PERM – The traditional Women's Day service was held in the New Testament Church of Perm on March 8th. The verse from the Song of Songs of Solomon: “He has brought me into the house of a feast, and the banner over me is love.” (Song of Songs, 2:4) was chosen as a theme.
Nadezhda Garyaeva, professor, general practitioner and minister of the church, shared a welcome message and author's poem.
“Dear sisters, 23 years ago on this day my Penuel, my encounter with God, took place. Throughout these years, the Lord has given me his example of humility, the way of patience and the law of love that surpasses all other laws. Let us learn together the humility, patience, and the wonderful law of love — for the Lord Himself, has led us to follow Him into His house of feast, bringing us into His rest.”
I learn from Your humility,
I learn from Your patience,
There is no bottom in Thy love,
And now we are Thy children.
If Thou hadst neglected humility,
Would not have patience with us,
If Thou hadst not given us Thy love,
God, where would we all be.
The youngest participants congratulated their mothers, sisters, and grandmothers with poems and dances. Songs of praise and worship were sung with the NTWORSHIP praise team. Larissa Grabovenko, wife of the Head Bishop and leader of women's ministry, and Darya Neprozvanova, minister of the Light of Truth Church from Krasnokamsk, shared the messages.
“We are here to honor God, to be in His presence, to be in fellowship with Him and with each other. To receive a word of inspiration and encouragement from Him. He is the One who gives salvation and life and brings answers to our needs. He is the only One among thousands, and there is no one else who loves us and accepts us as we are. The others are idols.” — Larissa Grabovenko.
“We have made a covenant with Christ, and soon, at Easter time, the whole world will proclaim: Christ is Risen! Religion suggests building relationship with a photo, a picture, but you and I are building relationship with the living risen God. The fundamental thing in the New Testament is the church. You and I have a responsibility to be constant in ministry. Without sanctification there will be no consecration in ministry. The Bridegroom has already come and you and I are His bride.” — Daria Neprozvanova.
The ministry program included a talk show. Below are some questions and answers.
I pray to God, but I don't hear the answer for a long time, what should I do?
Church minister Olga Povarnitsina: I asked God a question: “Maybe You have changed Your attitude toward me? Maybe You don't love me anymore?” Later I realized that the Bible gives the answer in the letter to the Romans: “God proves His love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Rom. 5:8) and “He who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). We just need to remember that the power of God's love will never cease. We only see the problem, but God allows something to happen in order for us to return to Him and to His cross. We must be confident in His love.
How do we strengthen our faith?
Minister Irina Zhuravleva: God works through believers and unbelievers alike. When I was treated for cancer last year, I saw God's care for me. We can worry and ask God, “Why is this happening?” But we need to ask not why, but what for, and God will answer. And that is the answer that will strengthen your faith.
Why was a verse from the Book of Song of Songs chosen as the theme?
Minister Elena Huda: It is an interesting book and when we read it, we often wonder why it is in the Bible, but all scripture is inspired by God. It is for the edification and strengthening of faith and knowledge of God. When I read it, I see you and me. The carefree girl who lost everything but was chosen by the King. We see the Lord blessing her, and myrrh dripping from her hands.
The participants of the event shared what they remembered and enjoyed the most.
“Women's ministry is always special and beautiful time for me. The Song of Songs opened in a new way for me; sisters shared testimonies that touched everyone. We enjoyed children’s greetings with songs and dances, and at the end, a wonderful opportunity to chat over a cup of tea with people I hadn't seen in a long time. Thank you so much for such a festive event!” — Anna Pavlenina, guest.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the team of the women's ministry. The atmosphere of love, acceptance and grace. There were no limits to admiration for the sincere messages and the children’s performance. During praise and worship we experienced a strong presence of God and received soul healing. I especially remembered the final song “My Beloved”, which brought us to the theme of the service. Darya Neprozvanova's message was so personal and simple that it went straight to the heart, renewing and strengthening faith! It was interesting to hear testimonies and answers to questions from the wives of pastors of our church. It was a joy to see so much beauty and to experience God's presence, which we miss so much in our daily lives!” — Maria Vorobyeva, church minister.
“It's good to gather with sisters. Women's ministry events don't take place as often as the men's breakfasts, but it is always special and always penetrates the heart. Times when we worship together, ponder over God's Word, share testimonies and experiences. It is a joy to see a room full of women, with faith and burning eyes, praying and worshipping God in unity.” — Katherine Abduraimova, church minister.
“There is no consecration without sanctification. Daria gave an example from the Old Testament. When they built the temple, they brought vessels. They were simple copper vessels that people had at home and anyone could safely touch them, but when they were brought into the temple and began to be used in service, they were sanctified, and only ministers and priests could touch them. The same principle works in our lives; we are only sanctified when we dedicate our lives to serving God: our time, our gifts and talents, and our whole selves. I also very much liked the idea that the blessings of the Lord always walk alongside us. As in the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, wherever they went, God blessed them abundantly. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and what He did in the lives of the fathers of faith, He does in our lives. His hand on us, His blessings become evident to those around us.” — Yana Volegova, Sunday School teacher.
Watch the video of the live service: https://youtu.be/dP5kSlgQ91w
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Photo report in the VKontakte: https://vk.com/album-1591767_276938101
Press center of the New Testament Church of Perm
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith
