First Family Conference in Yamal (Northern Siberia)

The theme of the conference: "Biblical image of the family." In other words, what does a biblical family look like.

The conference was opened by Denis Glebov, UECB Regional Pastor of the Yamalo-Nenets Okrug. Lecture topics were interesting and varied:

• "Our relationship with unbelieving relatives and our influence on them" - D. Glebov, pastor of the Muravlenko church;
• "How the family can work contrary to God" - S. Cherepanov, Assoc. Pastor of the Muravlenko church;
• "The purpose and role of the family" - A. Podkolzin, pastor of the village church in  Urengoy;
• "Family Worship with Children" - Y. Chibuk, pastor of the church in Novy Urengoy

Also, biblical examples of the Old Testament and New Testament heroes and their faith related to family, and the disturbing problems of modern families were touched upon.

It is sad to watch how a person turns God's plan into something contrary to the Lord. This happens when priorities are shifted and the hierarchical system established by God is violated. The family is a blessed institution created by the Lord for happiness and for serving God, but it can turn into a disaster that is contrary to the Almighty. This topic was opened by Pastor Sergey Cherepanov.

The family influences the child more and more significantly than Sunday school and church. This influence is decisive in the period of formation and spiritual growth of children. Broken families in this generation will give rise to problem families in the future. A whole personality is formed in a healthy family, where everything is in its place.

When worshiping together, family members receive the strength and wisdom to endure any and all disagreements in the family. You can worship God through joint prayer, singing, reading Scripture.... You can, for example, with the whole family, read classical literature and, using the example of literary heroes, teach children wisdom. Yuri Chibuk recalled this.

If a child is "up to his ears" in computer games, you should not immediately ban everything. The parent himself should try to become competent in these matters in order to be an authority for his child and have influence on him - Alexander Podkolzin explained in his lecture.

Relationships with unbelieving relatives are sometimes a great pain in our hearts. Due to the lack of results in sharing the gospel with them, our hands often go up and it seems that all efforts are in vain. In order to convert our relatives to God, and not push them away from the faith, wisdom from the Lord is needed. The Epistle to Romans 12:11 says: "Do not weaken in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord ..." - with this verse, Denis Glebov encouraged everyone present and urged them not to spare their efforts and time, investing in relationships, becoming a good example for our unbelieving relatives. "This is our responsibility before God," the pastor reminded everyone present.

The invited guest, Nikolai Kornilov, professor at the Moscow Theological Seminary of the UECB, opened the topic "Sowing and reaping - the consequences in our children."

Also, during the conference, everyone had the opportunity to turn to Pastor Nikolai for counseling on family issues.

A total of 19 married couples came to the conference, there were also young brothers and sisters who are engaged, and there were also singles who attended the conference. In total, about 50 adults and 20 children took part in the conference.

During the lectures, a separate program was organized for children, so that parents could completely immerse themselves in the lecture material without being distracted by their kids.

For a day and a half, brothers and sisters fellowshipped and received edification on these important matters. Worship singing, testimonies and interaction between lectures created an incredible family atmosphere of warmth and comfort during the conference.

Praise the Lord for this wonderful time!