During a visit to Russia, members of the David C Cook team witnessed firsthand how God has used biblical resources to transform lives across generations. While visiting a Christian publisher in St. Petersburg, they met Svetlana Juriyi, who eagerly shared a treasured possession—a worn copy of The Life of Jesus Christ, a comic adapted from The Picture Bible.
As a child growing up in the Soviet Union, where Christian books were scarce and children’s resources were nearly impossible to find, a missionary gave Svetlana the booklet. It became her most prized possession and ultimately led her to faith in Christ. She often loaned it to friends so they could hear the gospel, but only for a few days because she always wanted it returned.
Svetlana’s mother noticed her daughter’s love for the comic’s illustrations and encouraged her to study art, telling her, “You do not know how God may use your gifts if God opens Russia to the gospel.” Those words proved prophetic. Today, Svetlana serves as a graphic designer for a Christian publisher producing biblical resources for Russia and other former Soviet nations.
During the visit, the team presented Svetlana with a copy of The Action Bible, the updated edition of The Picture Bible. It was a powerful reminder that God continues to use His Word—and creative storytelling—to reach new generations.