Ekaterina is a sixth-grade student at our Christian school. She transferred to our school last academic year and quickly became part of the class community. With her open heart, kindness, and genuine curiosity, Katya easily made friends. In class, she is active, asks thoughtful questions, and is not afraid to think deeply or express her own opinions.

Ekaterina first took steps toward a more conscious faith during the summer, through a youth trip and a summer camp "Build and Shine!" organized by the Mercy Foundation. However, it was the school that became the place where these first steps turned into lasting change. After returning from camp, Katya was surrounded every day by an atmosphere of care, acceptance, and Christian values that shape daily life at our school.

When the school year began the changes in Ekaterina became especially noticeable. Through the Bible classes, personal conversations with teachers and spiritual coordinators, and the support of believing classmates, Katya began to reflect more deeply on her faith. The school became a safe place for her to ask questions about God, share her thoughts, and search for answers.

Over time, this inner growth began to affect her life beyond the school walls. Ekaterina started attending Sunday and youth church services regularly and openly talking about her faith, even among her classmates. She also participated in school-related activities, including board-game gatherings in the small gym and youth outreach trips organized by volunteers. All of these activities were a natural continuation of the environment created by the school.

On December Ekaterina asked to speak privately with the spiritual coordinator, Zhanet. During this conversation, she asked an important and sincere question: what does it mean to truly repent? Katya shared that she had once considered herself a believer only in name, but through her time at the school, spiritual lessons, and daily life in a Christian community, she came to a conscious desire to repent and accept Jesus Christ.

Today, Ekaterina spend the Sunday meetings at church with us and prays for her non-believing parents, hoping they will come with her. She has often expressed her gratitude to God for this school and for the atmosphere of love and acceptance that helps her grow both spiritually and personally.

This story clearly shows that a Christian school is more than education. It is daily ministry. Through teaching, relationships, and consistent care, the school becomes a place where children’s hearts are shaped and lasting transformation takes place.