Children's Festival in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug

“We are the children of the Yamal land,

Sparkles of faith in our breasts!

Let's take each other's hands,

Let us follow Jesus together!”

This chorus of the anthem of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug association of Sunday schools has been heard for the second year in a row. Thank God, the children's Festival took place again, despite the uncomfortable northern weather, long distances and frequent freezes. This time children of different ages from Noyabrsk, Muravlenko and Gubkinsky took part. Each Sunday school showed their video cards as part of getting to know each other.

On the first day, January 4, a game quest was organized on the theme “Sea Adventures in the Bible”, where the children, under the guidance of the captain and with the help of a map, raised the sails and sailed through trials to get to the Island of Eternity, passing the islands of Moses, Jonah and Paul. During the tests, the children received letters, which then turned into keywords discovering a special message.

Play activities were planned throughout the entire territory of the House of Prayer in Noyabrsk, and four groups of children were accompanied by youth in the role of sailors.

I would also like to say something about the design - the organizers tried to create a marine atmosphere, where a beautiful ship with sails was installed in the center of the quest, the conference room became the captain's cabin, and sea creatures were located on fabrics and windows.

Each stage of testing ended with presentations on the islands. Thus, the island of Moses was represented by a wonderful short musical from Tarko-Sale and Gubkinsky. Iona Island beat Muravlenko with talent and excitement.

In front of Paul's Island, the younger teens engaged in a sea battle with the sage of the misty island and played Acts 27-28. They sank all the ships and showed their knowledge with dignity.

The Island of Eternity was presented, as the golden gates suddenly opened and a preacher came out, who in an accessible form, told the children that not everyone can get to the Heavenly City, but only those who are sincere and repent of your sins, trusting with all your heart in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.

After the game quest, a soap bubble show began, which not only delighted the children, but also plunged parents and teachers briefly into childhood.  

Further, as is tradition, master classes were offered where kids had pleasure making crafts from playdough, gingerbread cookie decorating, jewelry-making (bracelets, necklaces and beads), and also painting with acrylic paints on scarves.

At the end of the first day of the festival, they brought out a large cake in the shape of a ship called “Salvation”, which was made to order. Children and adults were pleasantly surprised and drank tea with joy!

On the second day, the festival ended with musical praise, as well as a short summing up using the interview method, in which the participants shared their impressions.

Judging by the enthusiastic reviews of the children, the main goal of the festival was achieved - they met, became friends, united, received knowledge about salvation and eternity with Jesus Christ, where all Christians go.

And of course, we agreed to meet again next year!

We pray that this festival will be even more widespread and reach more children, not only Sunday schools, but also those who have not yet heard about the Lord. Pray with us!

"And beyond the Arctic Circle

The blizzard sings songs.

The sky shines with a wonderful radiance,

Tells us about the Creator!”