Beresino, Minsk Region:
Beresino:
Pavel Smolyakov
Svetlana Karpovich
Olga Shpak
The town of Beresino is an ancient one, it was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1501. Earlier its inhabitants were mostly employed in agriculture, but now there are some small industrial enterprises. 15 thousand people live here now, there are some Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches as well as Protestant churches.
The Baptist church where we had our practice has 80 members only, but it is very active. It seems that all members are actively involved in the ministry. We could get help from the pastor and any member of the church. It encouraged us greatly.
We took part in 3 Gospel events. One of them was held in the orphanage. In our present situation it is not easy to get permission to come to a school, but Olga Shpak worked here earlier and her activity was highly valued, so we did not have any problems. It was very cold in the assembly-hall of the school as they don't have money to pay for heating, but all children and their teachers gathered there. We showed them a piece of drama, sang songs and taught them some Bible verses. At the end we distributed Christmas presents given by a mission, the children were very happy.
We also managed to organize such a meeting at the town's library. God really can perform wonders and open ways. There were more than hundred children present. We showed them a play about Jesus' birth, learnt some songs together, answered their questions. Then each child was given a copy of the Christian children's magazine and we invited the children to our Sunday school.
We also took part in printing invitations and inviting people to a Christian concert. We visited sick people in their homes, helped in the work of the Christian youth club, prepared a Christmas programme for the school.
We were very glad to serve God in this town.
Weekly ministry & Missionary projects:
