For three years several evangelical churches from various locations of the Republic of Karelia have been having joint evangelizing activities. The Lord Jesus commanded, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). Understanding the importance of the Lord’s commission to churches, the pastoral board held back in 2011decided to establish a joint evangelistic team. Presently, it consists of pastors and ministers from eight churches, and also includes brothers and sisters from Finland.
Finnish churches blessed the team with two tents which are still in use. With voluntary contributions from many Christians sound equipment, mobile power and a two-axle trailer to transport the necessary equipment were purchased.
In 2011 and 2012 churches in some remote villages that had been visited by the team were established. Those churches are attended by newly converts and led by pastors who travel from nearby towns to preach the Word of God for the spiritual growth of believers.
In 2013 the Karelian evangelistic team held four large evangelizations during the summertime. In addition, the tent meetings took place in seven different villages and towns of Pryazhna, Pitkaryantsky, Suojärvi and Prionezhski areas. A large number of tracts, as well as about 5,000 leaflets with a sinners’ prayer were distributed. During those tent meetings we often witnessed how the Lord continues to save people. The team members, sharing the Good News, prayed for the healing of the sick, for the release from drinking and smoking habits, cast out demons from the possessed.
For three years the team of evangelists became significantly close and grew spiritually. Each team member fulfills a certain role: one sings, one witnesses, one preaches, one calls for repentance, and all together do the work of God.
We call to all churches which do not evangelize with an appeal not to delay and start the most important service in their regions. If we do not tell people about the love of Jesus and His salvation for them, then who will? And what will they say about us, when brought to the judgment of God? We, we alone, are messengers of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless us all in this important work!
The Pentecostal Churches of Karelia Team
Russian Church of Christians of Evangelic Faith
