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As a university city and state capital, Columbia is a place where
many internationals reside. A unique ministry has opened up for
First Presbyterian Church with one such group – those whose
first tongue is Russian. Many are from Russia, but some come from
other Russian-speaking lands of the former Soviet Union.
Alex and Irina Ponomarev are members of First Presbyterian Church.
They came to Columbia to teach Russian to future missionaries
but gradually developed a ministry with the Russian-speaking community
of Columbia. In 2002, a ministry was formed with the encouragement
of three churches (including First Presbyterian Church). That
ministry is known as MOST (Ministry of Outreach to Slavic Tribes).
In addition to suporting this community-wide effort, the church
has put in place a bilingual (Russian-English) Sunday school class
(9:45 – 10:35 am). In addition it offers simultaneous translation
of the 11:00 am worship service from English into Russian. For
more information, contact Alex and Irina Ponomarev (803)738-2963.
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