang ourselves with "bags" - problems and difficulties. As a result, we ourselves cannot bear them, much less help bear the burden of another. We must give all these problems to our God.

Here are some highlights of the issues of envy, pride, anxiety and guilt:

Envy - Sometimes it comes independently of you. You never seemed to be jealous. But a period comes when your life does not work out. Time is running out and you won’t be a wife nor a mother. There is envy that your friend is a mother, and you are not. You are experiencing unbearable pain. And you don't feel joy for her baby and you don't want to congratulate her and even see her. And only when you turn to the Lord, He comforts, restores, gives strength to bless and rejoice for others and in God’s work for them and His plan for you.

Pride - I was proud to be successful. I have everything I need. Children, a deacon for a husband. But one day, my husband left us, me and our children. It was a real blow! However, the Lord allowed me to experience and accept this, humble myself and draw closer to Him. The Great Creator and Counsellor broke my pride, comforted, restored, gave strength and courage to help and support others.

Anxiety - My husband always returned from work at the same time. And then suddenly the time has come, but he’s not home and his phone is not available. Anxiety rose in my heart. Something happened. I began to wind myself up, come up with reasons, what could have happened to him? When I gave this situation to the Lord, peace and rest in my heart came from His Divine hands. If I didn’t know God, I would have continued to worry. It turns out that my husband was delayed because there were no flowers in the village and had to go to the city to get them for me.

Guilt - I felt guilty in front of the children for not giving them the time they needed: worries when they were babies, later because of workload. Moreover, when the children reminded me of these things, I experienced terrible pain. But the Lord helped me to cope and reconcile with my children through forgiveness and repentance.

Comments and reviews from the ladies:

• The Women's Conference inspired and inspired. For myself, I realized I don't need to think about and worry about the future, or how we get there and what will happen to us? My focus should be: Now. Now my heart must be devoted to Christ, so that only He fills our being.
• It is wonderful that the sisters shared how the Lord helps them cope with difficulties. It seemed to me that a person develops fatigue, from which it is impossible to get rid of. But one sister testified how the Lord, despite her age, gives her the strength to overcome fatigue and move forward. Thank God for inspiration, that we can move forward on the path to eternity!
• The conference served me as an encouragement, the very communication of the sisters was a blessing. The Lord gave the speaker the exact words that I needed.
• The theme of Eternity has always been small in my mind. There was always the fear, will I really be able to reach eternity with my unworthy life? ... Do my actions now determine my future? Knowing that I shouldn't do this, I do; I really liked the visual examples of the sisters, in which they shared how they overcome trials in order to reach eternity with joy. It's great when you find out how the church really lives! Something surprises, something inspires, gives strength, hope, and the desire to change oneself.
• I really liked the conference! I received a lot of affirmation in Christ. There was an amazing atmosphere of expectation that I would receive many answers to my questions, and I got it in such an unexpected way - through the examples of Elena Zvyagina. I also really liked the way the sisters responded to the assignments

Overall, the conference was well organized and enjoyable for everyone. Thanks to everyone who prepared and conducted this wonderful event, and to those who took part in the program. Through the conference we all felt a unity, sincerity and freedom. Thanks be to God!

Irina Yaryshkina