The School began in February of 1994. Not counting the first two years, the total number of graduates is 83, for an average of 6 per year. Forty ladies and forty three men make up the total. Of the men who graduated, 15 are now full-time preachers in various congregations across mostly European Russia. From time to time, we hear of the others who have gone home to work with the congregations where they live. This includes both men and women. In Syktyvkar, every lady teaching Bible class is a graduate of the school. Both Elders there and four other men who preach and teach are also graduates. Many of you know about the Fishers of Men program of evangelism in our country. The leaders of this program saw fit to establish this work in Russia and selected one of the graduates of the school to head the program in the Komi Region in northern Russia.
In the Social Assistance Homes in Syktyvkar, Kotlas, and Vologda, every mother and five of the fathers in the foster homes has graduated from the School. These Christian parents have been responsible for baptizing five of the teens in their care. Some of the mothers, and ladies working with the homes, are also involved in counseling young people in the city’s homeless shelter. In Vologda, the preacher and his wife are also working in an orphanage in that city teaching Bible lessons as well as craft classes at the request of the Director of the home.
We currently have five students enrolled in the school. In June, one married couple will graduate and he wants to move to Vorkuta (north of the Artic Circle) to work as a policeman and preach for the Church there. This Church has been trying to attract a preacher for several years so maybe this will work out for them. It isn’t an easy environment to work and live so pray that all will benefit from this possibility.
For several years, we have worked with and through the employees and translators in the school. There are eight very dedicated and loving members of this staff as well as being members of the Church in Syktyvkar. They work with the many teachers who have gone to teach in the school and while there, many times, will preach and/or teach classes for the Church. The value of these employees immeasurable…if it were not for them; we could not have done what has been done for the Lord in Russia.
The Church throughout Russia has been supported by the School by providing preachers and teachers. The SAH have been benefited greatly by those who have been influenced by the school. Her work continues and her future looks bright. Please pray for all involved.
Thank you and God bless…
Dub