Reaching Volgograd for Christ

In June, we were privileged to host a group of music volunteers in Volgograd. An orchestra organized by Global Missions Project, under the direction of renowned arranger Camp Kirkland, spent a week in our fair city. Anyone who has been following our newsletters knows that we have been trying for over 2 years to effectively use music and Music Education as a way to reach the people of Volgograd. The ministry of this group was a terrific boost to our work among the Cultural Arts community of Volgograd.

Many new relationships were developed as a result of their program. This orchestra was made entirely of born-again Christians, most of whom are very active in their home church’s music ministry. They participated in a couple of “tent-revival” services outside the city, did band-clinics for young music students, and crowned the week with an outdoor concert next to the downtown “Friendship Fountain.” Throughout the week, these men and women made friends with the Russian people and shared their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the end of April, we hosted three showings of the “Jesus Film” at a local movie theatre in Spartanovka, in conjunction with the Easter weekend. This was by far the largest evangelistic outreach we have attempted in Spartanovka. Leading up to event, over 21,000 leaflets were distributed through the mail, inviting people to the film and promising them a coupon for a free Bible. Also, posters were hung all over Spartanovka, and invitations were handed out on the street corner near the movie theatre. We were overwhelmed with the response. We did not expect very many people for the first showing (Friday, mid-day. It was the only time the theatre was available for rent.) But there were 50-60 people there, despite the inconvenient time. Then, there were increasingly more viewers at the other two showings. All told, 300 people saw this film, Read more »

In downtown Volgograd there are several streets that run parallel to the Volga River. The “Alley of Heroes” is a walking-street cuts across all of these perpendicularly, and leads strolling pedestrians right through the heart of downtown, from Central Square all the way to the river. Just before getting to the steps that descend to the flowing Volga, there is an open plaza with a large fountain as the centerpiece. The area around this fountain is a popular “hang-out” spot for people of all ages. Senior citizens can be seen feeding the pigeons nearby, while young families carefully watch their children who are sticking their hands in the water. Groups of teenagers and young adults can be seen standing in groups talking, out-of-town guests will inevitably have their picture made at the fountain, and the area surrounding the fountain seems to have become popular territory for skateboarders to show-off their tricks. During the summer months, a portable stage is set-up next to the fountain for outdoor band concerts and there are several outdoor cafés just a stone-throw away. This “hub” is a neat place to be. On weekends and evenings when the weather is fair, you could stand in this one location and likely see a cross-section sample of the entire city’s population. For a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus, this is a great reminder to pray for all of the people of Volgograd.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

(John 4:14)

In March, a group of volunteers from America came to Volgograd to work with handicapped children. A group of 19 volunteers led VBS in three locations among disabled children and youth. Some of the officials were a little wary of this at first, but quickly warmed up to us when they saw how much fun the kids were having and the love and attention that they received. Also, some of the volunteers led training seminars for students, therapists, and other specialists about work with people who have special needs. I myself was surprised at how many new opportunities this week of ministry opened up. Many new relationships with Universities, secular community organizations, and individuals were born as a result of this project. This provides for future ministry opportunities, in addition to the immediate fruit of children, youth, and adults having heard the Redemptive Story of Jesus. This is just one more example of ordinary Christians giving up their time to “come over and help us,” using the skills, experience, and interests that they possess to further the work of God’s Kingdom in Volgograd, Russia. If you are reading this, God can use YOU in Volgograd!

Take a look at our photo gallery of the Special Needs Children’s Camp

After the rebuilding of the city’s basic infrastructure following the war, a number of monuments were built in Volgograd. None of them is more famous than the Mamayev Kurgan Memorial Complex. This series of monuments is dedicated to the heroes of the Stalingrad battle. On October 15^th, 1967 the complex was opened and visitors from around the world have been visiting it ever since. Walking through this memorial park is a progressive experience of literally moving higher and higher as you pass a variety of statues on your way to the top of an ancient Tatar burial mound. (As a military position, this “high ground” was desperately fought-over during the battle.) At the pinnacle of the mound stands the enormous statue of “the Motherland,” an impressive monument of Mother Russia brandishing her sword overhead to defy any would-be invaders. This particular statue is widely regarded as the city of Volgograd’s trademark. To anyone with an interest in WWII history, it is a very moving experience to stroll through Mamayev Kurgan and remember the fierce battle that took place on this very site.