I’m continuing to work on my Russian and I am making some progress. My understanding is greatly improving. Depending on the conversation, I usually understand most of what I hear (depending on the context and the speaker). That’s a big improvement. Speaking in Russian, however, is another story. I can carry on conversations, but only with a lot of hesitating and stopping to correct myself and trying again. Getting case endings right is really difficult. It seems like, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know!
I’m also, trying to learn some Ukrainian (eventually, after I get a Russian base, I will need to shift to Ukrainian). I’m learning basic expressions and some word differences. While nearly everyone understands Russian (required in Soviet times), Ukrainian is the language of the country. Also, I hear it in church all the time (our Church is Ukrainian). I’m working on learning the months in Ukrainian. Unlike our months (and Russian months), the Ukrainian names for months are very descriptive. For example, October is called Жовтень or “Golden” because the leaves are changing color. November is Листопад or “Leaves Fall.” December is грудень which basically means “frozen ground.” Anyway, I find these names fascinating, or we might say in English, “golden!”
Last month, I taught Theology 3 (Christology). It was a very interesting class with many great questions. As always, one of the most interesting lectures was on the humanity of Christ. This section is always the most difficult for students. As believers, we accept the deity of Jesus without much struggle, but when we talk about the humanity of Jesus, students are often afraid to have Jesus be too human. But his humanity is just as essential as his divinity. In Hebrews 2:14-18, we are told that Jesus had to become one of us to identify with us. In Hebrews 4:15-16, we learn that he was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. In Luke 2:52, we learn that he grew in “wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Understanding the humanity of Jesus is difficult for us. But it is essential that Jesus is fully God and fully man.
I’m currently working on preparations for my classes in November and December. I will be teaching World History (November) and then Reformation and Modern Theology (December). I’ll also be teaching an independent study class for Christology and Soteriology too in October and November. Finally, be praying for me as I prepare my class on the Book of Hebrews (January/February). This is the first time I’ve taught this class so I have a lot of work to do. As always, please pray for my preparations, my students, and my time schedule.
We have many new students at the Seminary this year. As a result, many of our classes have nearly 60 students and it looks like we will be adding many new students again this year. This means a lot more papers to grade too.
In our church ministries, we are involved in ESL Clubs to reach out to non-believers. We meet for ESL each Tuesday night for two hours, practicing English and building relationships. We always include something to get them thinking spiritually too. On Wednesday night, we lead a small group Bible Study. We have really enjoyed both of these ministries even though they involve over two hours of travel back and forth for each meeting.
Be praying also about the upcoming elections in Ukraine (end of October). I know our elections in the US are very important this year but the situation here is much more serious. The current party has cut back many democratic freedoms and promises to deal harshly with protests before and after the elections. They have already put some opposition leaders in prison on very suspect charges, suspended the need to present evidence for arrests in some cases and changed the law to allow prosecution of news media that report unfavorably on the current government. To add to the confusion, there are over 20 different parties on the ballots for election. I could give more details, but mainly we need to be praying for this election.
Finally, continue to pray for our finances. We need to raise our level of support. As I have mentioned in past updates, we have a small group of supporters who have been very generous. But we need to increase our monthly support and add new people to our support team to cover expenses and income. If you know of someone who might be interested, just email us and we will contact them.
Thanks for being our partners in ministry! What a blessing to know that we have faithful servants of the Lord praying regularly for us and our ministry here!
Teaching Resources International 