Photo via renner.org

Moscow Good News Church created a ministry for singles

The Moscow Good News Church has many single members. Seeking to meet the needs of this demographic, the church created the Gulfstream Singles Ministry as a place where they can fellowship, pray, have fun, and seek God in a lively and exciting atmosphere, reports Rick Renner Ministries. Every week, Gulfstream meets for worship, prayer, and Bible study. In addition to their weekly meetings, they also hold frequent events and outings around Moscow so singles can enjoy fun activities in a Christian environment. From teaching seminars to camping trips, from Christmas parties to in-depth studies of the life of Christ, Gulfstream is an exciting place for singles to build friendships and grow in God.

Last Saturday, Gulfstream singles met for a day of ice-skating. Since the weather outside was almost zero degrees Fahrenheit, they chose a large indoor ice rink for their afternoon fun. Although many Russians learn to skate at an early age, for some in the group this was their first time on the ice. Everyone had a good time as the more experienced skaters helped the beginners, teaching them the basics and then working them up to some more challenging moves. At the end of the day, all the singles relaxed in a nearby café to swap stories, compare bruises, and enjoy warm cups of tea.

A few weeks previous to this outing, the directors of Gulfstream held a short course on conflict management. During this class, they helped the singles role-play various situations in which conflicts could possibly erupt -- in family relationships, in friendships, at the workplace, and so forth. Afterward, the leaders evaluated the examples that had been acted out and received feedback from the group regarding the best way to address these challenging situations. Although entertaining and enjoyable, this course had the practical benefit of preparing the singles to handle conflicts that will inevitably arise in their lives.

The combination of fun, interesting social outings and strong Bible-based teaching is having a great effect on the singles of the Moscow Good News Church. And the word is spreading. Each meeting brings new visitors, some from other churches and some brought by friends already involved in this exciting ministry. Several Gulfstream members have even met their future spouses through these meetings.

Gulfstream is about teaching single people how to grow with God and then walk in the plans He has set for them. As ministry leader Zhenya Varnovsky observed, "When you think about it, singles are energetic; they're seeking after God; and they have more free time than others might. So, of course, we have fun!"

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TAGS: Russia Moscow Good News Church Rick Renner Ministries Gulfstream Singles Ministry

[02/09/2009]

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