Contact: Brenda Miller

Alexander Merzliakov, pastor

Living Faith United Methodist Church in Lungansk, Ukraine

Two representatives from our church participated in the United Methodist Youth Forum that was held in Petersburg (Russia) on the end of January. Our delegates returned home filled by the God's fire and with great number of ideas. Also they established friendship relations with youth from other UM churches all over the Eurasia.

On February 10 a young family joined our church. 

 On February 14 church youth had a special event connected with st. Valentine's Day. There was a lot of fun, games, music and of course tasty food. Also they invited their unbelieving friends, which enjoyed that party.  On March 8 there was conducted a romantic family evening for the couples. It was organized in cooperation with other three churches. Last year the same action was very successful and this year many couples wanted to participate on it. Last year there were 30 couples, this year there were 50 couples. We had more interested couples, but we were limited by the size of the location. This romantic family evening was a good chance for couples to rest and have fun in the Christian atmosphere.  The Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow held special presentation for churches on March 29-30. Purpose of this action was to make people consider about their calling for ministry. Six young people from our church went to Moscow to take part in this presentation and to know more about Seminary and about Theological education in United Methodist church.It was great experience for them and some started to think earnestly over entering to the Seminary.  On Sunday, April 6 there were two ministers from the Lay Witness Ministries organization on our service. They shared with us their encouraging testimonies. Their ministry was the real blessing for all of us. During two Sundays - April 13 and 20 we conducted two special Sunday services. First Sunday I preached about God's healing and after sermon people, who need healing, were invited to come forward for prayer. About 15 people came and I prayed for them.  Another Sunday I preached about healing ministry in the church - healing ministry of the elders (James 5:14), ministry of the people that have gifts of healing (1 Cor 12:9) and ministry of all believers (Mark 16:17-18). After sermon people, who need healing, were invited to come forward for prayer again. But this time it was not only I, who prayed, but other people prayed for sick also. We had some healing as a result of these services. One man was healed from the back pain, which harassed him during a few months. Lady that had some sores on her body was healed. Another lady that had some problems with her throat was also healed.  

We had our Easter service on Sunday April 27.

We prepared very interesting and diverse program. It included a lot of songs, Jewish dance, another dance prepared by the handicapped children. The main point of the program was an Easter drama with songs.  Youth and children worked hard, preparing this drama and it was very expressive.There were 13 new unchurched people on the Easter service. People brought some food and cookies, and after service we had common lunch and time for sharing. It was blessed time. People could share their experiences and testimonies about their life with Christ.We thank God for all He is doing in the life of our church!