What Is It Like to Live as a Language Student in Russia?
Imagine standing in the middle of an old Soviet era square like the Red Square in Moscow. Imagine that at one time there were nuclear missiles and hoards of Soviet troops that marched over the same spot you are standing. Imagine a people who have lived under repressive political regimes ever since the beginning of their nation’s existence. Imagine the effect that the love of Jesus Christ could have in such a place. Imagine.
As a student of the Russian language living in Russia you will have the opportunity to be that love to these people. You will be given the opportunity to tell these humble and persevering people that there is hope and it is only found through faith in Jesus Christ. You may ask, “How can one communicate the gospel if I won’t know the language very well?” One day, two or three months after I first arrived in Russia, I asked God that same question while walking along a busy street in the modern far eastern city of Khabarovsk (near China). God didn’t respond immediately, but after about two minutes a middle aged man asked me what time it was in Russian to which I responded properly in Russian, but with a strong foreign accent. The man noticed that I was a foreigner and asked if I spoke English. We spoke for a short time in English and parted in good terms. Through that event God communicated loud and clear that He can use whatever level of language proficiency I attained. Furthermore, even the way you handle refusing to drink alcohol, or how you stand firm in your own beliefs while respecting other’s beliefs – such as atheism, or how you respond to conflict in the dormitories will also be a testimony and invite people to ask questions. Lastly, as Jesus promised His disciples before He sent them out to do His work in Matthew chapter ten, you can believe that when people ask you questions God will give you words to speak.
Believe that no matter how different the living conditions are compared to universities here in the states, God can still comfort you and bring fruit from the situation. Most likely you won’t have internet in the room, you will have a new definition of cold, you will potentially have to share one bathroom with five or so other people, and share one kitchen with an entire dorm floor. Believe that no matter how much people respond to your witness that God is working behind the scenes. I had one friend that I helped a lot with their English and through that relationship I was able to talk with them about Jesus and my faith. However, they didn’t respond as I hoped, and after a few months of befriending and witnessing to them, they had to leave the university. I thought that I would never see this person again. All I could do is continue with my studies and pray for them. Amazingly, after three months my friend sends me a text message on my phone saying that they now believed in God and was going to be baptized soon. Believe that despite what you see and think you are capable of; God is able. Believe that God works in mysterious ways. Believe.
What is it like to be a language student in Russia? Aside from the cultural and language differences, it is a place where your faith and relationship with God grows in leaps and bounds, as you have to rely on Him more than ever before. And as you step out in faith and obedience you will see the God of the universe come through with His miraculous power and love. Imagine, believe, and, God willing, you will see what it is like to be a language student in Russia.
Jason
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