[Russia] The World Camp that Changes the Youth and the CLF, Making Ripples of the Gospel

The Ripples of the Gospel spread around Russia through the CLF

From the Bible Seminar in Europe that changed the whole of Europe to ripples of the Gospel, to the Russian World Camp that opened on the 1st of May in the city with deep culture, St Petersburg.

Also, the CLF, the Russian Christian Leaders Fellowship that was taking place alongside the World Camp in Russia, had attracted over 100 Russian ministers to share their hearts  through the Gospel and learn the will of God together.

On the afternoon of the 1st, Pastor Ock Soo Park, who arrived at the Park Inn Hotel in St Petersburg, (the venue for the World Camp) headed to the CLF before the Opening Ceremony of the World Camp.

The Head of the Christian Union, Dimitri Palekov gave the welcoming message and the CLF then began with the wonderful music of the Gracias Choir. Then, Pastor Ock Soo Park took to the stage and opened Genesis 1 and preached very powerfully about the world of faith that is not accomplished through me but through God.

“No matter how hard the earth tries, it cannot defeat the deformity, the void and the darkness. The Earth itself does not have the energy so cannot create anything.” (From the sermon in 1st May)

Pastor Ock Soo Park, who explained precisely about the image of humans who cannot do anything, through the analogy of the earth for humans, then said that, when the word of God is preached to us, it is that word that works inside of us.

“When did the second son escape from the hunger? When did the storm become calm? It is when the word of the father, the word of Jesus appeared. It is not that I have to do something but it is only that the Word of God must come inside of me.” (From the Sermon in the CLF, 1st May)

The spiritual life that is not lived through me but God. Although this is simple the Russian ministers fell deep into the Word of Pastor Ock Soo Park.

“I am a member of the Christian Union. I heard a sermon today that was truly alive. Although it is true that we cannot do anything, I was truly happy after hearing that the Word is what changes us and leads us. I am looking forward to the what is next to come of the CLF.” (Pastor Vasili Sisov/Russia)

During the CLF, the Christian broadcasting group, TBN, also came to the event, which showed how much expectations there were for Pastor Ock Soo Park and the CLF, amongst the ministers.

During the interview with TBN, Pastor Ock Soo Park said, “The World Camp will change the youth who do not think critically and have lost self-control and the CLF will allow us to make Russia the land of the Gospel together.

The Opening Ceremony of the World Camp,

‘Once we Learn the World of the Heart, We are Happy’

At 7pm, finally the 2017 World Camp in Russia opened its curtains at the Park Inn Hotel. There were many students from Russian-speaking countries, including from throughout the whole of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and many others. All the participants began to fill the venue.

The Russian traditional dance and the high quality of the Russian musicians greatly heightened the mood of the Opening Ceremony.

With the Opening Statement from Director of IYF Russia, Igeri Apanasev, the World Camp officially began. Through the congratulatory messages from St Petersburg Youth Political Advisor, Kulikop Denis, the Vice Chancellor of the Film and Broadcasting University, Lalicheva Oksana, and Director of National Education University, Shulina Yelena, they stressed that the World Camp be a turning point in which the students could share their hearts with one another and change.

After the choir performance of Gracias Choir, Pastor Ock Soo Park took to the stage and delivered the message.

“A certain thought comes into our hearts and begins to lead our hearts. All misery begins with that one thought that enters us. Through this Camp, if you learn the world of the heart and are not dragged around by the thoughts, then you will be able to live a happy life.”

(From the World Camp Message on the 1st of May)

Pastor Ock Soo Park spoke about the importance of the world of the heart and said that through the students in this Camp, the whole of Russia will change. The students accepted the heart that Pastor Ock Soo Park had for Russia into their hearts.

“I participated in the World Camp last year and it was so touching and good. So, this time, I attended as a volunteer but the performance, sermon and everything here is so good. I am very thankful to be here.” (Naseja/ Russia)

“While listening to the music of Gracias Choir, I was so moved that I was almost lost for words. I almost feel sorry for people who have not had the opportunity to listen to their music. As I was listening to the sermon of Pastor Ock Soo Park, he spoke about the one thought that leads me and I think that I should really think carefully about where that thought comes from.” (Roma Challenge/ Ukraine)

From the first day the music of Gracias Choir and the message of Pastor Ock Soo Park has been deeply engraved in the hearts of the students. The music of the choir and the word that is filled inside of their heart will lead them to the wonderful world of the heart during the Camp and there is hope that this will also change their lives.