Evangelism Prayer Vigil in Bryansk Cathedral

The return to gathering in churches has become a long-awaited celebration. Under these conditions, holding a large-scale church event held very special significance, which seemed difficult even to hope for ... But such a grandiose event took place in Bryansk this year.

Despite all the difficulties and fears - by the grace and blessing of God, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, as well as by the faith, prayers and perseverance of Bryansk Christians, from July 23 to 25, 2021 near Bryansk, a multi-UECB church prayer service was held in the region. In the village of Sosnovka, in a picturesque place on the shore of a pond, a huge tent was erected, where believers from all over the Bryansk region gathered to glorify God and pray to Him for the salvation of people in their country and around the world. But it has become especially important at this difficult time. This new disease takes away hundreds of thousands of lives around the world, and who, except Christians, will stand in the gap for this dying world. This year was declared the year of evangelism for the Baptist brothers, therefore it was decided to dedicate the event to Evangelism, and the motto of the event was "... you go, preach the Kingdom of God" (Luke 9: 6). Today people are in dire need of the Good News of Jesus Christ and His saving sacrifice. There were messages about this and much prayer.

Between 1,500 to 2,000 believers from many different regions came with eagerness to participate in this huge event. The wonderful weather facilitated wonderful communication, and the warm, hospitable organizers of the church made sure that this time was as comfortable, safe and memorable as possible. Men cleared and prepared a huge area of ​​a private lot for the gathering. The organizers were responsible for meeting all safety requirements during the pandemic, which they successfully dealt with. Parking, water and electricity were provided, tents, booths, food zones, and a playground for children were installed, as well as lights, sound and live video broadcasting was organized.

The honored guest speakers were the current and past two UECB presidents, Peter Mitskevich, Alexey Smirnoff, and Yuri Sipko. Also attending, the pastor of Samara church, Alexei Prokopenkol, Krasnodar regional pastor Dmitry Kadatsky, Professor of Novosibirsk Seminary Pavel Togobitsky, missionary and teacher Oleg Voskresensky, and pastor of the Novocherkassk church Vladimir Romanenko. In addition to participating in the worship services at the Council, these ministers held several training seminars on the topic of Evangelism. Various church choirs, men’s, youth and children's singing groups inspired those present with beautiful singing for the glory of the Lord. The brass band, instrumental and singing groups glorified God, warmed and delighted the souls of the participants in the Council.

It was discussed at the Council, because of the great desire, that similar prayer vigils be held on this Bryansk facility annually. Everyone agreed and it was decided then that next year the same activity would take place, Lord willing. The Association of Bryansk Churches enthusiastically participates in various Evangelistic projects of the Union, often initiates new approaches in Evangelism itself. Bryansk brothers and sisters always actively participate in missionary services not only in their region, but also far beyond its borders, willingly responding to any call to serve the Lord and His church. So this time, I would like to hope the Bryansk Prayer Vigil was not only a celebration, but God's blessing, encouragement, inspiration and incentive to more actively fulfill the commission of our Lord to go into this world and share the good news of Jesus.

Prepared by Ivan Pryadko.