Many Ministry Opportunities (October 2014 Update)
The situation in Ukraine is now at a slight “pause” but that does not mean everything is fine. In fact, with winter approaching, things will probably get worse even if Russia does not do anything more to Ukraine — which is unlikely (more below). People ask me repeatedly, why do you stay in Ukraine? Why don’t you go back to America where it is safe and you can live in comfort? For me, there are a couple of answers, not the least of which is that I also have family now in Ukraine. But most of all, this is the place where we are ministering. And as long as we have an open door, we need to continue to minister and serve here even though things may become more difficult.
English Clubs and Student Outreach
The last two weeks have probably been the busiest of my life! Every day, I left in the morning to go to my Russian classes. I got back home in the afternoon for a late lunch/dinner and a short nap. Then I headed out for the next 4 hours of the evening teaching English clubs every night for two weeks! Finally, I would spend another 2 hours doing Russian homework after I got home! Whew! But, again, our new apartment has been a tremendous blessing in terms of my time schedule. Last year, I rarely returned home from Russian classes before 3:30 pm – this year I am home before 2:00! Last year, I did not get back from English Clubs before 11 pm – this year, I was home by 9:30 every night!
Over 400 students signed up for the English classes but we only had enough spaces for about 250 (because we had fewer American teachers this year due to the situation in Ukraine). Our nightly pattern consisted of 1 hour of English Lessons, 1 hour of Bible Study in English, and 1 hour of English games. I had 25 in my class and we had some great conversations about the gospel every night!
We are already planning for follow up with these students. Next week I will begin a weekly evangelistic Bible study in our apartment with a group of non-Christian guys from the university. Be praying for me as I prepare and as I lead this group and for Katya and I as we host these students. We are grateful that our apartment sits almost right in the middle of the campus complex so we have a great location to continue this type of outreach to students.
Also, in November, we have been asked to lead a Bible Study for young families using some materials from Family Life (Campus Crusade). Be praying for Katya and me as we get ready for this additional outreach ministry in our home.
Finally, in October, we will begin teaching our dance classes (for free) on Sunday nights. Over the past 4 years, this has been a great way to make contact with non-believers. This year we are planning to invite some of the university students to join us too as a way of extending our outreach contacts into the university. Pray for us as we make contacts and connections that will lead to opportunities to share the gospel and invite people to church.
New Opportunities
This week, Katya and I will travel to Lviv to provide some help for a new seminary, Ukrainian Theological Seminary. This new school is bringing together a few smaller schools and they are hoping to develop a school similar to Kiev Theological Seminary. We have been asked to come and give some assistance to the school. The president has asked if Katya can come for a few days to help set up the Registrar’s Office and train their new Registrar. I will also be meeting with the president to talk about teaching and academic issues. Be praying for us as we travel there and help this new school get started.
Family News
With all that is happening, it is hard sometimes to remember to put some family news in our updates. Kristina is growing rapidly and is now officially crawling! This adds to the challenge of keeping things out of her reach but really it has been a great joy to watch her grow. Our new apartment is perfect for a new baby with great floors and lots of space for her to explore. And we are able to take walks in the park nearly every day.
The Situation In Ukraine
It is sad to even think about the ways things are here in Ukraine. We have friends and students from the East who have had to leave their homes because of the conflict with the pro-Russian separatists. Many in our church and the seminary are doing everything we can to help with specific situations but there are so many needs!
Right now, there is technically a “ceasefire” in Ukraine. In general, that means Ukrainian forces are not firing unless attacked while Russia continues to flood men and supplies across the border to fortify the territory they have taken. The conflict there is less but pro-Russian forces continue to use rockets and artillery and tanks to fire on Ukrainian forces every day. Everyone is waiting for the fighting to begin anew.
Meanwhile Russia is building up its forces also along the borders and also in Crimea causing many to believe that another Russian invasion is near. Putin needs a “land-bridge” to bring supplies to Crimea (which Russia invaded and annexed in the spring) before winter makes shipping supplies by water much more difficult. Additionally, Russia is continuing its “gas wars” with Ukraine and any other country that tries to help Ukraine. Poland and Slovakia have been selling Ukraine gas so Russia has been cutting gas supplies to those countries for helping Ukraine. The winter could be a very cold time for Ukraine (and those trying to help).
People in Ukraine are preparing in many ways. The military is trying to build bunkers and defense lines to stop the Russian troops (or at least delay them). Individuals are buying electric heaters (we are too), warmer cloths and blankets and making contingency plans for a winter with no heat. Ukraine has had no hot water since May in an effort to conserve gas for the colder winter months. The government is considering “rolling black-outs” of electricity to also cut costs.
Also, inflation continues in Ukraine as prices are continuing to rise although not as quickly as expected. This does not affect us as much (because our income comes from the US) as the Ukrainian population. But most Ukrainians are faced with a shrinking Hryvnia (Ukrainian currency) and rising inflation so that, for many, the salary they get pays for about half as much as it did in the spring!
Pray for the people of Ukraine. The people in Crimea are living under a very oppressive Russian government that is openly persecuting minorities, blocking all TV and internet except from the Russian government and making it illegal to even say that Crimea is Ukraine! Pray for them! The people from Lugansk and Donetsk have seen their cities and homes destroyed and most of the population has had to flee because of threats from the Pro-Russian terrorists. Church buildings and seminaries have been confiscated and taken over by these rebels and pastors and evangelicals are threatened with death if the speak out against the pro-Russians. Pray for them! The Ukrainian military is under-equipped but doing their best to protect the country from pro-Russians and from regular Russian troops that have taken over the eastern part of Ukraine. Pray for them and the families they leave behind. These soldiers are putting their lives on the line so that Ukraine might be free.
Pray for upcoming elections (October 26). In a country that is already torn by war, Ukraine does not need conflicts during the upcoming elections. They need to show unity even in their disagreements. This has not been typical of Ukrainian politics but unity is really needed now in Ukraine.
Pray for the gospel to go forth unhindered. Pray that God’s people will see this crisis as a time to increase their ministries to hurting people and that many will come to know the Lord.
Thanks for keeping us and Ukraine in your prayers. We cannot express how much we appreciate your support for us, especially during these times. We know the times are difficult and may worsen, but, for now, we want to continue serving the Lord in this place! With your help and prayers, we are able to do so! Thank you so much!
By His Grace,
Jim and Katya and Kristina
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