From May 26–June 3, 2023, in the sunniest city of Russia, Ulan-Ude, an evangelistic program was held, which was conducted by Moisei I. Ostrovski, president of the East Russian Union Mission and evangelist. Despite the fact it was the beginning of summer and the season was open, there were enough visitors at each meeting who did not regret taking the time to do so.
The first part of each meeting was devoted to stories and testimonies of the miracles and blessings prayer brings into people’s lives. Nina Petrovna Ostrovskaya shared this with inspiration. People listened with particular interest to these topics, learning the power of Bible promises that, when combined with faith, bring amazing answers to prayer. After each meeting, people still remained to talk on this topic and pray for urgent matters.
The biblical themes Ostrovski conducted were rather unusual. They also contained many experiences and examples that helped attendees better understand the different facets of God's plan of salvation, which is available to every person. At each meeting, Ostrovski showed the importance of one’s response to God's invitation. One of the topics was “Can God count on us in His time of need?” It was a special invitation to become disciples of Jesus Christ, ready to take His side even at significant cost. The other evening, there was a topic on how to obtain heavenly citizenship. And four people responded to the call of God and became those on whom He can count.
On Sabbath, June 3, despite the rain and wind, the prayer house was so full that there was no free space in the hall, and even in the foyer, it was difficult to find space. Church members from the periphery also came to witness the most solemn event. On that day, four who responded made a covenant with God through baptism. Each of them had to overcome their own difficulties on the way to this decision.
Three of the baptized are young people, and of those, only Kostya grew up in an Adventist family; Alina attended church with her grandmother from childhood; Tanya became the first Adventist in her family; and Lyudmila was brought to church by her sister Vera, who herself was baptized a year ago. All four were prepared for baptism through the Bible lessons offered by the Bible School.
All meetings of the Gospel program, including the Sabbath service and the baptism service, were broadcast live on the YouTube channel, so brothers and sisters as well as friends of the church who live far away or, for health reasons, could not attend the service, also had the opportunity to rejoice at this event. The church warmly welcomed the baptized, surrounding them with warmth and care.
Members believe all four who were baptized and thus joined the church will be active participants in its ministry. The church especially needs those who can tell about what the Lord has done for them to their relatives and friends. Praise God for His amazing works and blessings!
The original version of this story was posted on the Euro-Asia Division Russian-language news site.
