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» Concert groupe of "Zion"
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2004:

Dagestan, 29.04-9.05 2004:

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» 2002

Concert groupe of "Zion"

It was not until 1990s that the traditions of Christian musical ministry in Belarus and its present-day style have been shaped. It is fairly difficult task to make a break-through and stay on a level with secular music within such a short time period. Yet, thanks to a number of talented young people, their enthusiasm and the desire to serve the Lord, there show up art groups capable of properly enhancing the importance of Christian musical culture. Zion, youth Christian musical group, is one of those.

The group was bom in the fall of 2002. It started with four young men, particularly, VictorPopovich (vocals, acoustic guitar), Alik Amanullin (bass guitar), Leonid Orlov (lead guitar) and Arthur Khasanshin (percussionist). Ildar Yamaletdinov joined them in 2004 to play drums.

Pop-rock is the musical style that Zion group adhere to. The crew includes people of various nationalities, namely a Bashkir, Belarussians and Tatars. Alik is a student in Minsk Bible college, Leonid is a youth minister in Gethemane church near Minsk. Arthur studies theology in Minsk Baptist seminary. Ildar works as a medical man, while Victor is a fresher in Minsk administrative staff institute.

Very soon a full-strength Zion became very active. They gave out joint concerts with the like groups in Belarussian cities, such as Minsk, Zhodino and Borisov. Their first solo live performance in Minsk, the capital of the Republic, has really become a memorable event. It has lasted for two hours and has attracted both Christian youth (chiefly, Bible college students) and young unbelievers.

As the performance came to an end, some guys from the audience approached the musicians to share the thoughts, emotions and impressions they have gained during the event. "My friends and I would like to attend such concerts more frequently. Normally, whenever I listen to the musical groups that are new or unknown to me, I always try to figure out whether their songs prove to be good and beneficial for unbelievers. I think that Zion are worthy of the attention and support from their audience, for they offer real good, present-day music that young people understand and are prepared to listen." (Pavel, Bible college student).

"I am very happy, for the Lord has been glorified through creative efforts of these guys. When at the concert, I noticed right away how the whole crew were working with all their strength and how remarkably they were comporting themselves on stage. I know each of them personally. I know about their sincere love to God and their desire to serve Him. So, let us all pray for Zion crew: may success attend them, may new songs become part of their repertory, may they record new CDs and audio cassettes! God bless the crew! I wish they could further develop their musical skills and be strengthened in their strive to serve God with their music. After all, each of us seeks to bring glory to his Creator, to the best of his abilities and gifts." (Zhenya, Bible college student).

Also hear some comments by young unbelievers concerning the group and the performance. "From my point of view, the musicians of the group are very talented and perform the music professionally. For the first time in my life I have had a chance to listen to Christian music. Never thought believers could be on modern lines. As to the friends who attended the concert with me, they liked the music, for sure. By way they were telling us about God in their songs, Zion group enabled us to see different world. We'll be glad to hear them again at their coming concerts."

"My schoolmate, a believer, once invited me to the artistic performance by Zion Christian group. I think their style is very interesting, it's quite to my liking. It will be my real pleasure to attend some of their new concerts."

The above solo performance has proved to be a great contribution to all musicians' spiritual growth. It has also added a lot to their firm conviction that music is very efficient in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to young unbelievers.

We trust that this ministry of ours is being carried out in conformity with God's will. Zion group participants strive for further serving the Lord. In so doing, we perfect the words and melodies of our songs and try hard to improve our performance standards, thus providing more opportunities for more people in our nation to have access to Christian music. Amen.