Hello, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and the congregations,
The situation in Ukraine.
I'd like the share with you the latest events that happened to us during the last month. Sadly, the warfare on the territory of Ukraine continues. The world's population got used to the news about it but hundreds of killed and wounded people daily don't let us forget and accept as normal what is happening to our country. We are used to go to bed and get up hearing air raid alerts and our children still beg us to stay with them in their beds so they can go to sleep. These horrors go on. Thousands of people still evacuate from their homes running away from the war. And we keep trying to help them out with everything we have in our possessions. We are very grateful to all the brethren who sacrifice for this ministry. Together we helped a lot of people and gave them a chance to adapt to the new place.
The Lord's Church in Ukraine.
On the one hand we deal with destruction, pain and woe but, on the other hand, there are a lot of baptisms in Ukraine these days. Every week we witness how in different congregations people are being baptized in water. While accepting the humanitarian aid, people hear the word of God and obey the Gospel. It encourages us to continue in the Lord's work spreading the Gospel. During the last month I personally got news of more than 20 baptisms. And I'm proud to share my personal joyful news that my older daughter Polina also entered into the covenant with the Lord. She made the most important decision about her salvation and now we are assured that she will never be alone in this world.
One more exciting and joyful event for the Church was the Christian camp Amerikraine. This year it took place in Lviv. It was such a wonderful time when the Christians from all over the country were able to unite and pray, have lessons and fellowship. It was such a breath of the fresh air during this challenging time. We thank our American brethren and Jeff Abrams for this opportunity and help for the church of Ukraine.
Bear Valley Bible Institute.
During these months our students were involved with the kids in different VBSs. They learned to teach children, preach publicly, have Bible studies and spread the Gospel. For the next school year we will add 4 more students. Thus, the total number of the student body is 8. And they start the classes in the beginning of September. One more student is still serving in the Ukrainian Military.
We are grateful to everyone who help our Institute and the Ukrainian Church. We will face these difficult times together.
May the Lord keep His church and Ukraine.
In Christian love,
Dennis Sopelnik