On April 22, 2023, a joyful event took place at the Adventist church in Shchelkovo, Moscow, Russia: New people made a covenant with God through baptism.

The baptism was preceded by Easter meetings and the study of biblical truths through lessons taught by the community's pastor, Vladimir Vachev.

Each of the baptized individual has his or her own way to search for spiritual values: Nazar and Vera, who are brother and sister and quite young, were born into a family of believers and instructed by their parents; Sasha and Natasha came to the church last spring for a charity concert and very quickly joined the life of the community and took part in events. Vladislav Nikolayevich went a long way in life and very sincerely wanted to be baptized, looking forward to this day.

Three young people responded to the pastor's call to follow the example of those who were baptized and devote their lives to God.

More than 100 people gathered to share the joy of renewal with those baptized: members of the Shchelkovo, Fryazino, and Pushkino communities, as well as friends. The warm, sunny day allowed those assembled to spend the Sabbath day together. Tables with festive treats were set in the small hall, and desserts were eaten in the fresh air in the church courtyard. The Shchelkovo community has a long tradition of hospitality. And on this day, the guests talked for a long time, sharing their experiences and thoughts.

Valentina Nikolaevna has long been acquainted with Adventists and has read many books about Christ. Friends invited her to watch this holiday service. For a long time, Nikolaevna did not dare take a step towards God, feeling something else was holding her back. At the end of the holiday, she expressed her desire to follow the example of those baptized and devote her life to God. In the near future, the community plans to continue the joyful celebration and again hold the rite of baptism as a symbol of the beginning of a new spiritual life.

The original version of this story was posted on the Euro-Asia Division Russian-language news site.