I Was privileged to be invited to speak at the Bible School in Russia that was held at a retreat about 40 miles west of Moscow, December 23 – 29, 2000. I’d like to share with readers of the Tidings the great experience I had at this school.
Great thirst for the Word
A typical day consisted of Bible readings and discussion plus two 50-minute classes before lunch, two similar classes in the afternoon and an evening program. This program of classes was interspersed with a special baptismal talk, baptism and memorial service early in the week and a memorial service and baptism on the last day of the school. A total of eight candidates were baptized at the school.
The thing that impressed me most about the Russian brethren and sisters was their thirst for the word and their vigorous participation in the discussions about the daily readings. Their dedication is illustrated by the following incident. Each day there was free time from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Several sisters approached Bro. Duncan Heaster, who arranged for the school, and asked why there were not classes during this free time also.
The classes and speakers were as follows: Bro. Dick Patterson, Verdugo Hills, CA, “The Judges;” Bro. David M. Pearse, Northampton, UK, “Second Corinthians;” Bro. Sasha Solovyov,Talitsa, Russia, “First Principles” and Bro. Duncan Heaster, Vilnius, Lithuania, “Problems Facing The First Century Ecclesias.”
Comfortable accommodations
There were about 130 adults and 6 children at the school. In addition to the speakers, visitors were: Bre. Mark, Matt and Nolan Patterson, Luke and Josh Barratt, Sis. Shirley Barratt and Sis. Kelly Malone, CA; Bro. Nathan Badger, ON; Sis. Liz Emmens, Bro. & Sis. lain MacDonald, UK and Bro. Stephen Downs, Aust., the rest were from Russia. The brethren and sisters from outside Russia assisted with exhortations, classes for the children and the evening programs. The accommodations were very good. Bro. Duncan tells me they were the best they have had in the schools that have been held to date: comfortable dormitories, spacious dining room and class areas and very good meals: tentative booking has been made July 26-Aug. 1 for the Summer Bible School.
This Bible School is held twice a year. It is a vital part of the spiritual feeding of the brethren and sisters in Russia. As the ecclesias are all small and widely dispersed, there is practically no opportunity for inter-ecclesial fellowship. The Bible Schools are the one place where brethren and sisters can congregate and share love and fellowship around the word.
Enjoyable communication
With many of the Russians speaking English, I enjoyed talking with them and particularly hearing how they were introduced to the Truth. Even where my verbal communication was minimal, I enjoyed the warmth and friendliness around the meals and during the informal group discussions.
It was a great experience. Our thanks to Bro. Duncan and all those who helped him for their dedicated work in arranging these Bible Schools in Russia. We pray that God will allow us to continue them until the return of our Lord Jesus. Dick Patterson [and notes from other reports]
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One