Vitally is truly building the Kingdom in Cherkasiy, Ukraine. This past weekend, I saw this first hand. Because of financial issues of the Bible Center, he has taken on the burden of finding support for the youth ministry program there. I taught for him this past weekend and saw the respect his students give him. His goal is to see these men through to the end of the two year program despite the difficulties.
Vitally as also started a ministry at his church for middle schoolers called "Wise Carpenter". He saw the need of his own son not learning basic "manly" skills and hoping to reach out to his friends, he started a weekly carpentry and Bible lesson at their church. Because of the growth of this ministry, they now have 5 groups a week and he leads a team of volunteers. Vitaliy has given television interviews and received national recognition by several denominations for his work with these young boys. He generally uses Proverbs to share wisdom from God's word before the young people tackle a carpentry project. The success of this is easily seen in the amount of middle schoolers at the church's youth club on Saturdays. I had the privileged of speaking that night about our treasure being in Christ. The gospel is presented consistently and clearly. It is a joy and an encouragement to remember that he is one of my first graduates at KTS!
Vitally has a newborn son, Fedya, with Down Syndrome. They ask for prayer for him and his heart operation, scheduled for the end of January. He is a beautiful little boy! But also continue to pray for his wife, Sophia, and their 3 other kids. I have grown very close to Vitally, as we meet regularly for discipleship.
(Right: Vitally's "Wise Carpenter" outreach at church)
I cant get anything done in the office!
This last week before Christmas was extremely busy like many of yours. Our winter teachers meeting, teaching in Cherkassy with Vitally, the kid's school Christmas program, and various events at our church. The biggest "distraction" was that our 20 first-year students were constantly in the office wanting to talk. One asked me to disciple him, but most just looking for a little fun during breaks from their Bible Interpretation class. I couldn't get much done! But that is exactly as it should be! The students are the reason we are here, to train them to reach young people for Jesus Christ. That starts with modeling relationship building. That is why we went together to get some KFC and then to our house to play games in the middle of a crazy week. Jesus came from heaven to make our relationship with the Father possible. As it says in John 1:14, he "pitched his tent" with us. The incarnation is about relationship. These missionaries want to take our cue from Him.
(Left: Selfie with first year students at KFC)
Merry Christmas!!!!
