Women's conference in Samara

A Spring April day, and smartly dressed girls and women rush to the Church of the Transfiguration in the city of Samara. Many of them traveled more than a hundred kilometers. During the weekdays, they made sure their household responsibilities were done. They left their kids with dads and grandmothers, to gather for fellowship with the sisters of the churches of the Samara region. The long-awaited and joyful day had come - the women's conference of the sisters of the Samara region.

The conference was opened by the pastor of the church, Oleg Puzankov, with a commission from the Bible and prayer. More than one hundred and thirty sisters from different churches of the Samara region glorified the Lord Jesus Christ with unified joyful singing. After all, thanks to Him we have closeness to each other!

At the invitation of Pastor Viktor Ryaguzov, Sister Elena Boretskaya from the city of Bor, Nizhny Novgorod Region, came to the conference. She shared with us thoughts from the Word of God on the topic of evangelism: “How to convey the love of Christ to people” and “How to live with an unbelieving or spiritually weak husband?”. Sister Olga Osetrova spoke about compassion and hospice ministry.

The conference was helpful, instructive and encouraging for many sisters. Participants testified to this. “The material on the gospel was presented excellently, with a call to action” (Anna K., Samara) . “I was able to rethink a lot of issues in my heart and mind. There were many encouraging testimonies of God’s working in marriages. It was encouraging and inspiring, like a breath of fresh air” (Natalya V., Novosemeykino). “What a joyful time of fellowship with sisters. The Word of God edified and inspired us to serve God whole heartedly” (Vera G., Samara).

It was especially nice to have time for communication in small groups, where the ladies could discuss questions and share their experience of walking by faith. “It's great that there were interactive events where we had the opportunity to communicate in small groups!” (Evelina Z., Samara). “I liked everything very much. I think that it is possible to allocate even more time in the program for group discussions” (Vera E., Samara). 

There was even special time set aside for young girls on the topic of trusting God - "I will never lose." The younger generation always has many questions about the purpose of life, about faith in Jesus Christ, about God's will in their personal life, about friendship. How valuable it was for the young sisters to hear answers to their questions from an older sister in Christ! “I had tough questions that were answered and goals and ideals  that have now been brought together in the scriptures. What a gracious gift this conference has been.” (Ivetta Sh., Sukhodol.)

Thanks to the efforts of the organizing committee, the church hall was cozy and inviting. Ladies could not only receive edification, but also take a break from household responsibilties, take beautiful photographs, drink coffee, and have a meal together. A special gift was prepared for each sister. The craftswomen of our church brought home-made products, which were donated to the participants of the conference with the help of a lottery. “Thank you, dear sisters, for the gifts, souvenirs, chocolates, bookmarks and for your kind words. God bless you!" (Galina Z., Samara).

Two days of the conference flew by in one breath. Many questions were answered. This conference also showed that there are many questions, worries, and concerns that they would like to talk about, and to hear answers from God's Word. This means that women's conferences are important and should be held regularly. After all, “ such amazing discussions spiritually refresh us!  "(Tatyana B., Samara).

Irina Kondrashkina,

MRO "Church of Evangelical Christian Baptists" Transfiguration ", Samara