Favourite Sundays

WINNIPEG, MAN.

When the directors of Kingdom Ventures, David and Elfrieda Loewen, brought three young Russian asylum-seeking families to Winnipeg in the early 1990s, the first concern was assuring that they be allowed to remain in Canada. Then God put it into the hearts of Portage Ave. members John G. and Mary Klassen to provide a Bible study for the group.

As evangelical Christians/Baptists, the newcomers felt at home at Portage Ave. Church and soon became full members. Others joined them: one couple by baptism, one family through resettlement from Toronto, one family fleeing deportation from Germany, and a young woman and her son seeking asylum in Canada. Another young woman is now in the membership classes, preparing for baptism.

The first Russian gospel service, planned by Lorina Marsch, wife of senior pastor Roland Marsch, was held in September, 1995, with just under 250 people attending. A tasty barbecue, colourful artifacts in the foyer (including samovars, matruschka-dolls and a balalaika), Russian music and a message in their mother tongue warmed the hearts of those attending. Soon English-as-a-Second-Language classes were offered, a Russian Sunday school class for adults was held each week, and a Russian-language Bible class became part of the MOM's program for a season. About 15 children, all pre-teens, were added to the Portage Ave. Sunday school.

The target group for the ministry has always been young Russian immigrants and their families. However, the Russian congregation is strengthened by older couples who remember a bit of Russian from before their immigration to Canada in the 1920s, some who came to Canada as "displaced persons" after the Second World War, and several families designated as "Umsiedler", who came in the 1980s.

Since the beginning, everyone interested in the Russian ministry has been invited, at intervals, to a "Planning and Prayer Meeting", chaired by Lorina Marsch. All aspects of the program and ministry are discussed openly, and upcoming events are planned. During prayer time, voices raised in thanksgiving and petition can be heard in English, German and Russian, and solidarity within the group is emerging.

God's provision in preparing people from several churches to help with the ministry has been amazing. Evangelist Viktor Hamm of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is appreciated for his fine preaching. The former Russian choir of MB Communications, co-ordinated by Agnes Roesler of Elmwood MB Church, has gained new singers and gives the services a festive note. Russian-speaking couple Peter and Maria Wilms of Eastview Community Church sometimes negotiate socially until a suitable program emerges. Ann Melnyk of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church often sings and accompanies groups. Ann Sawatzky from Niverville, Man. manages the child care, and many others have helped with leading the services and music. All young Russian members of Portage Ave. participate in the programs by giving testimonies, singing, reciting poetry, providing children's features, reading Scripture and leading worship. During the coffee time after each service, they mingle with guests and befriend them, taking the opportunity to share Christ with interested people.

Twice a year, at Christmas and Easter, the congregation celebrates with food, displays and special features, including dramas. In summer, a barbecue held in a city park draws a large crowd, including many children.

The offering at the regular services has paid for honorariums, special events, refreshments and the purchase of 40 Russian hymnals. Each year, a project is supported. In 1996 monies were sent to MB Communications for the radio ministry of Leonid Sergienko in Moscow, and in 1997 support has gone to the Russian camping ministry of Kingdom Ventures. A visit by a group from the Slavic MB Church in Minneapolis was enjoyed last fall, and a reciprocal visit is being planned.

Free Russian tracts and Scripture portions are available at each gospel service. One shelf in the Portage Ave. church library contains Russian books and videos. A book table at the gospel service offers good Christian reading, Bibles, copies of the Jesus

film, music cassettes and greeting cards, all in Russian. First-time visitors fill in cards requesting prayer and/or visits, and their names are placed on the mailing list, which now contains the addresses of 130 households where Russian is spoken.

The Sunday with the Russian service is fast becoming the favourite Sunday of the month for all who participate, even for those who, like me, do not understand a word of Russian.

Lorina Marsch