“God calls us to go!” Minnesota conference president Jeff Scoggins made this heartfelt appeal in the spring of 2024, urging members to embrace international evangelism. Many listeners committed to joining mission trips in Africa and South America. However, Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov realized he could not travel to tropical climates because of his health. That’s when he received a phone call pointing him toward a different mission.
The caller, a Ukrainian Adventist pastor in Prague, Czech Republic (or Czechia), described how several visitors from varied Christian backgrounds had approached his church and asked to be baptized. Their familiarity with Adventist teachings surprised the Ukrainian pastor. Curious, he questioned the visitors and discovered that many had encountered biblical truth by listening to sermons by Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov of Shalom Media. For decades, this ministry has shared the gospel with Jewish people and seekers from Christian and secular backgrounds. Although he is based in Minnesota, Pastor Bolotnikov’s messages are available worldwide on YouTube, and the ministry also operates a Bible school.
Since the onset of war in Ukraine, the small nation of Czechia has welcomed around half a million refugees. In the capital city of Prague, Ukrainian churches have become a haven for these seekers, and many are eager to grow in their faith. Now they were asking, “How can we learn more?”
The path to prague
With this connection established, Pastor Bolotnikov and his son accepted an invitation to conduct an evangelistic series in Prague entitled “Law and Grace in the Epistle to the Romans.” Over 100 listeners from across Czechia attended in person, and many more joined online. Their eagerness to learn confirmed that God’s Spirit was moving despite tragic regional conflicts.
Among the attendees was Doctor Ivan, who traveled daily by train from the city of Pilzen to attend every meeting. His aim was not only personal growth but also sharing the harmonious revelation of Jesus’ character with his own Protestant congregation. Thrilled by the message of Romans, he realized that the doctrines of law and grace do not contradict each other but harmonize.
As the evangelistic series progressed, the Word of God inspired transformation. On the final day, three individuals—shaped by war, displacement and discovery—were baptized, publicly declaring their covenant with Christ.
Surprising testimonies
The meetings coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Ukrainian church in Prague. That Sabbath, more than 500 guests filled the sanctuary, including conference and union leaders. It was a celebration of unity—Baptists, Adventists and seekers from many backgrounds gathered under one roof.
Throughout the day, Pastor Bolotnikov heard more than 30 personal testimonies from viewers of Shalom Media. Stories ranged from finding Christ through online broadcasts to experiencing spiritual renewal in the midst of war. Many spoke of peace, direction and hope in Jesus despite the turmoil around them.
Shalom Media has become a bridge across borders. From a humble base in Minnesota, the video sermons and lessons have impacted distant corners of Europe and prepared hearts for in-person ministry. Pastor Bolotnikov now sees that God turned an unexpected path into a fruitful mission. “God’s path may differ from ours,” he says, “but it leads exactly where we are needed.”
Communication volunteer Becky Scoggins and Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov of the Minnesota Conference collaborated on this article.
