NPC RAI friends gather for fellowship at a member’s home. |
Working Group and Church-Wide Initiatives
General Support
Members of the Europe Working Group who care about RAI
continue to build closer ties between NPC and the school. One of the
newest initiatives of RAI supporters from the Europe Working Group
involves organizing members of the Wrestler’s class interested in RAI
activities to consider ways they may be helpful as a group to
RAI. Other RAI supporters within the congregation contribute
their own efforts.
In 2000, a Working Group member helped establish a Fellowship
Center at one of RAI's facilities so that students could have pastries
and light food items during their day and use the Center for fellowship
and conversation about their Christian experience at the University.
NPC members discuss RAI activities over borshcht and pelmeni. |
In 2001, Working Group visitors to the first RAI graduation brought a
scroll of signatures, photographs, and salutations prepared by NPC
participants in the Mission Fair the previous October.
In 2004 and in 2005, dinners were held to help build a core
group of NPC supporters who can assist with RAI-related events at NPC
and elsewhere. The 2005
dinner was organized around a Washington Brass concert of Russian
music featuring Moussorskiy’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
Other areas of cooperation between the University and NPC
are being explored. For example, if you are qualified to teach at the
university level in the fields of business, economics, social work, or
ESL, and have an interest in Russia (or know others who fit these
criteria), contact RAI at 301-681-1456 or USOffice@racu.org to discuss the
possibility of a short-term or longer term teaching assignment.
Tuition Assistance
RAI President John Bernbaum discusses
recent RAI developments at a dinner for NPC friends and supporters. |
RACU supporters at NPC are involved in the University in other ways as
well. Some NPC members support RAI students’ tuition. John comments
that RAI's "greatest need is for additional scholarship support. So
many of our students are eager learners, but their families are very
poor. We are trying our best to assist them financially so that they
can remain in our program. We have some outstanding students with
exceptional leadership potential; RAI's prayers and financial support
as RAI attempts to fulfill its mission of preparing young Christians
for leadership roles in the 'New Russia’.”
Anyone who would like to support a RAI student at $1000 per
year may contact RAI through its Web site www.racu.org.
Tasty rolls gathered from local bakeries
for the RAI Fellowship Center. |
Volga Boat Trips
For those who would like to become significantly involved with the
school, a great way to learn about RAI and Russia is to join John and
Marge on one of their week-long summer boat cruises. These
cruises occur every two years and go along the Volga River down from
St. Petersburg through Lakes Onega and Lagoda and south to Moscow.
Relaxing comfortably as the boat passes by scenic landscapes, travelers
are able to attend interesting lectures on Russia history and culture,
and visits to historic locations are made at stops along the route.
Travelers also learn about the important role RAI plays in developing
Russia’s leaders for tomorrow. For more information about cruises, see
“What’s New?“ at the RAI web site www.racu.org.
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