Soviet Evangelicals Since World War II, Walter Sawatsky, 1981

that weekend. Not only is there much singing and telling of Bible stories, even a treasure hunt in the forest is linked with religious themes. Sometimes as the children follow the signs along the path marked by their teachers, they find themselves following “the pilgrim’s progress.” Above all, teachers and parents try to communicate to the children that they will not be alone in facing ridicule and abuse in school.%” State legislation forbids church membership before age eighteen and also forbids youth circles. In spite of this, Baptists and other evangelicals devote considerable attention to youth activities. In most registered con- gregations, one worship service a week is a youth service, Although of- ficially described as a regular worship service, there is much more music and singing by the young people, many churches having youth orchestras, and some of the young men preach short sermons. In unregistered con- gregations youth activity is fostered more explicitly and young people are also encouraged in practical activity. Young people call on the sick and the aged, help in cleaning the church premises, and are usually responsible for Children and Youth . 323 —— ae at feast days, In active churches, whether registered as gistered, the young people meet each other in large or small groups most every day. This includes the choir practice, band practice, as well smaller groups meeting to practice their assignment at the outh ie: s — there are also informal Bible studies. Much of this Hy is sell i ed and self-organized so that the presbyter cannot be held responsi- ™ babe American evangelicals, like many other religious groupings ve deve oped and printed a virtual mountain of literature for and ab t children and young people. In the Soviet Union such literature is patel each < is ee only because the authorities prevent its sublctie, : . eae there is a great need for more creative writing and transla- ions. Religious novels for youth and children, religious films, and oth similar creative attempts to attract and influence young people rust il regarded by those producing literature for the Soviet Union as luxury a . The Presbyter Is Responsible aK there is no central coordinating body for children and youth baie ays true for state atheism, primary responsibility falls on the local . yter Me ae ies account tells the story of an older presbyter registered Baptist church whose youn i g people were requesting bap- tism.35 They came into his office i ear onn after the service, asked to s i : peak to hi rege the church warden, the local spy for the authorities, refused : ines i ear a ics minister suggested to the young people that uld walk them home. On the way the f ! y arranged for secret sessi Mae 9 would hear their testimonies and examine their knowledge of its ie : sigh managed to overhear one of these sessions at the young aa : ouse, when they made plans to meet at the lake in the middle