Women’s Ministry Update - a Mosaic from January - May 2023

Women's Day of Prayer of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Russia

We are grateful to God for the opportunity for the sisters to start the new year with prayer.

The program of the Russian Day of Prayer in 2023 was formed by the leadership of the Nizhny Novgorod region along with the Women's Ministry Department of the Russian UECB. This year, 2023 has been declared the year of RE-CREATION. In this context, the words “doing good” were chosen as the key words for the Russian Day of Prayer, the theme is taken from the text from 1 Peter 2:15: “Such is the will of God that we do good.”

Our program included biblical reflections on kindness and practical application - doing good. We prayed for peace, for the protection of our families and churches, for the ministry of brotherhood, for revival and evangelism to the unreached peoples of Russia, for our work for the glory of the Lord.

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, in the church of the city of Noginsk, Moscow Region, a joint prayer of the sisters took place from the churches of Noginsk, Elektrostal, Ivanisov, Orekhova-Zuev, Saltykovka, Shchelkovo - in total, forty-five sisters.

The prayer fellowship was opened with a welcoming word and blessing by the senior presbyter of the Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians - Baptists of the Moscow Region Alexei Borisovich Pichugin. The meeting of the sisters took place in an atmosphere of love and unity; immersion in the Word of God on selected topics: About good, and virtue in the family. The sisters wholeheartedly offered up prayers to the Lord for Christian families, for relationships in churches and families, for our brotherhood, for women's ministry, for the needs of Russia, for representatives of the authorities, "to lead a quiet and serene life in all piety and purity" 1st Timothy 2:2; and then also glorified the Lord in singing hymns together.

After the prayer fellowship, the participants of the meeting were offered refreshments.

Praise the Lord for this opportunity for the sisters to gather together for prayer, for His great love and mercy shown to us in every day of our lives at this difficult time! Elena Goluzova.

 

On March 18, 2023, in the village of Melnikovo, Tomsk region, a Prayer dinner was held for the sisters of the Tomsk region under the motto: "Time to do good", organized as part of the Russian Day of Prayer 2023.

We thank God for the participation of each sister in this unforgettable event. Special thanks to the UECB Women's Ministry Dept and heartfelt thanks to the sisters from the churches of the Moscow region, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Kemerovo, Tver, Krasnoyarsk and Sosnovoborsk, Shakhty, Kolpashevo and other churches who sent us their greetings, wishes and blessings. Your prayers have been answered. The Holy Spirit has filled our ministry even more thanks to your kind messages. Here is one of the messages from the sisters from Tver, which came to us first:

"Dear sisters of the Tomsk region! We congratulate you on the day of prayer of the sisters of Russia! Prayer unites us. Glory to Christ that He gave us a kindred spirit! May your life be a vivid testimony of our Lord. May the Lord multiply your spiritual and physical strength in doing good, God's guidance to you, and peace of mind. Trust in the Lord in all your ways, for our Lord is an eternal rock! May the Lord bless you and your families! Be a fragrance for your relatives, churches and other people around you. "For we are Christ's fragrance to God" (2 Cor. 2:14).

The key theme of the day of prayer was the words "doing good." Pastor Bogdan gave a sermon on the importance of good deeds, which are the evidence of our faith (James 2:17-24). After that, the sisters united in small groups to pray for the revival of Russia, for the ministry of our brotherhood, for the needs of the churches of the UECB, for the Tomsk region, for our families and our work for the Lord. After dinner, the sisters generously shared their testimonies of doing good in their lives.

A feature of the event was the opportunity to serve each other by preparing a dish for the buffet table. As a result, we ate a variety of delicious salads, hot dishes and pies. Praise God for your kind hands, sisters!

As part of this fellowship, the sisters also held an action of kindness: collecting food for those in need.

On behalf of the 41 participants of the meeting, we express our deep gratitude to the host church "Salvation" in the village of Melnikovo.

Praise God for His grace!

With respect and prayer,

Anna Godymchuk

 

 

 

As part of the All-Russian Day of Prayer, sisterly prayer services were held throughout Russia in March. In the Rostov Church, the sisters gathered, by the grace of God, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, the eve of the Lord's Supper. About 30 ladies gathered, including some guests from two other churches.

