Riga International Bible Institute (RIBI) was founded on 6 February 1992 as a ministry of the Christian Mission Atmoda ("Awakening"). The Institute's founder and first director was Pastor Gennady Zavalij. One of the first Student Deans was Konstantin Jurinenoks, who worked in RIBI for 18 years.
From 1996 the Dircetor of RIBI was the pastor of Bethany Russian Baptist Church, Vladimir Andrijec. Under his leadership the Institute began training the first group of Latvian-speaking students. The experiment proved very successful and from then until now there have been two language groups studying side by side - Russian and Latvian. On the initiative of Pastor Andrijec two branches were opened in Tukums and Cesis.
In 2004 Vladimir Andrijec was succeeded by William P. Martin, who had previously been responsible for RIBI academic part. William and Cindy Martin are missionaries who have served in Latvia for more than 10 years.
In 2008 RIBI acquired as its new Director Dr Vitali Petrenko; he had completed his doctoral studies at Durham University in the UK and returned to Latvia in 2006 together with his wife Dr Ester Petrenko, who now occupies the post of Academic Dean.
RIBI continues to develop and expand. We are looking for the best employees, talented teachers, understanding partners and inquisitive students.
Join us and write history together with us!
