Almost Home …
We’ll be home in the US in a little over a week! But there is still a lot to do before then. Here are a few highlights and updates from our ministry here in Kiev, Ukraine.
Graduations … Yesterday (Saturday, June 4th), I was able to participate in the graduation at Kiev Theological Seminary. It was wonderful to see these students receive their diplomas after 4 years of classes. We had nearly 40 students graduate this year. We have students from Ukraine, Russia, Belarusia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and Moldova. Also, we had 7 students graduate from the Master’s program from Talbot Seminary in the US last month (a few of them are pictured here with our Kiev directors). At KTS, we also offer accredited Masters Degrees in Theology, Youth Ministry, and Biblical Counseling. Each of these programs is connected with an accredited university or seminary in the US.
Still Teaching … This week will be my last week of classes here in Kiev this academic year. I will be finishing the class on Critical Thinking and Writing 2 that we began last week. The weather here has been unusually beautiful and I took advantage of this by teaching the class outside. Good weather, great students, wonderful class! (Here are some great pictures taken of our class last week).
Much to prepare … Even though this academic year is winding down, I still have much to do for next year. In the Fall, I’ll be teaching Christology, Church History 1, and World History, while also trying to take Russian lessons every day. In the Spring, I will be teaching Advanced Homiletics (Homiletics 2), Theology 4 (Eschatology and Pneumatology), and Critical Thinking and Writing 1. I’ve taught most of these before but there are two totally new classes I have to create.
Coming to America … In mid-June, Katya and I will be headed to the US. We are both very tired from a long academic year and very excited about seeing friends and family, but especially looking forward to some rest! We have an interesting summer planned – We will spend time in AR in June and then head out on a 3 week camping trip through the Southwest. We choose to camp because finances are really limited and we can camp for under $200 for 3 whole weeks! (We hope we will be just as excited at the end of the 3 weeks!). We are looking forward to a great adventure seeing the wonders of God’s creation everywhere! Then we will be back in AR for a little over a week when all my kids and their families will head to Sarasota, Florida to spend a week with Debbie’s family and go to Disney together. From there, we will fly back to Kiev in the second week of August in time for the opening of school for a new semester.
On the Fun Side … I don’t want to give the impression that it is all work and no play… A few weeks ago, Katya and I joined 20 others on a 3 day kayak trip. It was really roughing it but it was fun. Here are a couple of pictures form the trip.
Prayer Needs … As we have mentioned in pervious updates, our finances are very low (no crisis but close). With the changes due to seminary financial struggles, we will need to raise funds to cover Katya’s salary and well as cover additional living expenses. Also, the General Fund for TRI is lower than it ever has been and we also need some additional support to help with general funds for the ministry. If you know of anyone you might be interested in helping us train Ukrainians and students from the former Soviet Union, let us know so we can contact them about being part of our support team.
Thank you so much for your prayers! We are looking forward to being home and getting some rest. This has been the busiest year I can ever remember and I need an extended rest. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon (counting the days!). Thanks for your support that allows us to do this ministry!
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To download this update with pictures, click here: June2011TRIUpdate