In one spirit, we glorified the Lord with group singing, confessed our sins and thanked Him in prayer for all the gifts of His love. Young ladies shared how they served as volunteers in the war torn cities of Lisichansk and Mariupol.

For Intercessory prayer, the needs were presented, and we divided them between the participants into two groups so that each sister could pray and respond to each petition with "Amen!"

Praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for all the blessings poured out on the sisters on this day of united prayer! Hearty greetings to all the sisters of the UECB churches from the participants in our prayerful fellowship! Message and photo by Tatyana Kovaleva

 

Regional conferences and thematic fellowships of sisters

We inform you that on March 4, 2023, a regional conference for sisters was held in the city of Irkutsk on the topic: “Christian Woman and Family”. The conference brought together 170 sisters from all the churches in the region. Pastor Denis shared a word of edification and prayed blessing over our time. In unity of spirit, all present rejoiced  and glorified God from the shared encouragement. The worship team encouraged us with beautiful psalms. A key participant in the program was sister Tatyana Shmykova, from Kaluga. We express great gratitude to her for all the valuable information and real examples of the woman who serves her family. Every attendee took many rich points in which to apply further in their life, thanks to the instructions and rich experience of Tatiana.

Below are the sisters' comments about the conference:

• I thank the Lord for the blessed meeting of the sisters in Irkutsk. Special thanks to our speaker Tatyana Mikhailovna for valuable material for women. The theme of the family was very interesting, competent and clearly presented. The sisters heard exactly what they wanted and needed.

     The team worked harmoniously and responsibly, which worked hard to ensure that this fellowship glorified the Lord. The beautiful singing of the worship group touched our hearts. The meeting participants exchanged prayer needs, shared how the Lord answered the petitions that were submitted at the last conference. The sisters did a wonderful job in the kitchen; they prepared delicious meals.

     Thanks to the sisters for the cozy atmosphere, for the soulful singing; for useful information with examples. Special thanks to Tatyana Mikhailovna for her instructions about children; I saw some mistakes in raising my children. Many areas related to the family were covered. The whole conference was held in one breath and so, got a boost of energy.

• Thanks to all brothers and sisters for the excellent organization and holding the conference, for topical topics, and deep content. The information was necessary, especially for young people, and it was useful for us to learn a lot of new things. Thanks to the lecturer for their lively, charismatic and intelligible explanation of the topics. With great attention, everyone listened to the gems of knowledge and life experience of the sister, being even afraid to miss some piece of wisdom. Special thanks to our brothers for supporting the ladies in this venture. Thanks to the sisters who prepared a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and wonderful coffee. I am delighted. Everything was wonderful! For everything be glory to our Lord!

Ludmila Zvereva

 

 

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, in the village of Gostagaevskaya, Krasnodar Territory, a conference was held on the topic: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower" book of Proverbs 18:10 for sisters from nearby churches. More than 170 sisters attended the conference.

We wanted to create a rexaling, cozy, friendly atmosphere and environment in which the sisters not only listened to the speakers, but could share with each other what the Lord reveals to them about Himself in His Word.

The conversation went well. The organizers of the conference were very happy that everything turned out as planned.

A very good topic has been chosen. We continue to meditate on the power of God's name.

Natalia Trifonova.

 

On May 20, 2023, a regional women's conference was held in Volgograd on the topic: "Called to create." Speakers from the Bryansk region - Olga Fedulova and Galina Vosnyatina took part in it. The conference was very blessed, inspirational and edifying.

The sisters talked about how God made a woman. How can a Christian fit in with God's design for a woman and be creative builder, not destructive, in her home and environment.

We thank the Lord for this opportunity. After all, it is the knowledge of God's truths that can free us from many delusions of this world and give us the strength to fulfill God's given destiny!

The conference was attended by two hundred women from different churches in the Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, as well as from Stavropol and Ufa. Glory to Jesus! Elena Skoda

 

Sisterhood in Novoshakhtinsk

"All my springs are in You." Psalm 86:7

On Saturday, May 20, 2023, in the church of the city of Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov northern regional churches gathered for ladies fellowship. For us it was a significant event, as it was the very first of such events The hall was decorated with flowers and decorations in pink and lilac tones. Bouquets of fragrant lilacs stood on the tables. All this created a bright festive mood.

