Hello dear brothers, sisters and
families.
The last month of the passing year
was filled with the work for the Lord.
1. Ministry to Christians in
Gorlovka.
Though there was made a decision
about full cease fire in Minsk during the meetings of the contact group (there
were representatives of Ukraine, Russia and DNR), the military actions never
stopped even for a day. On the contrary, there was a marked growth of its
intensity. During December DNR insurgents were able to broaden the territory
under their control, by gaining some more populated small towns. They were also
shooting multiple times at Ukrainian block post that serves to let people out
from the frontline area, including Gorlovka. There were victims from civilians.
It’s difficult for our brothers and sisters in Gorlovka to get used to
shootings and constant danger to their life again. I try to encourage them
every day with phone calls and Bible classes via cell phone connection. They
tell me how they are suffering and how they long to see me every day. I
understand their need in personal support and face-to-face communication. Thus,
I want to visit them again in between teaching courses at BVBIU. Together with
my family I pray for the military actions to cease by then.
In the middle of the month I was
able to send the wheelchair to Gorlovka for our sister in Christ, Raisa
Smalyuga. Dennis helped with that, bringing it to Artyomovsk; a preacher from
Artyomovsk brought it to block post, and a Christian lady Zoya Grigoryeva brought
it to Gorlovka to Raisa. We thank God that Raisa who has been bedridden for
several months now can move around her apartment.
2. Ministry in Kyiv region.
In the second half of December we
started evangelizing work in Kyiv and Bila Tserkva, using those tents that were
made for this purpose. It was that case when the result were even better than
the expectations, especially in the case of Bila Tserkva. We have placed the
tent in the busiest place, right in front of the entrance to the popular mall.
People were showing a great interest in our activity. They asked many questions
and were interested in the church address and the times for the services and
meetings. Though there were many brothers and sisters in Christ in our team,
there was a group of people around each one of them, and they wanted to talk
and get some Christian literature. There are some results of this evangelizing
already. A young man came to an evening Bible class that very day. Seeing such
interest in people, we had an idea to preach right on the street next time. For
this purpose we might need to get a microphone with speakers on batteries.
This month I have taught Bible
classes on Wednesdays in Bila Tserkva and chapels for the students. I have also
taught Bible classes and preached in Shevchekivska church of Christ in Kyiv.
On December 12, in Bila Tserkva
there was a meeting of preachers and active ministers of the churches in Kyiv
region, BVBIU teachers and students. The aim was to show the importance of
unity among the church of Christ members that is based on the word of God. I
was one of the four speakers. The topic for my lesson was “The Authority of the
Holy Scriptures”. This meeting encouraged all brethren. We have agreed to have
a similar meeting in Kyiv in two months.
On December 25, BVBIU students
finished the first semester of the school year. After they took all of the
tests we had a festive celebration. On December 27, we had a festive
celebration for the children after the church service. My wife Veronica
participated in preparations of the treats for both celebrations and in the
program of the celebration for the kids.
3. Bear Valley Bible Institute.
December 16-25, I have taught Denominational
Teachings for the second year students. During these classes I was able to
teach them about the history of creation of different denominations that are
widely spread on the territory of Ukraine and about the various deviations from
the Biblical truth that they teach. We have also discussed such things as
ecumenism and liberalism and their dangers. Considering that the leaders of the
church have to encounter representatives of various denominations on a regular
basis, they ought to have a good preparation in order to fight with their
influence effectively and maintain the purity of the New Testament teachings in
their congregations. I see this course to be very needed for the future
ministers.
We thank God that in such difficult
time He keeps us safe and cares for us away from home. We thank Him for your
support and Christian love. We want to wish you God’s blessings in 2016. God
bless you and keep safe you and your families, congregations of the churches of
Christ and help you in service to Him.
In service to Him,
Andrew.
