Evangelistic Themed Youth conference "Revival" in Tambov

This time around 200 young Christian men and women from 16 cities of central Russia gathered together: Tambov, Penza, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Belgorod regions and the Republic of Mordovia. The guests from Belgorod, by the way, were not just ordinary participants, their group conducted musical worship throughout the conference. The main theme of the meeting was evangelism. Throughout the conference, participants reflected on the awakening in Russia and the meaning of this concept in the context of Christianity.

As you might guess, the theme was not chosen by chance. 2021 was declared the year of evangelism by the Russian Baptist Union. And young people can become the driving force behind revival in Russian cities and throughout the country as a whole. But why doesn't it happen? Alexander Kharlashkin spoke about this at the first session. His sermon on "Love God" was the first ingredient required for a revival in Russia. Alexander noted that the awakening must begin with each of us. The heart of a man who loves God cannot be silent about Him. We have been given all the tools for this growth in love for God: His word, Holy Spirit and prayer.

Anatoly Alipichev continued the theme of revival. He added two more components - love for the church and love for people. The church is something without which the spiritual growth of a believer is impossible. The Bible calls the church the Body of Christ, and in it, Christians interact with each other, provide support and help spiritually. The next level of a Christian is to learn to love people. And, as Anatoly said, it is impossible to preach the gospel effectively without love for those who remain in this world without Christ.

The last session devoted to love for people was especially difficult. Probably everyone remembered about their unbelieving friends, relatives, colleagues, classmates, and just those who meet us on the street every day. It was important for everyone in the hall to realize that the awakening really should begin with everyone personally.

As two days of a rich program were coming to an end, no one wanted to leave, they really liked the fellowship. The hospitable believers in Tambov churches received young people in their homes, and such meetings always remain in our hearts, leaving a warm and kind trail there and hope for another meeting. But it may come very soon.

Summer ministries are ahead and the opportunity to practice God's love and all that was received at the conference will be a welcome to us all.