History
The Russian-Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Union, USA began its ministry in 1919. During all these years the youth of RUEBU churches played a vital role in the ministry of our union. In the beginning of 90’s, RUEBU appointed two brothers; Valery Copan and George Harlov to minister among the new Slavic immigrants. With the help of Georgy Germakovsky and Valery Copan, in 1995 the first youth conference was organized and held in Sandusky, NY.
In 1996, a newly created RUEBU Youth Department, called “Youth for Jesus”, organized a second youth conference in Ashford, CT. George Harlov and Gennady Maryanov were motivators and leaders of this ministry for many years to come. Vital to this ministry were also Andrey Agapov, Vitaly Yuchkovsky, Pavel Tkach, John Kostenko, Pavel Bukhovko and many others. Since 1996, “Youth for Jesus” continued to have conferences in Ashford Evangelical Christian Center without interruption.
In 2008 the name of the Youth Department was changed to “Destination316” which reflects the purpose of Christ’s coming to this world and encourages our young people to be witnesses of His Good News. Bible teaching speakers, Christian musicians and groups are invited each year to build up a spiritual life of our youth and to prepare them for the challenges of this world.
About Destination316
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Destination316 is a RUEBU youth division conferences ministry which is designed to equip and inspire young adults to live a life as their heavenly Father designed it to be lived. Join us every year, at the end of May, during the Memorial Day weekend in Ashford, CT where you will experience live worship, build authentic friendships, and hear relevant teaching on how to live a Christ-centered life in today’s world.
“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” – Psalms 71:17
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead young people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our Strategy
We accomplish our mission by creating conferences where people are encouraged and equipped to pursue intimacy with God, Community with believers, and influence on the world.
Get Involved
PRAY
As we seek to inspire young adults we cannot accomplish this without prayer. We ask that you please keep our ministry in your prayers so that God may be glorified in all that we do in order to impact young adults.
EXPERIENCE
Come and enjoy the fellowship of young adults who come in order to worship together, to encourage one another, to pray for one another, and experience live worship. Plan ahead in order to take full 3 days off during the Memorial Day weekend every year. Get equipped and energized from hearing relevant teaching on how to live Christ-centered life in today's world.
GIVE
Your financial support enables us to reach young adults and especially those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By organizing conferences and retreats we are able to invite youth from the East Coast and other surrounding States. Please visit our site and donate today!
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Corinthians 9:7-8
Our Values
PREACHING
Our focus during the conferences and events is to preach God’s Word. We invite speakers who have real experience working with the youth, whether here in US, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. We also invite English speakers who can convey the truth of God’s Word to our young people, to many of which English is more understandable language.
1 Timothy 4:13
WORSHIP
As a Slavic youth living in the US, we seek to have a blended worship consisting of songs in Russian and English languages. We also seek on having a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary songs that are being written by God inspired musical artists and authors.
Colossians 3:16
FRIENDSHIP
As leaders at Destination316 we believe in leading by example and to build friendship with the young people. We take the time to meet and greet youth with whom we have a long relationship, and also those who are new to our ministry.
Romans 12:10