Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I'd like to share with you some last news from the Bible Institute.
Last month our students were engaged in evangelizing events of their local congregations. It was an excellent opportunity to get the practical application of their knowledge. So, I'll share with you what they wrote in their reports. Marianna had a great time with a congregation in Kiyv. She got to teach children in Sunday school and paid visits to the elderly sisters who were recovering from the coronavirus. Bogdan spent his time of practical evangelism in the Lviv congregation. He taught lessons and took part in the worship services. He also got to visit and encourage those who stayed away from congregating due to the spread of the virus. Nazar went back to Slovyansk and helped the congregation in Liman where his grandfather is preaching. The church was very happy to see the young servant. Nazar also went to Kharkiv congregation and spent a few days there teaching classes. Dennis Sirotenko also went to Kharkiv, to his home congregation. He taught lessons and participated in online evangelism.
The classes were resumed on April, 5th but due to the current epidemic situation we study remotely. The Kiyv region is declared the "red zone" of quarantine. Almost everything in the city is put on halt, even the public transportation services are restricted to an emergency mode of operation and is available only to the people with certain clearances (police, essential medical workers and grocery stores personnel). Thus, we study online 1 and 2nd Corinthians (Instructor Dennis Sopelnik). We hope and pray that the strict quarantine measures will be lifted soon and our Bible studies return to normal.
In March my family went to visit the congregation in Poltava where I was asked to preach and did the presentation of the Bible Institute. It was a good way to get to know the brethren in this congregation. And, again, as of right now all trips outside the city limits are blessings, and quarantine realities help us to get the fresh perspective on everything usual.
We were also able to stop by our home place of Kramatorsk and participate in the youth conference as the viewers. My children enjoyed it very much, they were delighted to be a part of the youth seminar. I was able to visit with our Instructors who live there. It always gladdens your heart to visit the city of your childhood.
So, we all stayed very active in March and the beginning of April. God blessed us with trips to different congregations and visits with so many brothers and sisters.
Our students and Instructors send their greetings and their love. We are very grateful to everyone who supports the ministry of the Bible Institute.
May God keep you,
Your brother and coworker in the Lord's church,
Dennis Sopelnik