From the Bible we know that Passover might not always be a time of rest. In fact, the first Passover meal required people to be ready to travel as they ate: “And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover” (Exodus 12:11).
Today, Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Bolotnikov marks Passover by his journeys: in media and in real life.
He is the Speaker-Director of the Shalom Learning Center that focuses both on educational work with Adventist churches and outreach to Jewish communities. He is also the pastor of two churches, while maintaining an active, tri-lingual YouTube presence.
Passover is a very important time to educate Christians about Jesus and the Gospels, so Dr. Bolotnikov has developed the Upper Room experience.
It is uniquely Jewish/Hebraic, showing Jesus for who He was, in a different way than churches do. For centuries, the “Last Supper” has been misunderstood in art and in religion. Dr. Bolotnikov clarifies the picture of what actually happened, through the gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The goal is to show how Jesus used Jewish methods and traditions to teach truths.
This Passover has taken Dr. Bolotnikov on more journeys.
Greenville/Spartanburg
Starting in the Greenville/Spartanburg area, a woman who had watched Dr. Bolotnikov’s YouTube channel for four years wanted to be baptized. She and her husband had been Pentecostals, and Dr. Bolotnikov’s broadcasts were life-changing for both of them.
The Upper Room Experience
Then, the idea of the Upper Room experience came to life.
It happened spontaneously on a ‘work-cation’ as a friend from Orlando asked: “Why don’t we do a Passover program?” It was very short notice. “I wasn’t sure who would attend, especially on a Monday (since I wasn’t free on Saturday) in another church?” There was a full house of 70 people, including many non-SDAs, Baptists, and Pentecostals at the Spring Meadow Church.
Tampa
Moving on to Tampa, Dr. Bolotnikov’s Passover journey introduced him to a group of Baptists, keen to hear his message, after watching his broadcasts.
Port Charlotte
In Port Charlotte, 100 people turned out to hear Dr. Bolotnikov. They were eager to meet with him, having watched his YouTube broadcasts, and they welcomed him. Formerly Pentecostals, at least one family in this group sought more, and wanted to join the Church.
Miami
Dr. Bolotnikov continued his Passover journey because: “Special people are dying to see you in Miami.” So his next stop was at the Miami Temple Church, where 800-1,000 people attended.
This part of the Passover journey started in a YouTube chat. A woman Ludmilla asked if “I knew any Russian-speaking Adventists in Miami. I didn’t, but I prayed, and my prayers were answered.” She attended. A former Pentecostal, Ludmilla, her daughter, and grandchildren accepted the message.
Where will Dr. Bolotnikov’s Passover journeys take him next? Check back to find out.
