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Student Testimonies

Tanya Kanifolsky

Portland, Oregon

It has been said that a coincidence is a small miracle where God prefers to stay anonymous. This is true for me because I heard about Slavic Missionary Bible School from a mutual friend by accident, or so I thought at the time. I quickly became interested and as my desire to attend the school grew, I put college on hold, quit my job and bought my ticket to Jacksonville. It seemed like a great mystery at the time; however, I believe God reveals His work in the most mysterious and amazing ways in our lives!

Once in Jacksonville, God began to pour out boundless blessing onto my life. I was baptized by the Holy Spirit within two weeks upon my arrival at a group prayer. Next, I started to learn just how imperative my personal relationship with God is; as I began to spend time in His presence, I realized the true meaning of my own life and how incredibly blessed I am. I also learned that life is not all about me and those around me, but rather about people in different nations around the world. God ignited a passion for people and missions in my heart

We often hear about different revivals and blessings in various places, but I never truly experienced such blessings from God as I did in SMBS. Through teachers and practical life here, Slavic Missionary Bible School helped me learn how much more I could do to make a difference. In school, I also acquired over 40 life long friends whom I call my family. Though we are now apart, I believe we remain united in spirit as we continue to serve God using the boundless knowledge gained at SMBS.

Oleg Kilimnik

Harrisonburg, Virginia

I had an awesome experience at SMBS. It really was the best time of my life.
One of the greatest things I learned through SMBS was unity. If any group of people actually WANT to unite together for God, they can easily do so and be very strong; because, there is power in unity. We experienced this first-hand in the school, and God blessed us in what we did. When we first arrived we were just classmates, but we became strong brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Marina Bauman

Portland, Oregon

I heard about Slavic Missionary Bible School from my mom. She wanted to give me a great gift on my birthday, which was to send me to Florida for a few months.

At first, I did not know what to expect. But after my arrival and as time passed by, I began realizing that this was not only so much fun, but also healthy for the mind and soul, and it was what the Lord wanted me to do.

We constantly told people about the word of God and it felt SO GREAT to do that. Then, we went on the missionary trip to Ukraine, which left me absolutely speechless! From the bottom of my heart, I have the desire to tell everyone I meet about everything God had taught me. This was the very best thing that has happened to me in my life.

I would recommend everyone to go to SMBS. Even if you have your own missionary thing at your local church, this has a better and bigger benefit. Living away from home gives you that devotion to the Bible School and to God. Plus, the local church is fantastic.

If given the opportunity, I would go every year. God Bless.

Sergey Mazan

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

God works in mysterious ways, in often in ways we never expect. I experienced this firsthand with how He called and provided for me to go to Slavic Missionary Bible in Florida. Coming to Bible School I was expecting to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and of my relationship with Jesus, and yes I received all of that, but I gained something even more valuable than that – experience in leadership.

Seeing this in Bogdan and all of the staff of SMBS, I understood that everyone has to work together as a team. In a team it does not matter who scores the winning goal, it matters that the whole team wins. As I look back on my experience at SMBS, I am amazed how quickly it came and went. I miss my class, which became my second family, all the classes, teachers, car washes, and church services. Now I have a family that is all over United States, and I know the work God began at SMBS, He continues in lives of all my fellow classmates.

Tanya Dudenkov

Jacksonville, Florida

It is my privilege to speak of my experience about Slavic Missionary Bible School. When I first heard about the school I was beginning my senior year in high school and did not think it would be possible to come to Florida. However, when I began praying and trusting God, everything worked out in an amazing way. I finished my senior year a semester early and came to Florida.

During Bible School I had an incredible time. I learned so much more than I expected. I had many opportunities to minister and serve while in school. God began to teach me the importance of having an intimate relationship with Him before going out into ministry. This is crucial because you cannot give to people what you do not have.

Furthermore, I had an awesome time on the missionary trip. This was my first time in Ukraine after my family's departure. Honestly, I did not want to leave. I experienced, like so many other people, a huge satisfaction in serving God.

Anyone who is thinking to come to SMBS and is not sure because you have so many problems, remember: "God is so much bigger than our situation" (Rom.8:28). God bless you all!

Irina Logvis

Binghamton, New York

Because of God's love toward me, I knew from the very beginning that my experience at Bible School was about to become one of the greatest in my life yet. I had realized that, God, in all of His power, glory and majesty, simply wanted to spend more time with me. God had the desire to show me things that I had never seen before, explain what was beyond my understanding, and have me experience what I never knew had existed.

This was accomplished through every lecture, classroom activity, testimony, discussion, and the personal time with God. There were times that a teacher would speak a certain truth that deeply touched my heart and I often felt an unexplainable power come over me. God was drawing me nearer to Him.

I could no longer sit still in the great presence of God. I wanted to shout for joy and sing to Him; yet at the same time, I just wanted to bow down and worship Him.