High-risk children are a top priority for Russian university

St. Petersburg Christian University (SPCU) in Russia is among the leading Christian training centers in the former Soviet Union. Founded in 1990, SPCU has grown from a modest Bible school in a southern Russia farm village to the vital institution that it is today with over 500 graduates. The interdenominational university attempts to meet the contemporary needs of the Church in the former Soviet Union from a biblical Christian perspective.

Russian society today is challenged with alcohol/drug addiction, poverty, AIDS, street children and orphans. SPCU graduates have been on the forefront in the social sphere, especially among high-risk children. Graduates have founded a Christian orphanage and have active ministries among orphans and street children.

Christian education has not always been well understood in the Russian context. Cultivating a close relationship with the Church in Russia has been SPCU’s greatest challenge. The university is making great strides, partnering with local pastors and churches to work together on issues and serve one another; initiating distance education and evening Bible training; and hosting a biannual conference for pastoral alumni to provide training and group discussion. Students also serve in local churches, orphanages and Christian summer camps as a part of their program.

Bachelor of Christian Education student Marina Odegova says she believes God is calling her to work with children, teenagers and youth. She is actively involved in church and orphan ministry and hopes to build a ministry like Youth for Christ. “I am learning a lot from my courses at SPCU, such as how I can improve my lessons and teaching among children and youth,” Marina says. “This is one of the reasons I came to SPCU, and it is exciting to see my dreams being fulfilled.”