All of the men of Salvation Church wish you a happy 8th of March (International Women's Day)! We thank the Lord for your commitment, love, courage and goodness! In our language the word "church" is a feminine noun, and we are certain that even this small detail is not without meaning, since, even though the Apostle Peter calls you "weaker vessels", God uses you powerfully for the accomplishment of His will through our church. In many qualities of Christian character you are great examples for all of us. It is hard to imagine not only the church, but life on Earth without you!

Ordinarily, non-traditional (non-orthodox) Christian organizations inspire feelings of distrust and suspicion with slavic people. Some of them are still certain that protestants practice child-sacrifice and thoroughly "fleece" the "members" of their organizations. The ignorant stereotypes that Poltavans have formed over the course of decades are hard to dispel. Unfortunately, the level of religious education in the population leaves a lot to be desired. Churches, according to Ukrainian law, are not allowed to influence educational curricula. For their part, government institutions make no effort to develop policies that encourage religious tolerance among Ukrainians. Therefore, we need to resort to outside help.

I have never been surfing - no way, no how. From television I know that the sport exists and that it's interesting and fun. I was struck by the film "Point Break". I remember that my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze, was always waiting for waves of fantastic proportions in order to hop on his board and experience, as we would say in the vernacular, the high.

The New Year and Christmas holidays are past. They left different memories and impressions with each of us. As usual, the children were the happiest of all, because unlike the rest of us, they need very little to make them happy. Vacation, Christmas Trees, Santa Claus, presents - that's what makes children happy.

The experiences of childhood leave an indelible impression on the life of a person. The values, nurture and world-view of the parents are reflected in the developing personality of the child, and will develop further. It is impossible to avoid passing on parental characteristics since it begins at a very early age, even before the child becomes self-aware. At that point the tiny person is receptive soil that can accept any seed, without distinction, and allow it to put down roots in his heart.

Attention everyone! Here's the Christmas news from L'gov. Pastor Viktor Saltykov reports...

Every Sunday we invite Romani children to church for Sunday School. Once, in November, the children surrounded me and asked:

- Are we going to celebrate New Year's?

- Of course we will, New Year's and Christmas!

- Will there be presents?

- Certainly there will be presents! (What else could I say?)

 

 

Not long ago I heard the Ukrainian carol "Good Evening to you, dear host" performed by the well-know Ukrainian group "Picardy Third". The lyrics include the phrase "Because three feasts will visit you...". A similar story took place in the Christmas festivities of Salvation Church. But we did not have three "feasts", but three interesting and important events: a festive evangelistic service, a church service celebrating the new year and joyful traditional Christmas caroling. But let's take them in order. We'll call this improvised report:

Joseph and Mary walked from one house to the next, knocking at the doors and pleading to be let in; Mary’s delivery time was approaching quickly! Unfortunately, over and over they heard the words that made their hearts very sink: “We don’t have any room for you!”

There aren't that many things in life that you anticipate and prepare for over a long period. But one of them just took place - the couples celebration entitled "An Unforgettable Time Together" - a long anticipated magical, romantic evening. Honestly, I have never encountered as many pleasant and festive suprises as we had that evening. That is what inspired us and other couples to participate in the event.