CEE Story From The Mission Field
Banquet of Love
November 12, 2007
A historic meeting took place in Buryatia last month--a large group of native Buryat believers came together at the “Banquet of Love,” a multi-denominational gathering for encouragement, fellowship and teaching. Between 85 and 95 people attended from six countries, three Russian provinces, six Buryat regions and 16 churches.
“Two words came to mind as a way of describing it—historical and pivotal,” said a Christian worker who serves among the Buryat. “This is a key means of mobilizing the national believers to do the work of reaching their people and world.”
Due to the small number of believers among the Buryat and the distance many of them live from one another, coming together in venues like this have a powerful effect. The believers are able to see that they are not alone, but are a part of something much larger than themselves. They encourage and challenge one another to stay faithful, listen and learn from one another, and leave excited about what God has in store.
S, another Christian worker among the Buryat who attended the conference, was blessed by the unity displayed among the people. National costumes, music and food set the scene for a truly cultural experience. Through preaching, singing, testimonies and prayer, the believers worshipped God and caught a vision for working together to reach the Buryats as well as the other people groups present in Buryatia.
“It was a true blessing to take part in this day and experience the Lord bringing together so many different people from different churches, cities, countries and regions,” S said.
Lena and Aleksei, who also work among the Buryats, left the meeting with a renewed burden to pray for strongholds to be broken by God’s power. The believers shared how difficult it is to faithfully follow the Lord in their culture and attributed this to spiritual warfare and demonic activity. Lena and Aleksei reported that these testimonies spurred a desire to evangelize. According to their conference report, “the native believers showed unprecedented initiative to reach their own nation with Christ.”
Leaders want to organize two meetings a year that will promote unity among believers in Christ and encourage a strategy for reaching their people group with the Gospel. Those who live closer together have begun monthly gatherings.
“There is a growing passion to reach the Buryat people using indigenous methods and tools,” said a Christian worker. “Please pray for the Spirit of unity to continue to grow among the Buryat believers and for them to work together to reach their people.”
To receive updated prayer requests for the Buryat people, visit the Russia prayer page.