Perm Conference Update

We approached this big event with some concern in view of the uncertain worldwide economic climate. On the other hand, David’s 12-month multiple entry religious visa was about to expire. Could we count on it being renewed, considering the deteriorating political relationships between Russia, Britain and the West?

For David the deciding factor was Sunday 14 September when a Russian Boeing airliner crashed on the outskirts of Perm, on the main Siberian railway line 500 yards from Pastor Eduard’s house, killing all 88 passengers and crew. Russian people are very emotional and close-knit, even in a city as large as this. Everyone knew those who died. Pastor Eduard called David, “Please come. The people of Perm are devasted and in a great depression. They need the Gospel – don’t fail us!”

The morning seminar was attended by 3000 delegates from all over the Perm region, even more were present for the second seminar, and 6000 attended the evangelism in the evening with thousands repenting. 1700 New Testaments were handed out that first night.

On Sunday 4500 attended the conference seminar, and again 6000 attended the evangelism. Relatives and friends of the crash victims were present in the meetings. One woman had a daughter who had been practicing as a doctor in Norway for 10 years and this was to have been her first visit home. Nevertheless, both the mother and the daughter who died were believers, and the mother said, “Evangelism is the most fitting tribute and memorial to the dead. Everyone needs Jesus!” More