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[CONTENTS] [Winter East European Bible School (December 2000)]

From east and west, from frozen north to warmest south, we gathered from 13 nations, 130 brothers and sisters and friends for the winter camp at the gloriously appropriately named 'Glory' camp. The venue was more easily accessible than previous occasions being a short elektrichka ride from Moscow although it was still 3 days or more or travelling for many of the brothers and sisters that came. As we came together, and met a various points on our way to the camp, as always our greetings were enthusiastic and warm and hugs and news were exchanged at every meeting point And it was a wonderful opportunity to meet many of our new brothers and sisters who had been baptized during the time from the last school. The brothers who had prepared studies for us were brother Dick from California, who spoke on Judges, brother David from England, on 2 Corinthians, bro Sasha from Russia, on Basic Doctrine and bro Duncan on the 1st Century church [and preaching]. As well as this we had some shorter exhortational studies from younger western brothers and some illustrated talks on Bible Archaeology.

Each day began with a session devoted to the Daily Readings which as always they provided lively and stimulating discussion. Then brother Dick's studies of some of the judges [mentioned in Heb 11] were full of lessons for us to learn and remember. Bro David's studies in 2 Corinthians showed us how Paul loved and cared for his b&s at Corinth, and encouraged us to care for and strengthen each other. Brother Sasha spoke to us all on Basic doctrine, but especially to those who had come to be baptized and bro Duncan put fire in our hearts with his talks on the early church and preaching, and how we must, because of the grace shown to us, go out and preach Christ to the world.

For evening activities we had bro David's illustrated talks on Jerusalem from an architectural point of view, some question sessions, charades [very popular] and played some very silly games which provoked much laughter. And one evening, the children, organised by Nijole and Mary Jane, entertained us splendidly by acting out the things they had learned in their lessons.

But as always the most memorable time is when our new brothers and sisters are baptised and begin their walk on 'the glory road that leads to life'. We welcomed our new brothers and sisters with joy and sang loudly in celebration but surely not louder than the angels rejoicing in heaven. Then we broke bread together in loving memory of our Lord's sacrifice.

There is so much more to remember as always: the football games on the frozen hockey pitch, the singing, the laughter, the nightly tea-parties, the earnest discussions, but most of all the loving fellowship that enveloped us all and kept us all in it's warmth. Parting after such a wonderful time is always sad; to know that it will be 6 months and maybe longer before we have the opportunity to meet together again always brings sadness to our hearts, but among the sadness is always rejoicing in the hope of the Kingdom and that in the grace of God, that will be where we will next meet. Our time together ended with another baptism, and what more fitting way could there have been to conclude our joyful and spiritual time together.

For all of you in the west that read this we'd like to say, never underestimate the value of your loving thoughts and prayers or your support in so many ways, which encourages us all. We know that without your help these Bible Schools couldn't happen, so we give to you all our love and thanks. Our prayers are with yours that we will meet in the Kingdom very soon

[CONTENTS] [Winter East European Bible School (December 2000)]
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