What's New - Spring 2004

RACU's First 'Home-Grown' Faculty
RACU Alumni Return to Moscow to Teach
by Emily Wilson

Two RACU alums truly embody the vision of what it means to be part of both a Russian and American institution. Peter and Yana Smirnov graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, on May 15, 2004, with Masters of Social Work and Masters of Science in Management degrees, respectively. The couple has overcome many obstacles to get to this point, including adjusting to a new country without the support of family and friends nearby, learning how to make ends meet through fundraising, and excelling in an academic environment in their second language. Both Peter and Yana commented on how much they have grown and changed in the past two years as they learned how to trust God in new ways and experienced the support of people whose friendships they now find hard to leave behind.

Unlike many Russian students who do post-graduate study in the United States and end up staying in the States, Peter and Yana are unwavering in their commitment to their country and their calling to return and serve at RACU. Peter comments, “God has taught us things – both in college and in real life – that we want to share with others by serving in Russia.” Yana expressed her deep sadness that so many bright young people leave Russia, and added, “If everyone did this, Russia would not have a future.” She explained that they have planned to return to Russia since the beginning of their U.S. studies, even though many people have told them that they are crazy for leaving the United States.

Peter and Yana’s vision extends further than home and comfort, however. With deep feeling, Peter expressed, “My heart is for Russia. My passion is for expanding God’s kingdom in Russia and RACU is one of the best tools to do that. I dream of expanding RACU’s work to other parts of Russia. People in remote places in Russia, where I used to do AGAPE work, can only dream of receiving an education like RACU offers.” Yana echoed Peter’s passion for both Russia and RACU by sharing her dream of establishing a consulting business to strengthen management practices of nonprofit organizations, including RACU. Yana explained that for years Russia has had a deficit of good management; while this is changing, she said that Russia still has a huge need for stability and RACU can play a key part in developing and teaching strong new leaders.

The Smirnovs will return to Russia on August 2 and will have until August 15 to find a place to live, reacquaint themselves with family members they haven’t seen in two years, and prepare lesson plans to begin working at RACU. Yana will work part-time at RACU, teaching several courses in business and management, helping visitors from the United States obtain visas, and sharing her expanded skills in management with RACU students. Peter will put to use his Church Social Work and Youth Development degree as the new Director of Student Development. In this capacity, he will offer counseling, lead student chapels, distribute financial aid, and address students’ social needs. He will also teach several Social Work courses. Peter commented that his church also wants to tap into his new skill base in order to train members of the church who work with drug addicts on the street.

In the meantime, Peter and Yana face many personal changes in the weeks ahead, particularly as they plan for and welcome the birth of their first child. In addition, they plan to spend the summer months attending a Young Life camp in upper New York, thanking their supporters and completing paperwork for the dual citizenship of their baby. As Peter and Yana prepare to return home to Russia to start the next chapter of their lives, they rest secure in the knowledge that God will lead and guide them every step of the way.