Balancing School, Work and Family

Ruslan Gasiev, Student from Vladokavkaz-city, North Ossetia

It is hard to keep up the same spiritual pace when you have to work hard to earn living and serve in the church at the same time. So these times of study always become refreshments for me as for two weeks we are immersed into spiritual environment and feed on the Bible. I feel uplifted during and long after sessions.

I also appreciate the fact that our living conditions are constantly improving. This year we found the student lounge renovated and new showers opened for us. Thanks to you and all those who support your work here.

During this session I received a lot of insights into God’s design for a Christian marriage. As we can perceive, a marriage as such is now under a strong pressure. Traditional understanding of what family is are reconsidered, traditional family values are more and more openly rejected. It becomes harder to find families that could serve as models for other people, especially for young people who are thinking about their future marriage or about to marry.

I believe it is here that Christian families can become witnesses of God’s grace which transforms human hearts with his love. A sound marriage today built according to the principles of the Designer of marriage is stronger than many words of preaching. But in order that we ourselves could build such marriages we are to learn God’s design and commit ourselves to keeping it.

I was born into Christian family and from my early childhood I had a dream to be a minister. Many people in my church confirm that I have a gift in preaching. To be able to understand the Word of God correctly and share it in a way that makes listeners’ hearts change.

In the beginning it was hard to follow the teacher because the mind needs training just as muscles do. It was even harder to express my thoughts, so I did not very much like essays. But I am putting efforts into my studies, so I see the progress. After three years here I can say that I understand the Bible better, and can express this understanding more clearly. I can also more easily find ways to substantiate my point when I talk to seekers.

 

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