Hope Amidst a Growing Crisis

Marusev's Story

I was born in Omsk on June 8, 1976. Since my father left us, I was raised by my mother with the help of my grandmother and grandfather. I was an ordinary child until 12, but then I started to spend more time on the streets. That year I ran away from my home for three days and then I came back home. At 15, I made shady friends and began a life of crime. At that time, the free market and open rackets came to Russia. I became a member of a the central market of our town.

With the opportunity of getting easy money my need for money grew. Drugs appeared in my life by the time I was 17. I used them intravenously for seven long years and could not stop. Twice I was treated in clinics, but unsuccessfully.

In the summer of 2000 I came to the Central EBC church of Omsk seeking treatment for my drug addiction. I began visiting these services, and in August of the same year I repented before God. I spent six months in the rehabilitation center, and then I went back to my town and got a job.

In August 2001, the Lord gave me my wife Ekaterina who was an EBC church member. A little over a year later our beautiful daughter Alyona was born. At that time I worked at an Omsk tire factory. I did not hold a constant ministry but preached occasionally. In June 2004, I decided to get a spiritual education, and in August 2004 I enrolled in Novosibirsk Bible Seminary. Then in 2008 I successfully graduated from NBSI.

In October 2007, I began a new correspondence program at Moscow Theological Seminary for my master’s in pastoral ministry. I yearned to study in a leading educational institution in my brotherhood. Moreover, when I read about the course I saw it offered practical and essential daily life classes. With the blessing of the brothers I enrolled in MTS and studied in two seminaries for six months. It was hard but extremely interesting.

Today my ministry has several directions. One of them is Sunday school. I am a leader of the Sunday school program at the Central Church of Omsk. What I learned during the first three sessions has been very helpful my ministry’s effectiveness.  “Christian Education in the Church” helped me to understand the structure, goals and strategy of Sunday school development more clearly. What struck me most was the need for higher quality training of Sunday school teachers. Being responsible for a ministry, I hold counseling fellowships with Sunday school teachers and church members. Again, the knowledge I obtain from seminary greatly assists me. “Developmental Psychology and Psychological Processes” has helped a lot. Another ministry my brothers entrusted me to is office assistant to the association chairman. My personal relationships with teachers also give me priceless practical experience in ministry and improve my communication with people.

Thank you for your support of our students, including Marusev.