Representing the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of RussiaA Message of Hope
Photo: A packed crowd for Blagovestie in a church called Hope
In 1912, a church called 'Hope' was founded in the city of Vladikavkaz. This important city is the capitol of North Ossetia, a region in southwest Russia. At that time, there was relative peace for Bible-preaching churches in the Russian empire. The great persecution of the Tsar had ceased in 1905 and persecution under the Soviet regime was yet to come. Hope church did exactly what its name suggests — faithful servants of the Lord worked together to bring the hope of the Gospel to the people of their region. The church grew and many were added to her number.
In communist times, as was often the case, the church's building, their "house of prayer", was confiscated and used for other purposes. Some of the church members were scattered while others continued to meet privately. And now, with freedom of religion restored to the Russian people, this building has been returned to those who built it. This church is once again a beacon of hope for the residents of Vladikavkaz.
Recently, the musical group Blagovestie held an evangelistic meeting in Hope church, proclaiming the Gospel to the many who attended. The Lord worked marvelously in the people's hearts, and ten people were saved!
Through this church, the Lord continues to reach people in southern Russia with the Gospel. In a region fraught with conflict and even terrorist activity, these faithful believers continue to proclaim a message desperately needed by their people — hope in Christ!
