I am grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to attend the Congress of the Slavic Union of the La Plata Republics (Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina), which took place from May 1 to 3 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The theme of the congress was the phrase: “Ready to go and act.” The main emphasis was placed on evangelism and mission.
On May 1 and 2, the congress was held at the Temperley Biblical Seminary. These two days were filled with an extensive program, discussions, interviews, conversations on relevant issues, wonderful singing, and the participation of two speakers — Pr. Miguel Ekizian and Pr. Thomas Mackey. The discussion topics — “What to do with the black sheep?”, “The art of stepping aside”, “Ready? Whom to help?” and others — sparked great interest among the listeners.
A beautiful adornment of the congress was the inspiring singing of the men’s quintet, the congregational singing group, and the choir. The program was led by the Executive Secretary of the Slavic Union of the La Plata Republics, Jorge Puzenik. Together with the seminary director, Petro Panasyuk, they created an atmosphere of participation, openness, and spirituality. One could feel the unity of the brotherhood, sharing a common history of the past and present, as well as a readiness to continue serving the Risen Lord by fulfilling the Great Commission and preaching the Gospel to the local population of these countries. Spanish has long been the primary language of communication, despite the history and Slavic names of many churches.
I conducted two seminars. The first — “Arise and Go” — was based on the commission given to Philip to go to the desert road with the Good News (Acts 8). The second — “Going to Meet the Future Servant” — was based on the story of Ananias being sent to Saul, who “is now praying” (Acts 9). Not only Ananias, but many of us also find it difficult to go toward the future servant whom God has called. This is an important ministry for those who bear spiritual responsibility not only for the present but also for the future of local churches.
During the first day of the congress, all participants prayed and were concerned for a large group of church representatives from Paraguay who were traveling by bus but, due to a breakdown, could not attend the first day. What joy it was to see them on the second day!
On May 3, the final solemn worship service of the congress was held at the Slavic Evangelical Christian Church on Saavedra, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary. The united choir sang, the orchestra played, the men’s quintet participated, and the invited minister Pr. Juan Pablo Bongarra preached.
A long‑time laborer in God’s field, the presbyter of the local church, Ivan Kulak, received congratulations on the church’s 100th anniversary from many congress participants. He is one of the few who still ministers in his native Spanish language and also speaks Ukrainian and Russian fluently. Ivan Kulak has dedicated his entire life to serving the Slavic brotherhood of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. Praise God for such servants!
One hundred years is the story of more than one generation of immigrants who, beginning in the 1920s–30s, moved from Ukraine and other European countries to South America. The baton of ministry was passed from hand to hand throughout the entire history of Slavic immigration, and today many ministers from the local population serve as pastors in the churches of the union.
On May 4, I visited the Temperley Biblical Seminary, where I taught missiology. Classes ended around ten in the evening, but no one was in a hurry to leave. Fellowship between students and teachers continued over a cup of tea.
From May 5 to 7, I visited neighborhoods of Buenos Aires where new immigrants from Russia had settled. I wanted to confirm the presence of a mission field before the Pacific Union of ECB churches could send missionaries to serve in Buenos Aires.
I found Slavic cafés and restaurants, including one establishment that, for some reason, bore my name — “Juan‑Ivan.” I spoke with its visitors — immigrants who had moved from Russia in recent years. I also visited the store “Gastronom No. 1,” the restaurant “Chaykhana,” and others.
The exact number of Russian‑speaking immigrants living in Buenos Aires is unknown; estimates go up to 80,000 people. Many of them work remotely or start their own businesses. Most are unchurched. Pray that God would call a family to missionary service among them.
On May 8, Jorge Puzenik and Ivan Kulak took me to the city of Tigre, where we took a boat trip, exploring the beautiful areas of this resort region. Along the banks of the numerous river channels, we saw many houses built at different times and displaying diverse architecture. I thanked God for the beauty and majesty of nature in this region.
We also visited the Russian café “Juan‑Ivan,” where we met visitors and enjoyed “our” Slavic food.
On May 9, I visited Jorge’s home, where I had fellowship with his wife, son, and presbyter Ivan Kulak. I am immensely grateful to Jorge’s family for their hospitality, shared lunch, and wonderful time together.
On Sunday, May 10, I attended the worship service of the Slavic Evangelical Christian Church on Martinez Castro. Two services were held consecutively: first in Russian, then in Spanish. I had to preach two different sermons, sing a solo, and accompany the congregational singing on the piano.
At present, this church does not have a pastor, so Jorge Puzenik is temporarily carrying out pastoral ministry.
After the service, Jorge and I visited the home of Ivan Kulak, presbyter of the church on Saavedra, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and wonderful fellowship together with Jorge’s wife and other brothers.
That same evening, we also visited the church in Isidro Casanova, where I participated in the ministry of the Word. Late in the evening, I returned to the hotel, and the next day the time came for my farewell to the beautiful capital of Argentina. Pastor Jorge drove me to the Buenos Aires international airport, and after warm words of farewell and gratitude, my plane took off toward the United States.
Praise God for these blessed days in Argentina and for the fellowship with brothers and sisters — the wonderful family of God’s children who remain faithful to their calling even today!
Pastor, Ivan Mileyev
