“Rushin’ to Russian!” (October 2013 Update)
Life has been very busy for me this past month. In September, I taught a class on Christology. I also decided to take a university class in Russian at Kiev National Linguistic University. While I was told the class would begin September 16th (the week after the Christology class was over), like many things in Ukraine, I found out it would begin on the 9th (the day my Christology class began). So I would teach class for 4 hours in the morning, leave immediately after class to ride the metro for an hour to get to at least part of the Russian class. I was able to catch about 15-20 minutes of class, get my homework for the next day then head back to the metro (another hour) so I could get home to prepare for teaching the next day! It was a wild week, but I survived – I definitely did not want to fall behind on the class.
The class is an intermediate to advanced class. Most students have been studying Russian at the university for 3 years—one has been there for 5 years! I’ve had about a combination of hours to equal a little less than a year! But I understand a lot because I hear Russian (or Ukrainian) every day. I am the only Westerner in the class. There are 10 students. Most are from China, one is from Malysia and two are from Turkey.
This class will be a real challenge to me – both in the time required and also the difficulty. But it has also been very interesting. Often the teacher goes through a set of printed questions (What do you think …) about various things in life. One day last week, the question was: “If you met God, what question would you ask Him?” Everyone gave different answers from what will be in my future to why is there evil in the world. She asked me last. I said I had two questions: Why is man so evil? and why do you love man so much? She asked what I meant by that and I was able to explain (in Russian) about Jesus coming and dying for us. She asked if I thought I would go to heaven when I died. I responded, “Of course.” She then asked why I thought so. I explained that it was not because of anything I had done but only because Jesus died to pay for my sins. I was surprised that I had this opportunity to share like this especially because we are studying in a secualr university! I’m hoping for other opportunities too.
Ministry …
This fall, I will be involved in a couple of English Club ministries at two of Ukraine’s national universities. Beginning October 9th, we will begin a club every night for 3 hours at Kiev Polytechnic Institute. Be praying for those who will come. We want to build relationships and also share the gospel. Also, be praying for me. My schedule is already very busy, but during the week for English Camp (1 week), I will be going to Russian class each morning at 9:00 am, having class until 2:00 pm, and then travelling to English Club to be there before it starts at 6:00 pm. I won’t get home before 11 each night and I will also need to find some time to do my Russian homework! Fortunately, it is only for 1 week. After that, I will be helping with an English Club at another university every Thursday night.
Also, be praying for us as we minister at church. We are especially excited about a new year with our small group. This year we are studying the Gospel of John. The first two weeks have been great with lots of questions, insights and discussion. This year, it is all in Ukrainian (or Russian) because I’m trying not to use translation! I’m understanding quite a lot but my brain is definitely tired by the end of the night. Still, our small group is great and we look forward to be with them every week.
Thanks for praying for Katya. She is doing extremely well (and growing!). Last week, the seminary decided to hire one of my students (her husband was also my student in the Talbot Master’s program) to work as a temporary registrar when Katya goes on maternity leave. She will be a great addition to the administration and Katya has known her a long time. So Katya is looking forward to training her this fall.
Thanks for your support! We are grateful for our faithful God who has sent us such faithful supporters! May the Lord bless you for your prayers and support of our ministry here in Ukraine!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya
Teaching Resources International 