Distance Learning Equips Christians in Turkmenistan

Elena recently earned her Christian Education certificate from MTS

"Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to obtain any kind of Christian education in our country",

student Elena S. explained as she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study with Moscow Theological Seminary's online distance learning program.

Elena reports:

"I live in Turkmenistan where there is a very small Russian community. I had the desire to teach children about Jesus, the Bible, the Christian life, but did not know how to approach the task. So I registered for the intensive online certificate program for Christian educators. This helpful connection with the seminary, being able to openly ask questions, and share experiences with classmates has been incredibly fruitful. The professors have been patient, kind, and very generous to share their teaching experiences with us.

Studying with MTS has helped me have a vision of what my role as a teacher should look like; how to explain God and the scriptures to children; and to better understand certain difficult doctrines.

I am grateful to God that he guided me to MTS, showed me how to study, and connected me with such wonderful mentors and teachers. The children in this photograph would otherwise have no opportunity for Christian education.

May God grant that the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be glorified through all of this!"

Current statistics on this chart detail the difficulty, if not impossibility, in Turkmenistan for Christian education.

Turkemenistan is one of the most difficult countries for Evangelicals to practice their faith without persecution even though the government purports that there is freedom of religion. In reality, only approved activity, in approved locations, by approved religious communities is allowed. Believers from Muslim backgrounds are strongly pressured to deny their Christian faith or face consequences.

Moscow Theological Seminary, partnered with Russian Leadership Ministries, helps provide theological training through long-distance courses where students can earn certificates in a convenient timeframe .