At Revival Church, youth from Shakopee First Slavic Baptist Church, Bethany First Baptist Church, and Transfiguration Church gather at Revival Church in Apple Valley for their worship night that happens one Friday every month. This happened on November 19th. The teens mix up amongst themselves to meet new people and branch out to meet new people and youth from other churches. | Photo by Sofia Tereshchenko

Hearing the truth at Revival Church

Minnesota youth from Slavic Baptist churches join in the Twin Cities with a purpose.

By Sofia Tereshchenko, writer

‘Grace Flows Down’ plays inside Revival Church in Apple Valley. The worship team sways, the bass guitar shakes the stage, the snares of the drums rattle. Alex Yermolenko is excited and ready to preach to the Slavic youth of Minnesota. Youth Pastor Alex Yermolenko, originally from Sacramento, California, began a tradition of Revival Nights for the youth to be able to gather somewhere and have fellowship with neighboring Baptist churches throughout the Twin Cities. Yarmolenko’s passion and fire for Christ have led him to start a mission in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Yermolenko has one goal for the night. To touch someone’s heart, and share the truth.

“I believe this is the life we’re called to live, and this is the message Our Lord has for us,” Yermolenko said.

His actions to spread the word about these worship nights have been successful. Each turnout on the past four Fridays, close to 50 pieces of clothing they have sold. Ranging from $20-$40. The crewnecks from Nov. 19th were the newest addition to their clothing line. Each crewneck is designed with the large words, “TRUTH”.

Youth hang out at Revival Church at 6 pm on November 19th in the commons area after the worship and service. The girls stand by the front door selling the crewnecks that will also raise money for their church to do more events just like Revival Night. “I think it’s great to be a part of a church that is willing to take action and do fun stuff just like this,” 19-year-old Valerie Okhman said. | Photo by Sofia Tereshchenko

Russian Slavic Baptist churches in Minnesota gathered at Revival Church in Apple Valley at 7 p.m. Friday to send a message to youth: the Lord will fulfill every area of their lives. Revival Church practices the songs every Saturday leading up to the next revival night in hopes of sparking something in those visiting their church. Shakopee, Bethany, and other Russian Slavic Baptist churches came together with a turnout of 50 people.

“Maybe you aren’t living the life that you want to when your friends and actions aren’t showing what you believe and what God is saying.” — Alex Yermolenko, Revival Church pastor

The events leading up to the after party of the night include eating an array of meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board, playing ping pong and charades. Angie Serbin, a 19-year-old missionary, has taken time after high school to go on missions trips during her gap year. She says the worship nights have shown her the glory of God and inspired her to spread the gospel.

“I want kids who are struggling to know the love of Jesus just like I do,” Serbin said.

Yermolenko plans to continue hosting revival events at Revival Church after the new year. He plans to bring a community together to be “shaped like clay by the potter who is Christ.”.

“This night will change the lives of the next generation to show who’s in charge of our lives,” Yermolenko said.