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Showing posts with label Local Church Activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Church Activities. Show all posts
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 4th, Baptism Sunday
11:36 AM | Posted by
TeamUfa
On Sunday, July 4th churches in America were holding their services, no doubt, with a little patriotic flavor. The nation was gearing up for an evening of fireworks displays and many hotdogs, hamburgers and other grilled meats were consumed. You may have even grilled some vegetables. It was Independence Day for Americans. In Ufa, Russia a very different yet no less worthy celebration was taking place. It was the Sunday designated to baptize new believers! I went to the service held by The House of Prayer church at 9 am on the banks of the Ufa river. It was a very good time of worship and a happy time as the congregation welcomed its new members into the fold. There are some similarities to what we experience in American churches and some differences. One thing to note is that baptism carries a lot of weight in Russia. Given the country’s history, it is easy to see why. It was not too long ago when being a baptized believer could mean harassment, imprisonment, exile, or death.
We all gathered on the bank of the river and dressed in white the 9 candidates stood behind a banner on which is written part of Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized, will be saved...”
The first thing we did was sing a couple of hymns. Then a message was given by one of the men about the importance of your faith being seen by your works. After this the pastor waded out into the cold river until he was about waist deep.
One by one the candidates went out to meet him and were baptized. One interesting thing I noticed was that during the dialogue that took place with the pastor all the candidates in a loud, clear voice stated the same thing, “I believe!” This is a big moment. Again, it wasn’t too long ago when going to ceremonies like this was fraught with danger and they were done in the dead of night and every word was a whisper. After each baptism the crowd on the shore sang a few lines that translate roughly: You are being baptized in Christ, therefore be clothed in Christ.
Upon exiting the river the newly baptized member gets a towel and hurries to the tent to change clothes.
After all were baptized the pastor prayed a blessing over the newly baptized and that concluded the service. It was simple, yet special for all involved.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Easter in Ufa
Have you ever wondered how believers in Russia celebrate Easter? They lift up the name of Christ! Ufa Bible Church had a great Easter Sunday service. There were worship songs, skits and The Word of God was preached. God gave us good, sunny and not too cold, weather. I was able to take some pictures during the service so you could see the Body of Christ worshiping on the other side of the world.
The Russians have a greeting that they use around Easter. The first person says, "Christ is risen!" and the second replies, "He is risen indeed!" If you are on the streets and in the shops you will hear it repeated, no matter the actual beliefs of the person. This phrase can be heard from the lips of Tatars, Bashkirs, (who are traditionally of an Islamic heritage) and non-believing Russians alike. It is just a little humorous, yet tragic. They repeat the name of Christ as they would 'hello' on any other day. Please, pray that God will use believers to reach out to their non-believing neighbors, so that when they say "Christ is Risen!" they will be speaking from the heart.
Praise and Worship on Easter Sunday with Mihai, Tanya and Tatiana
A skit was performed by Sasha, Tatiana and Sergei
Mihai preached the message
Pastor Rustem gave a closing word
The Russians have a greeting that they use around Easter. The first person says, "Christ is risen!" and the second replies, "He is risen indeed!" If you are on the streets and in the shops you will hear it repeated, no matter the actual beliefs of the person. This phrase can be heard from the lips of Tatars, Bashkirs, (who are traditionally of an Islamic heritage) and non-believing Russians alike. It is just a little humorous, yet tragic. They repeat the name of Christ as they would 'hello' on any other day. Please, pray that God will use believers to reach out to their non-believing neighbors, so that when they say "Christ is Risen!" they will be speaking from the heart.
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