In Tomsk, Siberia, Adventist Youth Develop Outreach for International Students

Adventist youth in Tomsk, Siberia, Russia, are reaching out to the diverse international young adult population in their region by offering monthly creative worship services in English that are drawing in the younger generation. They call themselves the International Youth Church UNITED.

Tomsk, home to more than 600,000 residents, is located on the Tom River in Siberia and boasts six universities. With an estimated total student population of about 100,000, Tomsk is sometimes called the student capital of Russia. Adventist youth see this as an opportunity to share the gospel message with students from various world regions who have come to Tomsk to pursue academic studies. They have organized worship services geared specifically for an international younger crowd.

The monthly program begins with lunch, as a way for the students to interact with and get to know one another. The Tomsk church team then leads out in Sabbath School classes, singing, and the worship service.

As new young people join the UNITED ministry, they’re quickly assimilated into the church youth team and begin helping with the services.

A special feature of the service is called United to Shine. A garland of light bulbs is placed on the stage, with a card attached to each bulb. The name of an individual who has attended at least one international service is written on each card. As new guests arrive, a host gives them a light bulb with their name on it, which is then added to the garland of lights. So as the UNITED church family grows, the garland becomes larger and brighter.

Feedback on the program has been positive, with student visitors stating that they’re finding love and understanding there, something they say is very valuable to them.

For more information about the Tomsk church, go to the church’s Telegram channel at https://t.me/UnitedTomskChurch.