Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to share the news from June and July with you.
Currently, Ukraine is experiencing intense heat. Unfortunately, due to significant shelling from the Russian Federation, our energy system is almost non-functional. As a result, people cannot use air conditioners or refrigerators, as power outages last for 15-20 hours a day. This has led to a complete collapse and destruction of the country's economy.
According to recent changes in the law, all men must register for military service. If you fail to register by July 16th, the government imposes a fine of approximately 20,000 UAH, which is about 500 USD. After this, registration is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in continuous fines or forced conscription to the military commissariat, leading to further problems.
There is also good news. Last month, two wonderful camps organized by Americrane took place, one in Warsaw and the other in Lviv. Thanks to Jeff Abrams' team for organizing this spiritual retreat. Many people from all over Europe gathered in Warsaw. My family and I also attended this wonderful event. The following week, the camp took place in Lviv, Ukraine. This was a significant event for the Ukrainian church. Please pray for such events as they greatly strengthen and encourage us spiritually.
Regarding the work of the Bible Institute, we have found three new students this year who will join the program: two men and one woman. They have submitted all necessary documents and are eagerly awaiting the start of the academic year. One of the students, named Viktor, has a deferral from the military commissariat, so we do not expect any surprises regarding his mobilization. However, there are issues with the second student, Nikolai, from Poltava. He will turn 25 in a few months, and in Ukraine, men are officially drafted into the army at the age of 25. We hope he will also receive a deferral. He has two children and a wonderful wife, but it seems that the chances are slim. To receive a deferral, one must have three children or a first-degree disability. Please pray for Nikolai and the resolution of this situation.
This year, we will start our classes in September. Vadim and Maxim will remain in the program, so we expect five students in the next academic year.
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners and churches who work alongside BVBIU: the Church of Chernivtsi, the Church of Bila Tserkva, and the churches in Poltava, Kramatorsk, and other cities. They are doing fantastic humanitarian work, providing many people with both spiritual words and physical food every day.
Additionally, this year we are adding some new members to our teaching staff, including students pursuing their master's degrees. Currently, we have six students in the master's program. This year, I hope Oleg Fafanov and Alexander Rotkevich will join us. They are still young and inexperienced but have great potential. Oleg Fafanov is currently preaching in Uzhhorod, previously in Kostiantynivka, and Alexander Rotkevich is a youth minister in Chernivtsi. These brothers serve diligently in Ukraine, and it is truly an honor for them.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support for the institute. We continuously ask for your prayers for peace in our country.
With respect and love,
Your brother in Christ,
Denis Sopelnik