HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE PACIFIC COAST SLAVIC BAPTIST ASSOCIATION!
What now seems like such a long time ago, the first PCSBA convention took place on October 12-14, 1928. It was there that a decision was made to create a Union of Slavic Baptist churches. The first committee was also selected there, with Nikolay Radionov as the committee’s leader.
Ninety-Five years passed since then. Right now the Association is made up of 35 churches from five U.S. states, and its ministry has been spreading not only locally but also to European and South American countries.
Glory to the Lord for the path traversed by the Association, for the blessings that have accompanied the ministry of the churches and members of the Association, and for the work that has been done by its departments and leadership. May the Association’s main focus continue to be on spreading the Gospel around the world and to all peoples.
Happy anniversary, Pacific Coast Association of ECB!
A brief historical overview of the Association can be found on the Association’s website: Our History (in Russian) | History in Faces.
85TH CONVENTION OF THE ASSOCIATION
This was a convention with re-nominations and reports. The ministry leaders and the Association’s audit team presented reports to the representatives of churches and members of the Association about the work that has been done over the year, and the use of the funds. The new executive committee team of the Association was also affirmed, and the new budget for the year was ratified. For more information, read here (In Russian only.)
The Conclusion of the Convention - Group Picture
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHURCHES WITH ANNIVERSARIES
On October 8, two of our churches celebrated their anniversaries: Bryte Church celebrated 95 years, and Grace Family Church celebrated 20 years. Both churches have gone through a long journey with various trials and challenges, but by the grace of God, they are continuing to serve the Lord.
 We congratulate these churches and wish them God's further blessings, spiritual and quantitative growth, and many successful deeds for the glory of God and the salvation of people.
For more about these churches’ celebrations, read on the Association’s website: Bryte Church | Grace Family Church (in Russian only).
NEWS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
As has been previously announced, the Education Ministry began training sessions for the AA Degree in English. They are also continuing previous training sessions as well. Read more about this in an announcement by the head of this ministry, A. Pronin (in Russian only.)
THE SPRING OF LIFE CHURCH BUILDING DEDICATION
Several months ago, this church in Anderson, South Carolina, asked us to pray for a solution to a church facility issue. They were renting a church building, and the owner of the building decided to sell it on short notice. The Slavic church either had to buy this building or find another place to meet for worship.
God miraculously answered this need and these prayers, and helped the church purchase a building on credit that the church had previously rented. On October 8, there was a celebration and a dedication of the church to the Lord. Read more about it in an article by the church pastor, M. Kucherenko (in Russian only).
Prayer of Dedication
WOMEN’S RETREAT, “NOT AS I WISH”
On September 22-24, about 100 women of various churches from our Association gathered at the shores of Lake Tahoe to meditate on and have a deeper understanding of the Word of God, to commune with God and to understand His will for us, as well as to have fellowship with one another. At this retreat, called “The Salon of Imperishable Beauty,” which was prepared by the First Slavic Baptist Church, they talked about how the will of God is “good, and acceptable, and perfect,” and about how to know it and obey it in our lives. Read more in an article by N. Yurkov on the Association’s website (in Russian only).
Retreat Participants
DAY CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The camp idea was proposed by N. Smolikov, who is the head of the Children with Special Needs ministry. There was a fun and educational program for children, with Bible lessons for them and their parents. It brought a lot of joy to children and gave much-needed support and encouragement to the parents, who are working so diligently in their everyday care for these special children. For more information, read an article by L. Vashilin (in Russian only).
They made these themselves!
HARVEST CELEBRATION AT THE MISSION BIBLE CHURCH
On October 8, Mission Bible Church had their harvest celebration. The church service was for both English and Russian speakers, and of course, the program was in both languages. There was a special emphasis on the necessity of and readiness for the last harvest, which will come for every person when they will have to give an account to the Lord for their lives. Details can be found in an article by N. Yurkov on the Association’s article (in Russian only).
CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO UKRAINE
Every year, beginning in 2014, the Revival Baptist Church in Vancouver, WA collects and sends presents to orphans in Ukraine. The Christmas Gift Drive is organized by the efforts of dozens of volunteers with donations from hundreds of generous givers. Children and teens are especially zealous in this regard. This year, the church was able to collect 800 presents. Each one is an expression of love and care for those who are in need. For more, read an article by M. Cherenkov, pastor of the Revival Church.
It took a great deal of effort to prepare all these gifts!
BAPTISM IN SAN DIEGO
Six people from this church were baptized and made a covenant with God. They confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and their personal Savior and expressed their desire to live a life that is wholly dedicated to God. For more, read an article by S. Debelinskiy (in Russian only).
Safe Journey, Beloved!
IMPACTING CHILDREN’S HEARTS
On September 30, Bryte Church hosted a conference for directors and Sunday School teachers. Many people from various churches of the Association were able to come from Sacramento, West Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, San Francisco, Concord, Fresno, Hayward, as well as Minnesota and South Carolina. For more about the conference and the conference speakers, read an article by Z. Yanovskiy – click this link (in Russian only).
CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
On September 1-4, there was an annual United Youth Camp, “Created in the Image of God.” Nine churches from northern California actively invited their youth to this event, and as a result, more than 600 people were able to attend. The main speaker was Andrey Sava, a pastor from Fresno, CA. Read more in an article by E. Sokolovskiy on the Association’s website.
Praise God for Our Youth!
BAPTISM AT THE ROCK-LAND CHURCH
On October 14, Rock-Land Baptist Church had a special occasion. Fifteen young men and women were baptized in the river as they made a proclamation of their faith and commitment to God. This moment was a new chapter in their lives which they will remember forever. Dressed in white and having wreaths of flowers on their heads, the ladies were a symbol of purity and hope. Read more in an article by A. Ryabichenko – click this link (in Russian only).
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT FINANCES?
On October 12 and 13, New Hope Church had an interesting and insightful conference, “What Does the Bible Teach About Finances?” and how it practically plays out in our lives. The speaker was Roman Shempel, author of Christian View of Personal Finances. For more, read an article by K. Gophman (in Russian only).
CELEBRATION FOR SACRAMENTO RESIDENTS
On October 15, Cornerstone Church had an Old-Fashioned Country Festival. The church campus was decorated in an old western theme, and many guests dressed in costumes of the past. Over 500 people attended this event. There was a sermon, wonderful music, and great fellowship. More details can be found in an article by the Cornerstone Church’s Media ministry.
MUSIC CONFERENCE
On September 29, Bryte Church had a music conference, which was organized by the PCSBA’s Worship Ministry. Many conductors, choir members, and musicians were able to attend. The speakers were Andreas Pats and Ivan Mileyev. For more about the conference, read an article by S. Yanovskiy (in Russian only).
MISSIONARY NEWS
MISSIONARY RETREAT IN GREECE
On September 19-20, there was a pastors’ retreat near Athens. About to 80 people were able to attend. The Association’s president took an active role as a speaker, and then visited Spain to meet with missionaries who are supported by the Association. Read his article about the trip – click this link.
Retreat Participants
MINISTRY IN POLAND
Joseph Sheremet and his family, who are serving in Warsaw and is one of the missionaries supported by the Association, provides an update about their ministry. He shares about their current projects and how God is blessing them in their ministry, and asks for prayer support. Read his report here – click this link (in Russian only).
NEWS FROM TARREVIEJA, SPAIN
On October 1, four souls joined the church by proclaiming their commitment to the Lord. The young men and women became members of Light of Life Church. The baptism was officiated by Viktor Kovba. More details can be found here (in Russian only).
UPDATE FROM THE ARSHULIK FAMILY
Vitaliy and Irina Arshulik, who are missionaries in Brazil and are supported by our Association, continue their ministry, and the Lord abundantly blesses them. Read their newsletter on the Association’s website (in Russian only).
Meeting for Family Couples
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