Thanks to our faithful US support base, in the 2nd quarter of 2025, we had our largest intensive course ever, with 50 folks gathering in Antalya, Turkey (Apr 21-May 1, 2025) for two weeks of intensive coursework and marriage enrichment.

(Turkey is a nice place to visit, but please pray that next year we’ll be able to move our intensive courses back to St. Petersburg!)

Guest Lecturer David Cassidy

Lead pastor, spanish river Church, Boca RAton, FL

David Cassidy (center) with Blake Purcell (clerical collar) and some of the leaders in our flagship church in St. Petersburg

David Cassidy lectured on two topics during the first week of the intensive: Biblical Themes in Dostoyevsky, and an overview of Orthodox Theology.

Marriage Enrichment

Our students’ wives were invited to Turkey for this intensive, because strengthening ministry marriages was a key emphasis. Almost all of our students are already in pastoral ministry and almost all are married with children. In the afternoons, we had marriage-enrichment small group discussions. Each small group included a few Russian couples along with an American couple and a translator. The groups used an excellent set of Bible study discussion questions prepared by Graham Purcell.

Here’s the wives’ group photo. Regina (center front, maroon shirt, glasses) lives in Ulan-Ude, a city in the Russian Far East, near lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake. Below, you can read about her experience at the intensive.

Regina’s Story

I thank God, the organizers, and the sponsors for this beautiful time in such a beautiful place. Every part of it was a blessing — for my spirit, soul, and body.
We had worship services, sermons, lectures, prayers, songs, fellowship, counsel, and the opportunity to ask questions and receive thoughtful answers. It was rich and full.

What impacted me most was the fellowship — among sisters, in our small family group, and through personal conversations. During our women’s group discussion on 1 John, several sisters shared deeply about the struggle to forgive. When Galina Purcell offered to meet one-on-one with anyone who wanted to talk more, I said yes. That meeting was life-giving. I experienced God's love, acceptance, and support in a profound way. Her gentle questions led me to see the truth about forgiveness.

I was especially blessed by the kindness of Blake and Cathy Purcell. I saw them as spiritual parents, caring for us over these 10 days — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Their hospitality and leadership were a clear picture of God’s care.

It was a joy to be among believing families, to watch how they interact, hear their stories, and learn from their lives. Their love for their local churches and willingness to serve stirred a new desire in me to do the same in my church.

Through David Cassidy’s teaching, I gained a new understanding of Dostoevsky’s writings. He said, “Studying the Word deeply is like gathering dry wood — the longer you gather, the longer the fire will burn.” That inspired me to keep digging into the Word.

The teaching on infant baptism opened my heart in a new way. Realizing that our children are part of God’s covenant people brought deep comfort. I know now: God sees my children and cares for them.

I was especially moved by Blake Purcell’s teaching on Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” He shared that “vision” in this verse means God’s Law, His revealed Word. That truth reminded me how vital it is to receive vision from Scripture. We need to experience God’s presence through His Word!

Through Ben Rossell’s sessions, I received strong, needed encouragement about the importance of lovingly correcting our children.

And through my time with the wives of American pastors, I saw something so beautiful — their inner grace and strength. Their questions and openness helped me reflect on my own family life. For example, one of them simply asked, “How do you eat meals as a family?” That moment stopped me. I realized that although I knew it was important, we weren’t doing it. I had been making excuses. But that conversation stirred me to change. Now, I’m making it a priority.

In every moment and through every person, I felt the love of God. This time in Turkey was truly a gift from my Heavenly Father.