During the week of March 10 through 14, Houghton College will be hosting six English teachers newly arrived from the city of Perm, Russia. The arrival of this group of Russian guests continues a practice of over 12 years in which Houghton has welcomed visiting professionals from Perm.
The teachers have been familiar with Houghton, and friends with many of the faculty and staff, for many years due to the efforts of the Perm Mission Network (PMN). Susan Hice, former director of Student Academic Services (now known as CASA), along with numerous other Houghton constituents, have traveled to Perm every summer for more than twenty years. According to Daniel Moore, coordinator of audio-visual services and PMN group member, these groups have built an extensive network of friends in the process of ministering to orphanages, schools, businesses, prisons, churches, universities, and summer camps.
It is during the PMN’s summer ministry that the invitees to this program are selected for an educational exposure in American, and specifically Christian, higher learning institutions. The group of six this year, said Moore, “are very excited to see America and curious to interact with students…. They plan to visit a few classes and are eager to observe how American higher education compares with their system. They hope to collect a few ideas that may be useful to them when they return.”
Moore added, “The fact that they are investing their own money to pay for travel, taking time away from employment, enduring the rigors of bureaucracy, and leaving the security of their family, is testament to their curiosity and excitement.”
Another visit to Russia with the PMN is being planned for this coming June. Students interested in participating in this group ministry should contact Daniel Moore at daniel.moore@houghton.edu.