Ukraine Updates

Bear Valley Bible Institute Report – 2024-2025

The year 2024 has come to an end. Currently, three students are studying at our institute, and two of them will graduate this year. We continue to make every effort to increase the number of students.

Initiatives to Attract Students

To attract more people to the institute, we have launched online courses on various topics, such as Time Management and Financial Stewardship. People are joining these courses and participating remotely.

At the end of January, we will also begin an in-depth Greek Language Study course. These efforts aim to keep the institute visible and help people learn more about our programs.

Courses Taught This Year

This year, we have offered the following courses:

• In January, I taught the course on World Religions.

• Alexander Ratkevich taught the second part of Homiletics.

• Currently, Michael Underwood is teaching the course on Prison Epistles.

Visit to Missionaries in the Czech Republic

During the winter break, we visited Bear Valley missionary Tony Orlean and his wife, who are currently serving in Olomouc, Czech Republic. They are in the early stages of establishing a church there. While their congregation is still small, it includes a Ukrainian family and a few local Czech individuals.

We pray that the Lord blesses their ministry. We hope that our visit was an encouragement to them, as they were to us.

Churches in Europe remain very weak, as many people are primarily focused on earning money and material pursuits. Please continue to pray for the church in Europe, that materialism and distorted worldviews do not consume the hearts of its people.

The War in Ukraine

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine continues with no visible changes on the battlefield. Soldiers and civilians lose their lives daily, and the frontline is gradually moving closer to central Ukraine. Large parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, remain under occupation.

We ask you to continue praying for the following:

• The recruitment of new students for the upcoming academic year.

• The Church in Ukraine during these challenging times.

• Wisdom for preachers and teachers as they carry out their ministry.

Family Update

My family and I remain in Germany, where we attend a church in Leipzig. We also have a small Bible study group at our home, for which we are very grateful.

Encouraging News from Uzhhorod

In Uzhhorod, our brother and teacher, Oleg Fofanov, continues to baptize new believers, and the church there is growing steadily.

Special thanks to Brother Terry Harman, who has been holding online classes to support this church.

Gratitude

We are sincerely thankful to all sponsors, teachers, institute staff, preachers, and everyone who supports our work. Your contributions and prayers are invaluable to us.

With love and respect,

Your brother in Christ,

Denys Sopelnyk

Updates from Program in Ukraine

Report of Bear Valley Bible Institute – November and Early December

Dear Brothers,

This year, we have been blessed with the opportunity to conduct all our classes online using the Skype platform. In November and early December, students attended several important courses.

Academic Progress

1. Second-Year Students:

• They studied 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which I had the privilege of teaching.

• 1 and 2 Corinthians was taught by a preacher and brother from Chernivtsi - Dmytriy Galyk.

• Currently, they are studying “Denominations” under the guidance of Brother Vladimir Paziy.

These courses mark significant progress as we approach the final stages of this academic year.

2. Graduation Plans:

In 2025, we anticipate the graduation of two students. The upcoming semester will be their last. One of them, Brother Vadim, is already preaching in Poltava and showing excellent results in his ministry.

3. Master’s Program:

• Four students are currently enrolled in our master’s program.

• Gary Fallis taught impactful and enriching sessions.

• Konstantin Kyselenko provided translation during these sessions.

Institutional Development

1. New Faculty Members:

This year, we welcomed two new instructors to our Ukrainian faculty team. They have adapted well and are excelling in their responsibilities.

2. Online Seminars:

• We initiated online seminars to raise awareness about the institute and attract potential students in Ukraine.

• These events, coupled with online advertising and email campaigns, have generated interest and helped spread the word about our ongoing work.

3. Next Semester Preparation:

• The schedule for the upcoming semester is finalized, providing clarity and direction for students as they continue their studies.

Challenges and Prayers

• The war in Ukraine remains a grave concern, with Russian forces advancing deeper into the country, particularly in Donetsk. The situation has created significant challenges, but we remain steadfast in our mission.

Looking Ahead

• We have a few prospective students interested in joining next year’s program. We are praying for their success in becoming part of the institute.

Despite the difficult circumstances, we press on with faith and dedication. We deeply appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to equip students for ministry.

In His Service,

Dennis Sopelnik

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Bible Institute continues to work in Ukraine

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters!

Current Situation in Ukraine

As of October and early November, the situation in Ukraine remains unchanged. Russia continues its intensive attacks across the country, primarily targeting the energy infrastructure, and unfortunately, they are succeeding. These strikes have also caused significant civilian casualties. Regrettably, we do not yet see a resolution to this crisis. However, we hold hope that the change in leadership in the United States may influence the situation in Ukraine positively. Please continue to pray for the end of this war and for God’s intervention.

Updates from the Bible Institute

The Bible Institute is functioning well. Students have returned from their practical assignments after their break. Here are the highlights:

• Vadim in Poltava: Brother Vadim has started preaching in Poltava. He is conducting classes with a good number of attendees.

• Maxim in Bila Tserkva: Brother Maxim is assisting Konstantin with preaching in Bila Tserkva. Additionally, he is actively engaged in humanitarian work. His responsibilities include organizing lessons, recording sessions, and distributing food packages.

• Nikolai in Poltava: Brother Nikolai conducted his practical assignment independently from Vadim in another congregation in Poltava. This congregation has a strong youth presence, and Nikolai successfully conducted lessons there.

Currently, Vladimir Pazy is teaching the course on The Book of Acts. Next week, I will begin teaching First and Second Thessalonians. We have also started drafting the schedule for the next semester, and I will soon provide updates on the subjects for which we need teachers.

Churches of Christ in Ukraine

The work in the Churches of Christ across Ukraine remains stable:

• Humanitarian aid is being distributed.

