Fifteen international peacemakers from different countries around the world are visiting congregations, presbyteries and colleges of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) from Sept. 21-Oct. 15.
They are sharing their stories about church-based ministries in their countries that seek peace justice and pursue peace in the name of Jesus Christ. This year’s international peacemakers come from Colombia, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Madagascar, Northern Ireland, Palestine, the Philippines, Russia and Syria.
The International Peacemaker program is sponsored by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Andrey Beskorovainiy is the only Roma (Gypsy) pastor serving in the Russian Union of Evangelical Christians – Baptists. He has his own congregation in the city of Kursk in southwestern Russia and is also very active in organizing mission outreach to Roma people all over central Russia. Born in Ukraine Andrey converted to Christianity 12 years ago and in 2005 moved to Russia to attend seminary. Outreach with children is of particular interest to him.
He will be visiting the presbyteries of Greater Atlanta, Lehigh Valley, Charleston Atlantic and Central Nebraska. He will also visit Hastings (Neb.) College and will attend the Sept. 27-29 meeting of the Russia Mission Network in Louisville.
PC(USA) mission co-worker Al Smith served as translator for this interview and will be accompanying Andrey as translator.
What is the situation in your country that you will be addressing?
“I will be talking about my work with the Roma people so they will come to Christ. I want to tell the story of the Roma because people frequently have the wrong idea about the Roma people.”
How are the faith communities addressing this situation?
“Praise the Lord we’ve begun to conduct conferences for information and children’s camps. Al Smith has given us much assistance to help us travel to evangelize and preach.”
What lessons from your situation are you trying to communicate to U.S. Presbyterians?
“We need to bring God’s peace to everyone. If we bring the Good News, regardless of ethnicity and class we should be effective.”
What is the primary message you want to communicate to U.S. Presbyterians?
“Do you know Jesus?”