On Sunday, July 6, 2025, nearly a hundred Sabbath-keepers and Church of God believers gathered at Eagle Island State Park in Eagle, Idaho, for a multi-congregational picnic that blended rich cultural heritage with joyful fellowship. Church of God Network’s own Debbie Bensinger, a member of our Data Team, was in attendance and shared reflections on what made the event so meaningful.

Set beside the sparkling Boise River on a warm summer afternoon, the picnic was hosted by the local Ukrainian Sabbath-keeping community—comprised of families who have immigrated over the years from Ukraine, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. They welcomed attendees with generous hospitality and an impressive spread that included grilled lamb, traditional rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, dozens of fresh salads, and, in Debbie’s words, “more desserts than one could count.”

At least six different Church of God fellowships were represented, with participants traveling from as far away as Orofino in northern Idaho and Ontario, Oregon. Among the guests were Victor Kubik, longtime United Church of God minister and former UCG President, and his wife Beverly, Chairman and President of LifeNets International, who flew in from Indianapolis to attend.

The gathering was not only a celebration of fellowship but also a reunion of sorts. “Some local attendees shared a former Worldwide Church of God background and delighted in reuniting,” Debbie noted. The atmosphere was one of shared faith and renewed connections.

Following the meal, some attendees played volleyball in the sun, others relaxed in the shade, and children zipped around on scooters. The afternoon was lively yet peaceful, filled with laughter, conversation, and the quiet joy of being together.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came during a time of sharing led by Vasily Pavliy, one of the co-pastors of the Ukrainian group. Through a translator, he recounted what it was like to keep the Sabbath under Soviet rule. Debbie shared that “they had to change location every week, and wouldn’t sing hymns of praise to avoid detection by the neighbors, who might call and turn them in to the authorities.” Religious gatherings had to be hidden, Bibles were often confiscated, and children were sometimes kept out of sight to avoid fines (they could be fined if children were present at Sabbath gathering.). In one especially memorable story, a Bible was hidden inside a loaf of bread so it could be transported safely.

But even under such pressure, the faith of this community endured. One member recalled being out in a field with his brothers, far from watchful eyes, and finally singing hymns “at the top of their lungs.” That spirit of song remains strong. After the meal, a group of Ukrainian brethren gathered and sang hymns in Russian, their harmonies echoing under the rafters of the park pavilion. As Debbie described it, “songs of praise are an important part of their worship,” and that moment captured it beautifully.

Though there were language barriers at times, the spirit of the day transcended them. “The love and warmth and generosity shone brightly,” Debbie said. “We are hopeful that this will be the first of many.”

This picnic wasn’t just a local gathering—it was a vivid example of what unity within the Body of Christ can look like: different cultures, congregations, and experiences coming together in shared worship and mutual encouragement. It reminded everyone present that, even across nationalities and church affiliations, we are one family—bound by faith, strengthened through fellowship, and united in our hope for the future.