Russia

The Moms from Balakovo City start influencing the educational system!

How often we dream of changing people, systems, and opinions around us.
When God touches you – that’s where the transformation starts! Here is a testimony to prove this.

16 people got together in Balakovo City, Saratov region, Russia, for the Connecting with Children Course. This time most of our students were parents who were eager to learn the secrets of building relationship with children. They were an active and sensitive group because their hearts were on fire to serve their own kids. Every new class during the course took parents deeper and deeper into the world of children.

To better understand the children students were given enough time to recall memories from their childhood. Here are what some of themesay: “I could experience my childhood and I enjoyed it, so now I’m sure I understand children much better” (Olesia Kuzmina), “After these few days I discovered myself – I can now freely tell stories and play! That’s great, it’s not boring!” (Valery Basayeva)

One particular situation during the course shocked us. After exciting time of games the kids asked their parents: “Why are these aunties and uncles playing with us?” What can be the answer to this naive but deep question?

A special gift for us were testimonies of some active Moms: everything they received from God at the course, they went “pouring” onto their kids’ teachers!

Yekaterina Chernova: “I’m not any more afraid to play! Before the course I was very reserved. But some days ago when I came to my daughter’s kindergarten I joined their games with no hesitation. I tell you the truth – I was much more free and active than the teacher there! Thank you for teaching me to play!” Duvanova Irina: “Lately the school teacher complained about bad behavior of my son and other kids in her class. I suggested why not play with kids more often. It turned out that the teacher had no idea that kids need to play. Yesterday my son came home from school happy and excited – the teacher played games with them!”

We thank God for every person who gave their precious time to participate in this course. Thank God for CM tutors Oxana Shubina and Yekaterina Nikitina who served the students with love, patience and dedication. And, of course, everybody is grateful to pastors of the Word of Life congregation Mikhail and Dina Grigoryan for their support, their hospitality and tasty meals!

“They will be mine, says the Lord Almighty, in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his own son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (Malachi 3:17-18)

Gulia Kartashova,
CM coordinator for TansVolga region, Russia

21 December 2011

All materials on the subject "Russia":

• The Moms from Balakovo City start influencing the educational system!
• It does work!
• I realized that I really want to be with children!