The first week of the New Year was filled with events for the New Testament Church in Perm. January 2nd through 4th the church hosted Youth Conference #LIVENTC. Young people from Perm and other churches of the Perm region came to the New Testament Church to participate in the Youth Conference.
The opening service started with praise and worship led by a local youth worship team. Youth Pastor Alexander Khudyakov was the first speaker. His message was based on the Scripture passage of Isaiah 55:6-9.
The first verse of this passage was also a theme of the Conference: “Seek the Lord while He makes Himself available; call to Him while He is near.” Pastor Alexander made sure he listed the hindrances to God’s plan to be accomplished.
The next preacher was from Kazakhstan, from the city of Kostanay, pastor Anatoly Moklyak. He prayed for youth, then he turned to the first book of the Bible and looked into the story of two brothers Jacob and Esau. Very often we try to find a place for God in our lives, and when something goes wrong, we become upset. But God wants only one thing – that we would “take delight in the Lord, and He will answer your prayers” (Psalm 36:4). Only if you spend time with the Lord, pray and get into His word, your success in life will be obvious. And the New Year is a great reason to surrender all to the Lord.
On the second day, January 3rd, Pastor Anatoly Moklyak started a new day by preaching on the importance of trusting the Lord. By doing that we will be strong in the days of trouble.
David Grabovenko preached at the next service. David, the middle son of Pastor Edward Grabovenko, is 21 yeas old and therefore his message was especially relevant to all who gathered. He suggested turning to the 2 Kings and reviewing the history of kings Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon and Josiah (2 Kings, chapters 20-23). Looking at the life of Josiah the preacher emphasized the following:
1) God’s plan for your life does not depend on the faith (or its absence) of your parents and grandparents. Josiah’s grandfather and father both worshiped and bowed down to idols and did evil in the sight of the Lord. (2 Kings 21:1, 2, 19, 20)
2) Your current friends and mentors will determine your ways and as a consequence – your future. Wise advices and teachings helped Josiah’s spiritual growth. (2 Kings 22:1, 2)
3) God’s truth will destroy and remove all evil from your life, if you accept it. By reading the words of the law scroll, Josiah realized all mistakes that were made and undertook measures to correct them. The Word of God helps us to become better and transform our life to the better.
David’s message that really came across was clear – you choose yourself which way to follow. But remember that your choice will not only determine your future, but will influence the destiny of your people.
The last speaker on this day was Pastor from Omsk Sergey Gorbenko who spoke about the authority of God’s Word, which is the foundation of the successful life. The proof is the life of king David. (1 Sam. 16:18)
The last day of the Conference was given to guests – music group from Orel “My Family” that led praise and worship and pastor from Omsk Sergey Gorbenko who was a speaker.
His final instructions to youth was – to have a dream, and the dream should be big; and to make sure not to miss the destiny that the Lord has in store for you.
Concluding service was given to Pastor Alexander Pospelov, pastor from Orel and leader of the music group “My Family”. The group consists of members of Pastor Alexander’s family – his wife, daughters and sons-in-law. Pastor Alexander’s message was on worship. He shared his personal testimony and stories from his life with Jesus.
All participants of the Conference were encouraged and inspired by the messages. They were happy to make new friends and get new revelations from the Lord. Prayer time was very valuable, as young people had an opportunity to hear God and most importantly to respond to His calling. At the time of prayer when there was a call to those who were willing to be involved in ministry, 70 young people came forward to be prayed for.
#LIVENTC Conference is over, but LIVE youth movement of the New Testament Church will continue to serve the Lord and reach out to young people of the city of Perm and the region.
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith
