Russian-speaking Women's Congress in Germany

Under the motto “God will not leave you”, a Women's Congress was organized in Pirmasens from 27 to 29 September 2019, attended by 220 Russian-speaking women from Germany. The motto song with the same title reminded us all that we are not alone because our loving, heavenly Father is always with us.
The warm, joyful and informal atmosphere was felt right from the start when the organizers of the congress, Larissa Beitel and Irina Rollgaiser, greeted the participants. Pastor Norbert Dorotik, President of the Mid Rhine Conference, spoke special words of welcome on Friday evening.
The speakers came from far away. Thus Galina Stele, Doctor of Practical Theology, came from the General Conference in Washington. She urged everyone to ask questions such as, "Who are you?" "What are the four kinds of love?" And "How do Millennials and Generation Z differ from other generations?"
The second speaker and neuropsychologist Elena Jakovenko from Kiev spoke about the mental health of a modern person, the healing of relationships and the ways of solving problems.
As a further guest we heard Ludmila Verlan on the Sabbath afternoon. She runs a center for the promotion of physically and mentally handicapped children in Krasnodar and answered questions about her work.
The singer and violinist Angelika Wishnja from Moldova enriched the congress with her musical contributions and the concert on the Sabbath evening.
Often it was very quiet in the room, because the women listened intensely and some tears wiped from their eyes. But again and again loud laughter filled the rooms. There were many unforgettable moments.
Seventy women attended the early morning prayer circle led by Nina Beitel and Vera Peters, in order to bring their cares and needs to the Lord. It was a particularly blessed time.
The beautifully and tastefully decorated lecture hall, delicious food and small gifts in the form of chocolates on the chairs and luminous pebbles not only made for comfort, but for the feeling of special appreciation for literally every woman.
On all days of the congress lots of literature in Russian was available. Under the guidance of Olga Stier and Raisa Miller, books on the important topics of education, relationships, prayer, personality development, as well as stories and experiences from life could be acquired.
We had a lot to talk about and did not want to break up on the Sunday. As they were leaving, many women expressed the wish to organize a congress in this context every year.
Thanks be to the Lord and to all who have prepared this wonderful meeting. May God help so that there will be another opportunity to hold such a congress, and that such encouraging, educational and inspiring meetings can continue.
Reported by Ludmila Verlan Fotos: Olga Stier