An Exchange of Hearts Creates Unity. Russian Baptists helping to plan Amsterdam 400

M o s c o w - The Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (RUECB) has decided to play an active role in events sponsored by the Prague-based European Baptist Federation (EBF). Recent proof was Vitaly Vasenko`s (Moscow) presence at initial sessions of the Amsterdam 400 Planning Group in Prague, 3 and 4 August. Pastor Vasenko is Director of the RUECB`s “Department for External Church Relations”

Due in part to the fact that the EBF cannot be regarded as a financial heavyweight, interest in it had waned in Russia. Vlasenko states: “In recent years I have felt a kind of break between ourselves and EBF. Some persons regarded the EBF as a superfluous organisation, that it was better to spend our time working with other international bodies and missions. But I can confirm that the EBF is indeed a very constructive and useful organisation.” 

Vitaly Vlasenko continues: “We Russians are located in the middle of Europe and Asia. It is very important to feel the shoulders of our brothers – and sisters - in Europe. We are connected not only geographically, but also spiritually. Our hearts are connected. It is important for the Baptists of Europe to know what is going on in Russia, and we want to know what is happening among them. This exchange of hearts can create unity, and that is what chuches are all about. Jesus says that the world will believe if they notice the love that we have for each other. We must actively demonstrate our unity in Christ.“ The desire for stronger EBF contact was one reason for the reintroduction of the External Relations department in January 2007. Pastor Vlasenko will also be attending the EBF`s annual Council Sessions in Budapest, 26 to 29 September.

Amsterdam 400, scheduled for 24 to 26 July 2009, is intended to commemorate the founding of the first Baptist congregation on the European continent by the former Anglican priest John Smyth in 1609. The celebrations are expected to bring 1.750 Baptists from throughout Europe to this Dutch city.

The European Baptist Federation was founded in 1949 to help heal the wounds of WW II. It unites 52 Baptist Unions with a total membership of 800,000 stretching as far as the Russian Far East and the Middle East.

Dr. William Yoder
Department for External Church Relations, RUECB

Photo from top left: Helle Liht (Assistant to the General-Secretary), Vitaly Vlasenko, Steffen Kahl (Germany). Bottom left:: EBF-General-Secretary Tony Peck.