The central theme of our fellowship was: "You are my Source!" The pastor of the church, Andrey Karelov, in his welcoming speech, urged the ladies not to forget about Christ, the Source, Who gives us Life in every possible way. In conclusion, Andrey then blessed the rest of the ladies time together, followed up by speeches from the speakers, who generously shared their thoughts on the chosen topic.

Then we prayed, divided into small groups: for our personal needs, for the repentance of our loved ones, for our church, for the expansion of the boundaries of our ministry.

The participants also shared their testimonies of how the Lord leads them through life and opens His springs in the wilderness; how, "passing through the valley of weeping, they open springs in it"; also beautiful singing and poems on the theme were performed.

We thank all the sisters who took part in organizing and holding this meeting, as well as each who shared this time with us before the face of the Lord! Marina Onuts

 

Russian Women's Education Program

On January 27-28, 2023, the first session of nursing education took place in the city of Korenovsk, Krasnodar Territory.

The church leadership supported us and blessed us for learning; they rejoiced that a sister movement is beginning in the northern region of the Krasnodar Territory.

What joy the sisters-students had when they listened to words of greeting and encouragement from different parts of our country, when they heard reports that they were being prayed for. We saw how important this support and awareness of unity with the sisters of other centers of learning is for them.

I would also like to convey greetings from the Educational Council to the sisters and wishes for success in their studies.

Thanks to everyone from the sisters of the Korenovskaya church for the prayers and for the congratulations sent.

Regional training program coordinator Natalya Trifonova.

 

Greetings from the city of Kyzyl, Republic of Tuva! Here, on February 19, 2023, the second session of the sisters' training center ended. Praise God for your prayers, for the dedicated teachers sisters Vera Kurdyukova and Marina Tuganov, who traveled all the way from the Krasnoyarsk Territory to Kyzyl to lead this session. At the opening of the session on February 18, 2023, Pastor Alexander Khoroshkov blessed and inspired the sisters to study and work. He drew attention to discipline in achieving the goal: the Kingdom of God is taken by force, and he who makes an effort delights him. Effort means persistent perseverance and a determined pursuit of a goal. Everything important in life must be fought for, and everything desired is achieved through labor and struggle.

Together with the teachers, there were 16 people in the session. The sisters took great interest in dissecting the Scriptures by the Method of Discovery: Observations, Interpretations and Applications. The acquired knowledge will help our sisters, the translators of the Bible into Tuvan, to make the translation even more accurate and correct.

Pastor encouraged us with a word and blessed us on the path.

May the Lord bless the sisters to remain faithful in their studies to the end and those who serve them! We pray for all sister groups in Russia. May the Lord bless all those who work in His field.

 Your Tuvan sisters in Christ

 

From March 24 to March 25, 2023, the 2nd session of the Sisters' Training Center of the Moscow Region was held at the Church of the Annunciation in the village of Nemchinovka using the Discovery Method in Bible Study course. Before the beginning of the classes, the sisters meditated on the texts of Scripture "You are the light of the world," Matthew 5:14, Psalm 54:23 and Psalm 21:6: "Let goodness and mercy accompany me all the days of my life." We prayed and glorified the Lord in hymns. After the introduction to the course, which was made by Ekaterina Kokunova, they reviewed the method of study on the passage of Hebrews 12:1-11. Three stages were taught: Observation (Anna Shik), Interpretation (Vera Izotova), Application (Elena Zvyagina). Particular emphasis in the Commentary was placed on the passage of the race ahead, looking to Jesus (verse 2), as well as on the attitude to punishment and exhortation: "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (verse 6).

Teachers presented their materials to help students to further comprehend this method.

Along with this, a homework check was carried out at the rate "Here is your God"; time was devoted to the fellowship of the sisters and prayer for each other. On March 25, the work began with praise and testimonies of the Lord's answers to prayers. In the course of studying the passage of  Mark 5,1-20 "Healing of the Possessed Man" Vera Izotova described in detail the formulation of research questions at the Interpretation stage. Ladies then did analysis of a passage in small groups.

In conclusion, the task was given to consolidate the Method of Discovery. This eventful session ended with a prayer of thanksgiving and singing of the student anthem, “Glory to God alone!”

Vera Izotova

 

April 21-22, 2023 in the city of Krasnodar, in the largest training center for sisters in the region, the 2nd session of the course "The Method of Discovery in Bible Study" was blessedly held.

