Update — December 2
Debbie has developed fluid on her lungs that contains cancer cells and so she’s been having additional tests and we’ve been having consultations with her doctors. Right now, she is being switched to a different chemotherapy that will target the problem related to the fluid in her lungs. If that clears up, then they will decided what they think is best next. All of this has been very tiring for both of us and I am behind on many things. We appreciate your continued prayers for her condition.
My time teaching in Kiev was very good as usual. This is an entirely new group of students. At this seminary, the students enter as a class together for four years. When they graduate, then another class is selected. The school had nearly 400 applicants; they can only teach 30 at a time (due to housing and food requirements). This time, I taught the Book of Galatians. The message of grace alone is especially important in the former Soviet Republics. Here most evangelical believers are very legalistic. They believe in salvation by grace, but they have a heavy emphasis on various works that either make or keep a person saved. These include all kinds of traditions (I ask some students if it was biblical to preach without a coat and tie. They responded, “Definitely not.” Then I asked them if Jesus preached in a suit. They got the point.). Please pray that the lessons they received on Galatians might help these men to preach and teach that grace alone saves and preserves the believer.
Please be praying for me to find time to put together the next issue of Teaching Resources. I will not be doing the summer issue because I am so far behind. Since Debbie’s sickness in May, the work of the church and caring for Debbie and the family have been very time-consuming. Please remember this work in your prayers as there is really much to be done. We have also completed the first article in Russian translation. I hope to get it on the website soon with more to follow. Thanks for your prayers and support.
