IRKUTSK REGION (RUSSIA) – The regional youth conference “Reaching more” was held on November 23–25, at the Grace in Christ Church of Bratsk and on November 27 at the New Life Church of Irkutsk.
The main speaker was the leader of the youth ministry of the Russian Church, pastor of the New Testament Church of Perm, Alexander Khudyakov. Senior presbyter of the Association Oleg Demin, the head of the youth ministry of the Irkutsk Association, pastor of the New Testament Church of Zheleznogorsk-Ilimsky Alexander Zuev also ministered at the Conference.
Pastor Oleg Demin opened the first service. He conveyed the message on how to be great and to achieve more. He advised that one needed to be faithful in what has been entrusted by God.
Alexander Zuev shared that in following Christ you need to be sincere. God loves sincerity. Mistakes of the past should not affect the present and the future; if a person can be sincere, he will achieve great victories for the Lord.
Alexander Khudyakov gave some simple tips for young people on how to be happy.
1. To be with God under any circumstances. 2. To bless people around. 3. To give what you have today. 4. To preach the Gospel.
Alexander Khudyakov conducted a master-class “Purpose-driven Youth Ministry”, where he shared five unchanging principles:
1. Personal relationship with God — every person should strive for this.
2. To serve youth, one needs a team.
3. To impart the received experience and knowledge to others (discipleship).
4. To reach youth, one needs to penetrate and understand their culture.
5. To preach the gospel to the unsaved.
Pastor Alexander shared his testimony how God had been preparing him for the family life for twelve years. He advised young brothers and sisters not to hurry and not to delay: everything has its time.
The conference brought together 130 young people from different cities of the Irkutsk region: Bratsk, Irkutsk, Angarsk, Zheleznogorsk-Ilimskiy, Kirensk. Young people traveled hundreds of miles to be together in fellowship, renew their relationship with God, and follow the path of calling that is for every young man in Christ.
On November 27, a meeting was held in Irkutsk at the New Life church. Alexander Khudyakov shared with young people how to build their lives on a solid ground. The gospel of Matthew (chapter 7, verses 24-29) says that in order to do this, you need to be obedient to the Word of God and your leaders — pastors and elders.
Pastor Alexander Zuev spoke that in any storm you need to look at Christ. He cited the example of the Apostle Peter, when he came out of the boat and walked on the water, but when he saw a strong wind, he began to sink. In order to walk on water, one must always look at Christ, as soon as a person takes his eyes off of Christ, he begins to see a strong wind that helps him to go to the bottom.
In conclusion, the ministers prayed for the youth, blessing those who wish to achieve more in Christ.
Media ministry of the Irkutsk Association
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith
