Freezing water does not deter the faithful of Bryansk
New believers prepare for baptism in the freezing waters of the Desna River, just inches from the snow.
Five young people professed Christ during a lake baptism in Bryansk, Russia, despite snow on the ground and frost in the air. This young church is less than a year old, is completely “next-generation,” and is being led by young people in their 20s.
Click here to watch the baptismal video: Bryansk Baptism-The Water is Fine.
In December, the pastor at Lifeway Church in Seattle, WA, became the Virtual Strategy Coordinator for Bryansk. Billy Arnold and his wife, Patty, spend up to six months a year coordinating work in this city. When Billy started this work he said, “Bryansk is in great need of a movement of God.” Since then a bible study has become a church averaging 70-80 people every week and of these 5 have been baptized.
IMB missionary Buck Burch formerly lived in Bryansk and knows well the spiritual battle that rages there. Seeing these five baptized is an answer to many years of prayer by he and his wife Leslie, who have been asking the Lord to move in this city and bring release from the bondage of sin.
“I will never forget the dark stronghold that captivates many in the city,” Buck said. “Numerous people are dependent on superstitious beliefs to carry them through life, hoping that fate will grant them the best.”
As Billy and Patty have been working with a new generation to communicate the gospel, they are seeing first hand how the Lord is moving in answering those prayers.
Leslie marveled on the day of the baptism, that a poignant reminder of God’s work was visible.
“Many locals were ice fishing in the very same river where others were committing their lives to be fishers of men,” she said.
However, in a city of 1.4 million people, a lot of work remains to be done and the prayers of the faithful are coveted.
“Pray for the progress of this fresh new work,” Billy said, “that Christ is presented to them in an open and honest way and people are given the opportunity to respond to Him.”
“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, ESV)
To keep up with the work in Bryansk, as well as other Russian cities, subscribe to the “Blessings” newsletter by writing to blessings@everyheart.net. For more comprehensive information on Russia visit Hope4Russia.org.
Posted by Karen Pearce on Mar 30, 2009
Similar: Russia
