Sabbath School in a Closet

During Sabbath School, which is held between the two church services, the adults and youth meet in the rented room, and the children meet in the storage closet area.

Every Sabbath Alina, Karina, Yeva, and Masha go to Sabbath School in a big closet. Since the Adventists who live in Kazan don’t have a church of their own in the city center, they have to rent a room in a big building where they can meet for Sabbath School and church. Because there are so many people in Kazan who want to come to the Adventist church, they have to have two church services every Sabbath in the rented room. 

During Sabbath School, which is held between the two church services, the adults and youth meet in the rented room, and the children meet in the storage closet area. Even though they are surrounded by hanging coats and stacked up tables and chairs and mattresses, they are happy to be at Sabbath School. They enjoy their Sabbath School lesson and play fun Bible games that help them remember their weekly memory verses. 

Because there is no Adventist school in Kazan, the girls go to public school, which has classes on Saturdays. Their parents explained to the teachers why their children would not be coming to school on Sabbath, but it is still sometimes hard for the girls at school. They wish that they could go to a Seventh-day Adventist school, where they wouldn’t have to worry about classes on Sabbath and where all of the teachers believe in God. 

Sharing Experiences at Sabbath School

Sometimes during Sabbath School the girls talk about their experiences at school or share answers to prayer.

“One day I brought my Bible to school,” said Karina, “and showed my classmate the Ten Commandments. I pointed out the verse about keeping the Sabbath holy, and my friend thought about it. Ever since I was in kindergarten I’ve told my friends about my church and have invited them to visit.”

“Me too,” said Alina. “But they couldn’t come.” 

Alina really wants Jesus to come soon. She likes to stand by a window for a long time, looking for Jesus. “I want to see Him personally,” she explained. “I want to ask Him about some things that have happened to me.” 

Masha is eager for Jesus to come, too. “I want to see my little sister,” she said. “Now there are three children in our family, but there should be four.” 

Yeva told the class, “When Jesus comes I want to say to Him, ‘I’ve been waiting for You for a long time, and at last I can see You! Thank You for saving me.’”

“I want to hug Jesus!” Alina said.

“Me too!” added Karina. “I love Him because He listens to our prayers. He really can hear our prayers!”

Answers to Prayer

“Yes!” said Masha. “I remember when Mama, my little brother, Lev, and I were alone in our apartment. Papa was away at work. There was a very strong wind, and all of the lights went out. We prayed, and God helped us not to be scared.”

“Jesus helps me during my classes at school,” said Yeva. “And when I’m not feeling well, Jesus helps me to get better.”

Your special Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help build a church and playground in the city center of Kazan. Alina, Karina, Yeva, and Masha want to say: “Thank you for helping us!”