Teaching Resources International

Looking Backward … As we enter into 2015, we have many things to be thankful for.  Here are just a few (there is not time to list them all).

1. I am grateful for the people of Ukraine who stood for days in freezing temperatures while being beaten by a terribly corrupt government trying to hold on to power. I’m also grateful for the soldiers who have stood against Russia’s incursion into Eastern Ukraine, at least holding them from taking all the territory Putin calls “NovoRussia.” Because of them, Ukraine has the possibility of a future free of Russian control.
2. I am thankful for the birth of our daughter, Kristina. She has been a real joy to watch as she has grown this year.  We look forward to seeing what kind of young lady she will grow into!
3. I am thankful for my family. It is amazing to see how they have grown and to now see their children also. I am grateful that I can spend time every year visiting with my children and grandchildren. I am proud of what they are doing with their lives and only wish I could spend more time with them!
4. I am grateful for my relatives, especially Debbie’s parents and family. This past summer, we were able to go to Florida with all my children to be part of a wonderful surprise 60^th wedding anniversary and 80^th birthdays for Bill and Sally McCullough. We spent a week on the beach in Florida just reminiscing about the wonderful times we have had together. They have always been like mom and dad to me!  Even better, they have been great friends and faithful followers of Jesus!
5. I am thankful for all those who have been part of my life and ministry through the years. Each time we return to the states, I get to see and visit with some of them (there is never enough time!).  God has truly blessed me with wonderful friends!  This past summer, we were able to visit some friends in Missouri that I have not seen in many years.  But our time together showed that even years apart do not weaken true friendships!
6. I am thankful for Campus Ministry here in Ukraine. This past year, we have had the opportunity to be involved in a number of ministries using English Clubs, small groups, and Family Ministries.  They give us a chance to step outside the academic world and remember to do evangelism (people need the Lord).
7. I am grateful for my Russian classes at The National Linguistic University of Kiev. I still have a long way to go, but now I can usually understand what people are saying and carry on a conversation in Russian (but not without many mistakes)!
8. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach classes in theology, Biblical Studies and history at Kiev Theological Seminary. It has been a real blessing to see many of my students plant churches, teach in Bible Schools and seminaries, and make an impact for Christ in Ukraine and the nations of the former Soviet Union.
9. I am grateful for you – for your prayers and support through the years! None of this would have been possible without you!  I continually stand amazed at your faithfulness and generosity.  It amazes me that most of our supporters have been supporting this ministry faithfully since 1996 when I first began teaching overseas.  Each year, we have added a few more precious friends to our support team and they have been just as faithful to support us and pray for us! Words cannot express our gratitude!

Looking Forward … As we enter into a new year, there are a number of things we are looking forward to in 2015.

1. This spring, I will be teaching a number of courses in the first three months. In January, I will be teaching the Book of Hebrews.  In February, I will be teaching Research and Writing for Biblical Counseling (Master’s Program) and also Christology and Soteriology (an Independent Study class).  In March, I will be teaching pastoral ministries students and church planting students the Theology and Practice of Prayer.  Then in May, I will be teaching Research and Critical Thinking for our new students with Natasha Tereshenko. Be praying for me as I prepare and teach these classes.
2. As we begin the new year, I will not be taking Russian classes L. My schedule is so full that I will not have time to attend classes like last year.  This is unfortunate because I really need another year of lessons.  Due to my late start in language studies, I really only have a little over 1 year when 2 years is considered the minimum for missionaries.  So, I will be trying to work on my own on Russian in between classes and other ministries. Pray for me to be diligent in keeping up with studies and not becoming overwhelmed with classes and ministry.
3. We are planning to be back in the states at the end of March because my youngest daughter, Meredith, and her husband, Sean, are expecting their first child! Since Sean’s mother passed away last year, neither have a mom to come and help. So they asked Katya and me to come and help them through the first couple of weeks.  We are planning on staying at least into May and visiting friends and family also during this time.
4. Continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine. Things are stable now but we are sure that the crisis is not over.  There are still Russian and pro-Russian troops holding parts of Eastern Ukraine and threatening to take more territory.  Inflation is growing and prices are rising.  But most of all, pray for the people of Ukraine who have been directly affected by this crisis.  We have friends in Crimea that are being told by Russia that they must give up their Ukrainian passports and accept Russian ones or move out of Crimea.  It is against the law in Crimea to even say that Crimea is Ukrainian territory!  We have students, graduates and friends from Crimea and also from the East.  Many have to choose between continuing their ministries there and their personal and family safety.   We have friends in the military and others helping refugees.  Things are very difficult for them as they try to bring the gospel into a very difficult situation.  Please remember to pray for them even though Ukraine is not often in the US news.

Thanks again for your support and prayers for us.  We look back at 2014 with very grateful hearts!  Last January, there were fires and barricades in the streets of Kiev and clashes with government forces nearly every day and we had no idea how things would turn out.  We expected the worse, but now we have a country that is freeing itself from Russia and from the corruption of the former government.  We are hopeful that 2015 will be a year with many new open doors – for the people of Ukraine and especially for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Have a Blessed New Year!

Jim, Katya and Kristina