A Heart That Hears God

On Saturday, September 19, Rockland Baptist Church hosted a conference for Sunday school teachers of the Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association. It was a day of fellowship, learning, encouragement, and shared experience for those who have devoted themselves to serving children. The conference theme was “A Heart That Hears God.”

The main speaker was Irina Tsvelikova of Spring of Life Church in Mukilteo, Washington. Trained in psychology, Irina works at a school and has served in Sunday school for more than 30 years.

At the beginning of the gathering, Pastor Nikolai Bugriev welcomed the participants and offered a prayer of blessing for the conference. Alexander Pronin, president of the Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association, then addressed the teachers. He spoke about the purpose God has given each person and each ministry.

Emphasizing that God gives people different gifts, Alexander said, “God has given you something I do not have so that, through you, He can give me what I need.” Each person can become someone through whom the Lord blesses others.

This thought is especially meaningful for a Sunday school teacher. Teachers do more than lead lessons and organize children’s programs. God can use each of them to touch a child’s heart. This ministry is both a responsibility and a great honor.

Irina Tsvelikova led the practical portion of the conference. She spoke about understanding children today, recognizing their individual needs, and finding ways to reach their hearts.

One of the topics was neuroeducation. Participants discussed how children take in information and what helps them stay engaged. The teaching was accompanied by practical activities: teachers completed exercises, took part in games, and tried approaches they could use in Sunday school. These ideas can help make lessons more engaging and easier for children to understand.

Spiritual mentoring received special attention. How can a teacher recognize the needs behind a child’s behavior? How can we help a child who is anxious or withdrawn? How do we build trust and move beyond simply managing behavior toward genuine mentoring?

Participants also discussed how to help children remain faithful to God in a world where Christian values are often challenged. Our task is more than teaching children biblical truths. We want to help them know the Lord, love Him, and make a personal decision to follow Him.

Zhanna Yanovskaya, director of the Association’s Sunday school department, said that conferences like this are greatly needed. They offer teachers support, new knowledge, ideas, and practical examples for working with children.

“Today, it is not easy to hold a student’s attention. Irina gave us many helpful suggestions for making lessons interesting and engaging, so that children will enjoy taking part and grow spiritually. Our conferences always give teachers fresh ideas and approaches to working with children,” Zhanna shared. “This year, we are planning a Bible knowledge competition among the Sunday schools of our churches. Directors and teachers are already discussing the arrangements. Please pray for our children!”

Irina also recommended Sunday school curricula and books for working with children of different ages. She answered questions and offered support to teachers facing difficulties in their ministry.

The warm, open atmosphere was one of the day’s greatest gifts. Teachers from different churches met, talked, and shared their experiences. Gatherings like this remind us that we do not serve alone. We share a common calling, a common responsibility, and, above all, a desire to help children come to know the Lord as their Savior.

Conferences like this give us a chance to step away from daily responsibilities, learn something new, and see our ministry with fresh eyes. They would benefit parents and anyone else who cares about children and the condition of their hearts, as well as Sunday school teachers. Behind every lesson, game, and conversation is something greater than passing on knowledge: an opportunity to help a child hear God’s voice.

Yulia Buts