It took three months of preparation, but in a day and a half (the second and third of December) the regional youth conference entitled "Live to the Fullest!" was over. We chose the Christian Service Center in Poltava as the location for the conference. More than 200 young people came to the conference from different churches across the Poltava region and beyond. It wasn't by chance that we chose the topic of fullness of life in Christ. Christians in present day Ukraine are not subjected to abuse, and still many young Christians do not experience the abundant life that Christ spoke about in the Gospel of John 10, 10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

The goal of the conference was to convey some truths to the participants, without which it is impossible to live a full Christian life. The speakers said that for the believer everything starts with a close and vibrant relationship with God, who is the One who fills everything in every way (Eph. 1, 23). Without a vital relationship with Christ it is simply impossible to have a satisfying Christian life, because there is no motivation for a spiritual life - this was the message presented by Oleg Ivanovich Ovsiy.

The following truth we heard was this: young Christians need to fill their lives with service to God according the personal calling that each has received, as evidenced by their spiritual gifts. Everyone who is born from above can be certain that God endowed him with special abilities for service in cooperation with fellow believers. Therefore, in order to experience fullness of life in Christ, it necessary to serve, otherwise the Christian will feel emptiness and become weak. This is what Valery Stepanovich Antonuk had to say.

The concluding notes were struck by Stanislav Chernyaev, who challenged the young people to follow the Lord as his sheep, "... and He will lead his own to His pastures ...". In closing the preacher posed the following question to his listeners: "What type of life are you leading: one of prosperity or abundance?" In today's world that is a question for every believer.

The conference also included three interesting and contemporary seminars for the younger generation: "Find Yourself in His Plan" (Alexander Tretinko); "Work and the Christian" (Oles Dmitrenko); "Get Ready to Meet" (Radislav Tsurkan).

The wonderful Christian group "Bread of Life" from Calvary Church in Kiev helped us with the musical praise and worship portion of our program. We are sincerely grateful for their participation.

In closing I would like to say: "Praise God!" His hand and blessing was evident throughout the conference. There was a clear atmosphere of love and unity in the name of Jesus Christ. Everything was simple, but very deep. May every young Christian who came to the conference continue to grow spiritually to the glory of God. Thanks to all who took part in the preparations and realization of the conference.

Radislav Tsurkan

 

 

 

 

Everyone in our group was excited. We were in full agreement that we had come to a place where God was at work. And where God is, there is true life. We lived to the fullest and will continue to live with you.

The young people were full of life, initiative, enthusiasm, love, joy and unity. The leaders didn't get in the way, hinder things or try to be in control. They praised, supported and encouraged; they made room for God to work in the hearts of the youth.

We are happy for the work of Salvation Church and hope they will always maintain their Christian testimony.

Oles Dmitrenko

 

 

 

The recent "Live to the Fullest" conference for me personally was a breath of fresh air. The entire program resonated positively for everyone who wanted to be recharged spiritually. The speakers clearly explained way the Biblical view of the importance of understanding the purpose of God's plan. Alexander Tretinko's seminar "Find Yourself in God's Plan" was a special blessing and answer to prayer for me personally. Alexander prepared material that was very practical and presented not just information describing the nature of each gift, but also showed the relationship to character, abilities and the individual interests of believers. There was also the joy of seeing friends and acquaintances, as of the lively fellowship. It was a pleasant surprise to see the singing group "Bread of Life" in person. Their songs have inspired us in worship for quite a while. I would also like to say a sincere "Thank You" to those who contributed to the organization of the conference. Everything was of the highest quality!

Alla Knizhnik

 

I was very happy that I took advantage of the opportunity to attend the regional youth conference with more than 200 people. Every year I had found the youth conference to be monotonous. But this year I really felt the presence of the Lord. He revealed himself to me in the sermons and in the wonderful worship.

The topic for the conference that the leaders chose also spoke to me - "Live to the Fullest". Today every young person wants to live "to the fullest". Only not everyone understands what true fulfullment means, where to look for it, and who can provide it. For this reason many young people fill themselves with all kinds of trash: night clubs, drinking and the wrong lifestyle - this doesn't provide the heart with fulfillment, on the contrary - it leads to disappointment. Who is the true source of fulfillment? For me - it's my God, to Whom I go every day for fulfillment. God fulfills me through His Word, prayer to Him and through his work in my life. I am very happy that I know where true fulfillment can be found.

Pavel Pavlenko

 

 

 

We are a musical worship group from Calvary Church in Kiev. We were very impressed by everything we saw and experienced at the Evangelical Christian Baptist youth rally in Poltava: the relevancy of the messages from the speakers, the number of attendees (somewhat exceeding the expectations of the organizers), the relaxed and natural atmosphere, and particularly the friendship, but also the coordinated work of the teams of organizers of the "Live to the Fullest" conference.

Vladislav Bondarkov