UKRAINE
Bear Valley Bible Institute Ukraine
Chernivtsy, Ukraine
DESCRIPTION
BVBIU began in 1997 and was the first extension institute of the Bear Valley program. For the first ten years of existence, BVBIU was located in the city of Kramatorsk, but then changed locations when a large facility was given to us and from 2007-2014, operated from the eastern Ukraine town of Gorlovka. Unfortunately war came to Ukraine and the building was taken over by separatists. After fleeing and eventually settling in central Ukraine, the Lord saw to it that BVBIU was able to continue every year thereafter. However, once again, war has fallen again upon Ukraine (2022) and BVBIU has been forced to relocate to the town of Chernivtsy, but thanks be to God, continues to operate.
The focus remains to train men to become preachers, mirroring the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver and all other Bear Valley extension schools. It cannot be understated how many have been trained since 1997 and continue to spread the Gospel, along with sound doctrine. At this time (2022), nearly 95% of the classes are taught by Ukrainian brethren. The war situations in Ukraine have proven that Ukrainian men are best able to teach their own people, and are able to do so, even in difficult times.
Dean / Director
Dennis Sopelnik, a wonderful brother in Christ, has been the Director of BVBIU since 2010. After graduating from BVBIU in 2005, Dennis began participating in the program and showed a lot of potential. He then went on to obtain his Master’s Degree from BVBIU and began teaching full-time. Dennis has earned the respect of the students and instructors at BVBIU and his stable presence has been a big plus for the Church and has proven himself as a very capable leader / recruiter / preacher. Dennis is married to his wife, Vera, and they have two daughters.
CONTACT INFO
Dennis Sopelnik - sopelnik@hotmail.com
Stateside Coordinator:
Terry Harmon
Rapid City church of Christ
Rapid City, SD
720-315-1225
Terry Harmon - harmon99.th@gmail.com
Sponsoring Congregation:
Rapid City church of Christ
1529 Nickel St.
Rapid City, SD 57701
