Impact: HopeRussia Churches Lead the Lost to Jesus
How I Came to the Lord by Pavel Kazakov
I came to faith through a question. Throughout my life, I had viewed Christianity and religion through the lens of my Soviet upbringing, the stereotypes prevalent within Christian society, and the influence of works by Nietzsche and Dawkins. It was, in fact, Dawkins’ book The God Delusion that served as the starting point for my journey toward God—though, at the time, I didn’t perceive any contradictions in it. I believed it to be an exposé of the religious falsehoods imposed upon us by the church. To solidify this discovery, I decided to reread the Bible.
New Believer Pavel Kazakov (right) with HopeRussia’s Evgeni Kruzhkov
From the very first lines, I realized I had never read anything better. I felt a deep desire to understand the meaning of what was written, and my life became divided into a "before" and an "after." Beginning with the Old Testament, I felt a growing faith in a strong and just God. I needed to find answers to my questions and grasp what the author intended to convey. I began searching for a church where I could find those answers.
My search started with an online query: "Which church focuses most on the Old Testament?" Yandex suggested a synagogue and (HopeRussia’s) Kingdom Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. I reached out to the church and they provided me with Pastor Pavel Lazovski’s phone number. After speaking with pastor Pavel, I attended my first worship service in January 2026, and I’ve been attending ever since, because I have found what I was looking for. I receive answers to my questions, excellent teaching, and the opportunity to fellowship with wonderful people. After the Sunday service, I feel cleansed. Most importantly, there is a sense of connection to Jesus—as if He Himself is speaking from the pulpit. I find answers there to the questions that arise for me throughout the week. I have seen a light, and it continues to grow brighter.
The church has helped me come to faith. Thanks to the people around me and the elders, I found Jesus. This gave me the sense that I am not alone—that there is Someone who loves me unconditionally. I have finally arrived where I was meant to be. Outwardly, perhaps nothing has changed, but inwardly, everything is different. The journey is still long, but I am walking it with Jesus and the church. Praise God!
Trials of Life Bring Anzhelika to Eternal Life
Anzhelika (center, wearing black) with Roma & Alena Pankin
In the photo, Anzhelika (wearing black) enjoys a meal at the home of Roman (Roma) and Alena Pankin who are planting a church in the city of Tuapse, on the Black Sea coast. Roma is a 2024 graduate of HopeRussia seminary. Anzhelika is going through very hard times. Her house recently burned down due to faulty wiring; and she is going through a divorce - as a mother of two children. When Roma and Alena heard through the grapevine that Anzhelika's house had burned down, they went to visit her, introduced themselves, offered to help, and eventually invited her to church. Anzhelika has now joined the new church by profession of faith, and she is reading the Bible. Roma summarizes Anzhelika's life story this way: "These hardships led her to turn to God."
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
Psalm 119:67