SFC Russia
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SFC (Students For Christ) is a students' campus ministry operating in Russia. It is a ministry of students from different denominations and backgrounds. The headquarters is located in Saint Petersburg. This is a students' ministry with a variety of students studying in Russia from different parts of the world: from Russia itself, Europe, Africa, Asia, America etc. SFC has recently grown touching many cities in Russia and some surrounding countries.
SFC is pentecostal in nature though interdenominational as it is sponsored by the Assemblies of God. It is in many respects similar to Chi Alpha and Campus Crusade for Christ in the United States and its main goal is to proclaim Christ Jesus to students, thereby transforming universities throughout Russia.
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[edit] Purpose
The sole purpose of SFC is evident in the name SFC itself, dedicated to building a better relationship between members of different Christian fellowships throughout Russia and presenting (ministering) Christ to the students who don't know Him. Therefore, the atmosphere of help and support created by SFC is above all spiritual, yet maintains academic, social, financial and physical aspects of help to the group members through the Word of God.
[edit] History
The history of SFC Russia cannot be complete without pastors Eric and Jan Muzart.[1] The Muzarts have been working in Russia since 1993 and have "given birth" to what is known today as SFC while collaborating with the national churches. From 1993 till 1998, the Muzarts served in Kemerovo and were involved in student ministry, church planting, literature distribution and humanitarian aid. It was at Kemerovo State University, where the first SFC was pioneered by the Muzarts, and they later established SFC in other different cities in Russia. The Muzarts returned to Russia in 2000 as missionaries of the Assemblies of God and SFC has grown tremendously ever since.
[edit] Structure and operation
SFC Russia has centres in the following Russian cities:
- Saint Petersburg
- Moscow
- Voronezh
- Rostov-on-Don
- Krasnodar
- Kazan
- Kursk
- Tver
The executive of an SFC Russia centre in a city is headed by a president or chairperson who oversees members of the executive, who in turn together organise the activities in that town. All of the above personnel are students. Usually SFC is made up of cell-groups or fellowships which meet at a convenient time (day) and meet regularly for a citywide general meeting. The head office for SFC Russia at present is located at the Ark, a Christian students' club and ministry center in St. Petersburg.
SFC Russia centres work in conjunction with the local churches at city level. Intercity missions where students travel to other cities are at times carried out, mainly to establish SFC centres when need arises. SFC Russia seeks to reach out to as many cities and universities as possible.
SFC Russia stands on what is known as the "Five Pillars" of SFC. These are :
- Evangelism
- Prayer
- Discipleship
- Worship
- Fellowship
SFC Russia incorporates most of the these pillars in their day-to-day meetings. This is the basis upon which all the new members are taught. SFC Russia centres are much more flexible (independent) in the way they run their affairs. Usually it is the executive committee that brings out activities, ideas and outreach dates, prayer dates, etc., which are agreed upon as convenient. SFC Russia works hand in hand with students' ministries of various churches and other students' organisations like Jesus Embassy, etc.
SFC Russia has currently embarked on a nationwide project of producing a newsletter. The newsletter has targeted the youth/student of the present and extends to reaching out to the average soul at large.
