More than eighteen years ago, in Reno — a city whose primary industry is centered around casinos — ministers from Rockland Church began a ministry to the Slavic community. 1 At that time, the ministry was led by P. Fedorov. When he moved to Florida, he was succeeded by Atanas Bosakov. Later, he also left California. Since then, the ministry has been continued primarily by ministers from two other churches: the Slavic Baptist Church of West Sacramento and the church in Bryte.
Every Saturday, a group from some of these two churches, and occasionally individuals from other churches, spend more than two hours traveling in order to fellowship and share the Gospel with a small group of Slavic people, most of whom are elderly.
These gatherings usually begin with a simple shared meal during which people talk with one another and exchange news. This is followed by a more formal time of fellowship that includes Scripture reading and exposition, singing, and prayer. There are also several church members among the local group, for whom the visiting brothers conduct Communion.
Many of the local attendees eagerly look forward to these meetings, as they are their only regular opportunity to learn about God and receive answers to questions about Him.
This ministry is in great need of a minister who would live locally and work with people on an ongoing basis. There is so little that can be accomplished through short visits lasting a few hours. Individual pastoral and spiritual care is needed for each person.
In addition, throughout the week members of this group are often approached and influenced by representatives of other denominations — Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, and others. Since they live in Reno, they have far more opportunities to stay in contact with members of this group and, at times, are able to draw some of them away.
Please pray for this great need and for this important ministry.
If you would like to receive more information or join this ministry, please contact those responsible for the ministry:
Oleg Lanin — (916) 267-1052
Vladimir Sukach — (916) 402-4272
Olga Avetisova
1To learn more about how this ministry began, you can read the article by Evgeniya Moen published on the Association website.