Teachers: Anna Shik, Inga Semyonova, Ella Evdokimova and Natalia Sochiyans have consistently outlined the stages of Bible study: Reading a passage of Scripture, Observation, Interpretation and Application.

In five small groups, practical classes were successfully conducted by graduates of the previous course: Oksana Kirilova, Marina Entina, Oksana Yakubovskaya and Lyubov Egorova.

With gratitude to God for help and guidance, Anna Shik and session participants

 

 

We are pleased to announce that on April 22-23, 2023, in the city of Krasnoyarsk, in the Word of Truth church, the fifth training session was held. Study and fellowship of the sisters was joyful, useful, and blessed. Many fervent prayers were lifted up to the throne of grace for each other, for teaching, for evangelism in the region and throughout Russia. So glad to see many sisters who want to study and work in the Krasnoyarsk Territory!

Sister Laura

 

 

The city of Ust-Labinsk, Krasnodar Territory. Here, on April 28-29, 2023, the 8th session of the training center of the Russian Women's Education Program was held. The students completed the study of important and voluminous material on "Evangelism and Discipleship" and began the course "Building a Lasting Marriage".

The lecturers participated in the presentation of the material: Natalia Trifonova, Anna Shik, Natalia Sochiyans, Ekaterina Lyulkevich, Lilia Markova, Ekaterina Belomestova and others. Many thanks to the Lord and these sisters for the rich courses. A lot of valuable lessons were gained from the course on "Mentoring". Let's strive to apply the acquired knowledge and skills of evangelism in our witness to unbelieving people!

Anna Shik

 

On April 28-29, 2023, the fifth session of the Sisters' Training Program was held at the Harvest Church in Krasnoyarsk. There was a study of the material on the course "Christian life". ("Walking with Christ"). Classes were accompanied by warm communication, praising the Lord in songs, and with many prayers.

Praise God for every sister who has dedicated herself to learning, knowing the Lord greater, and acquiring the skills of service.

We are grateful to the Lord for the ladies in Krasnodar. We see familiar and new faces with each gathering. We wish you blessings and continued diligence in your studies, our dear sisters. We rejoice with you and pray for you. God bless!

Shared by Julia Matern

 

On April 29-30, 2023, the 9th session of the Sisters' Training Program was held in the city of Kansk in Krasnoyarsk Territory. Opening the session, the deacon of the church, Nikolai, addressed the sisters with an Easter greeting: "Christ is risen! We have risen with Him" ​​and said a word of edification based on a passage from Matthew 5:13-16, "You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." As children of God, we bring light, so it is important for us to learn from Christ. We are a new creation in Christ. The Holy Spirit works in our lives, changing us. The light that is in us should be visible to those around us and testify to the fact that we are followers of Christ.

In the course of the training, "Creating a lasting marriage" - "Matrimony" was completed and the material "Christian parenting" was partially completed. Thank God for the sister students, for the teachers who donated their time, overcoming long distances, to take part in the sessions. For warm friendly fellowship, and for answered prayers.

Lyubov Rezvitskaya

 

March 28, 2023 we had a wonderful opening of a training center in the city of Mozyr, the program included:  acquaintance, fellowship and study. Seventeen sisters from Mozyr, Kalinkovichi, Gomel, Zhlobin and other places were able to come to the opening. There were no shortage of teachers. The beginning of the training was blessed by the Bishop of the Gomel region Vladimir Tishkov. Hearty greetings and wishes for successful studies came from Leonid Mikhovich, chairman of the Belarus UECB, and the dean of our faculty, Pavel Osenenko. After such a grand opening and the abundant blessings of the brethren, the students had nothing left to do - faithfully walk this path in five years. I really want not to lose any of the students. Praise God for all the blessings! Tatyana Dindikova, coordinator of the training program in Belarus

 

 

On May 16, 2023, graduation took place at the training center in Tver. The students wonderfully completed their studies, finishing the five-year program, with the study of the course "Christian parenting". Senior pastor for the Tver region Igor Kudryashov presented diplomas to six graduates who successfully completed their studies. Praise God for the path we have traveled together!

Administrator and teacher of the center Irina Yaryshkina, teacher Lyudmila Gerchikova

Vera Izotova