While evaluating the results of the past convention, we can say that the 85th convention has a special place in the Association’s history. We celebrated the 95th anniversary of the Association. What seems to be such a distant past, in 1928, the first convention of the Slavic immigrants on the West Coast took place in Kerman. The issue at hand was about developing the ministry of the Slavic immigration. By now, 4-5 generation passed, but by the grace of God, the Association continues to care about impacting the next generation. They are still focusing on missions work both internationally, as well as locally.
With the last wave of immigration, many more churches were established, and the churches added a significant number of new members. During the 85th convention, three more churches were added to the PCSBA. There are now 38 churches. We have not only preserved, but also increased the heritage we received from our predecessors. The new wave of immigration had special respect for those who went before us, such men as Aleksander Kuzichev, Fyodor Karpets, Nikolai Vodnevsky, and many others…They remain in the memories of those who immigrated to the U.S. in the 90s.
The atmosphere of unity and joy of joint service was felt at the convention. A record number of delegates from 32 churches were able to attend. The treasurer of PCSBA, Aleksander Gol also mentioned the record number of membership dues received from the Association’s churches. I see a special support of interchurch ministry in that. Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association has a developed ministry of sixteen departments which continue to serve the churches. Many dedicated brothers and sisters continue to serve sacrificially regardless of which state they are located in. Currently, PCSBA’s churches are located in five states.
There were 27 guests at the convention, including 7 missionaries from Spain, France, and Brazil. It is clear why missionaries make efforts to attend the PCSBA’s convention, since they feel the love and support of the Association not only in Europe, but also in Brazil and other countries of the world. There was also an enriching program of music, sermons, and seminars which emphasized the important message of a timely passing of the baton while engaged in mutual service. As an example of that, the convention’s delegates elected 50% of the committee with the inclusion of younger members.
Many thanks to the organizers of the Second Slavic Baptist Church in Sacramento for resolving any technical issues during the convention which was a great blessing for all.
The theme of the convention was “In the Unity of Generations.” and covered a truly relevant issue. It is no secret that churches are going through a difficult time, when in the process of running you can lose the next generation unnoticed, and then the process of the future of Slavic immigration will become vague. There are questions that need to be resolved today, and not just delegated to English services, but to continue serving while engaging the next generation into all aspects of church life, including leadership. There needs to be a dialogue about practical steps that need to be taken today in order to overcome the existing barriers. This concept will continue to be relevant even after the convention. May God give us wisdom to not lose time when it is possible to pass on the baton to those who are running next to us!
President of PCSBA, Ivan Mileyev
More photos may be found on the convention's website under Convention's Materials menu..
