Bryansk Congress - 2022

People come here from all over Russia and even other countries. When you see such a gathering of God's people, you get the feeling that you have entered another world. Joyful faces, warm greetings, personal attention all can touch you to tears. The location is the most beautiful place - a pine forest! And what space! Thousands of people and everyone is comfortable! Cozy houses, a tent camp area, so movement and children's laughter is heard everywhere. Your eyes cannot grasp this huge undertaking. Now, as if looking from the outside, do you know what it looks like? This is the kingdom of God! And at the head is Christ! We are different in nationality, different classes, different ages, but we have the same values ​​- spiritual values, the same thoughts and divine aspirations. We are united by Christ and His holy love. We have one hope and one future. We are one big family and there is no one dearer or closer!

It is amazing that, living in such a stressful time in history, when people are overwhelmed with worries, problems, difficult circumstances, the Lord planned everything, found time and strength for us to be in fellowship, to be nourished, to be refreshed by His Word, sounding in the power of the Holy Spirit through the brother’s preaching. They carried His Word with such boldness that our whole being, inside and out changed. Truly it IS the living holy Word of God! It encouraged us to move forward, to be transformed, to live a full spiritual life in Christ, to live for God alone!

The youth also received deep edification. A special program was prepared for them, at the end of which there was time for questions and answers. There they could ask about any topic and get clarification. A standout highlight is the choral ministry. You will not hear such singing anywhere, except at a congress. With bated breath, everyone  listened to the different ensembles sing with such force! The wonderful sound of the orchestra added a special dynamic as well. Special thanks for solo performances. Also a children's choir performed on Sunday morning. There were an amazing number of children! When our Sunday school children got up and began to glorify God with hymns, we experienced both inspiration, tenderness, and joy. The Holy Spirit filled our hearts with happiness: what a blessing for us!

Thank God for the many opportunities to communicate with both old friends and new acquaintances. Here's an example: one lady comes to me, “I am Oksana,” she introduces herself, and the conversation started ... We learn that she came from Rostov, with her sisters, they are all gypsies and believers! See what miracles God does! She told us about the church, about the pastor, about the ministry. Imagine, a minister, a gypsy himself, goes to another city, asks passers-by where the gypsies live, goes to them and preaches about Jesus’ saving love. One older lady from Siberia saves money from her pension for a whole year in order to come from far away and visit this fellowship of God's people. God, thank You for such sacrifice of Your people!

The congress also became a great support and strengthening for the deaf believers of our city. This year, the church of the deaf was replenished with two more brothers who made a covenant with the Lord through holy water baptism. They prayed and enjoyed fellowship.

And the crowning moment, the height of all our time spent at the congress was a call to repentance. He is the miracle: one, two, three people began to come forward. And then, you are already losing count: how many there are! The Spirit triumphs, behold the victory of Christ! Inspired by the Word of God, overcoming fear, go, go people to repent! I believe that they sincerely called Christ into their lives, and He, of course, accepted their invitation with joy. Friends, the road to the knowledge of our Lord is opening before you, the road leading to happiness in Christ. It won't be easy, but the Savior will help, so don't even hesitate a little! Happy journey guys!!

A bit more: I would like to thank the dear brothers and sisters who put so much effort into holding the congress. Of course, there were circumstances, and difficult situation arose; where would we be without them? And when, according to human reasoning, there is no way out, it is impossible to cope, God says: Jeremiah 32:27: “Is there anything that is impossible for Me?” At such moments, we realize how great God is! He controls everything!

After such communication, you unknowingly pay attention to your life and think: is everything the way it should as a mature Christian? And I notice that we sometimes strive for our own pleasure: peace of mind, convenience, comfort or something. And yet the Lord desires my daily transformation, my holiness and purity. So, transform my life, Lord, strengthen me, teach me Your ways and lead me, my God!

Tamara Shpakova (Bryansk)