• Some locations have witnessed baptisms, for which we give thanks to God.

While the long-term effectiveness of this method remains to be seen, people willingly come for aid and stay to hear God’s Word.

We are immensely grateful to:

• Brethren from Romania, who frequently visit and assist the church in Chernivtsi.

• Brethren from the United States, who continue to find the financial resources needed to support these projects.

Personal Update

My family and I remain in Germany, waiting for the war to end. I have started learning German, and I am making good progress.

In addition, I am leading a small home Bible study group here, composed of Ukrainian refugees from Kharkiv. Please pray for these individuals, that they may come to Christ. If they do, there is hope for church growth in Kharkiv once the war is over.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the work of the Bible Institute and the Churches in Ukraine. Your contributions make a significant difference in these challenging times.

May God bless you abundantly.

Your brother in Christ,

Denis Sopelnik

News and Evangelism in Ukraine

Dear friends,

I would like to present my report for September and October. During these two months, there have been several changes at the Bible Institute, as well as important news from Ukraine, which I want to share with you.

News from Ukraine

First of all, we are witnessing a significant number of baptisms in Ukrainian churches. This is largely due to the large influx of humanitarian aid, which has encouraged many people to express their gratitude by studying the Bible, learning about Jesus Christ, and accepting baptism. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, it is crucial that these new believers are not only baptized but also guided in their spiritual growth, so that they can truly become a part of the Church and remain connected to it.

Bible Institute Updates

Currently, we have three students enrolled at the Bible Institute. In September, we had four students, but one brother, Viktor, found the pace of study challenging. The workload, which includes assignments, memorization of Scripture, and sermon planning, was too much for him, and unfortunately, he decided to discontinue his studies.

In late September, I taught a course titled The Intertestamental Period. For the first time, Oleg Fofanov also taught a new course for him called Christian Ethics. Additionally, Dmitriy Galyuk is currently teaching a course on Leadership. At the end of October, the students will have a week of Evangelism practice followed by a week of break, during which they will assist the congregations where they are currently serving.

Student Progress

We have positive news regarding one of our students, Brother Vadim. He and his family have moved to Poltava, where he will assist the local church. In the future, he may preach and serve there. Please continue to pray for him as he still has seven months of study remaining, during which he will be balancing his education and ministry in Poltava.

Master’s Program

In October, our graduates participated in a master’s program, which included 4 students. We are thankful to God for this opportunity, as the program allows our graduates to deepen their knowledge further. They recently completed a course on Old Testament Theology, which was taught by Harry Hill. The course was both insightful and enriching.

Prayer Requests for Ukraine

The war in Ukraine continues, and the country faces daily shelling and the loss of small portions of land, particularly in the Donetsk region. The outcome remains uncertain, and we ask for your continued prayers, especially for the churches and ministers serving in Ukraine.

Personal Update

Our family remains in Germany, and we are attending the Leipzig Church. Last Sunday, I traveled to Warsaw, Poland, where I preached and met with one of our instructors, Vladimir Paziy. We had a productive discussion, and I look forward to continued collaboration.

Thank you for your support and prayers. We appreciate your continued involvement in the work of the Bible Institute and in the mission field.

Sincerely,

Director BVBIU Sopelnyk Denys

Endurance Shown by Students in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to share some updates with you regarding the last two months.

As you know, my family remains in Germany. We are attending a local church in Leipzig, which is currently small in size. The congregation consists of several missionary families from the United States, several local  families, a few families from Venezuela, a woman from Kyrgyzstan, and a few families from Ukraine. It is an interesting and diverse group of people, and we are working together to build understanding. Our services are conducted in German, but we usually communicate in English afterward, which helps bridge the language gap. We are thankful to God for placing us in this safe and blessed environment.

In Ukraine, the work of the Bible Institute continues. This year, we have four full-time students, and there are also a few who join courses as guest listeners. The students have already completed preparatory courses led by Sasha Ratkevich, followed by a course on Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, taught by Denton Lendon. Recently, they finished studying the Minor Prophets (Part 2), which I had the privilege of teaching. Next week, they will start a course titled "Introduction to Greek," which will be taught by Terry Harman. The students are working hard and submitting their assignments on time.

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine continues. Almost every day, missile attacks occur across the entire country. Russia is using missiles, Iranian-made Shahed drones, and their own kamikaze drones. There is no truly safe place in Ukraine, as missile strikes happen even in areas far from the frontlines. Russian forces continue to advance in several regions, with partial or full success in certain areas.

Over the past two months, many Christians have been mobilized, and this is an ongoing concern that requires our constant prayers.

May God keep you safe.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

With love in Christ,

Your brother, Denis Sopelnik

Continuous Efforts in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine

Monthly Report – Bear Valley Bible Institute

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As the summer break comes to an end, I would like to provide an update on the recent activities at the Bear Valley Bible Institute. Over the past three months, our students have been engaged in practical ministry work, gaining valuable experience and serving in various locations.

Practical Ministry Assignments:

- Maxim: He completed his practicum in Bila Tserkva, where he actively participated in church activities and outreach programs.

- Vadim: Vadim served in Poltava, where he made significant contributions to the local church. We believe there is a strong possibility that Vadim will continue his ministry in Poltava after graduation. Please keep Vadim and his family in your prayers as they prepare for this potential move. Vadim has one more year of study left, during which he will also be preparing for his new role in Poltava.

New Students:

We are pleased to announce that we have two new students who have already submitted their application documents. Additionally, a man named Konstantin from Kramatorsk has expressed his intention to join the program.

Upcoming Academic Year:

Classes for the new academic year will commence on September 2nd. The first course will be taught by Denton Lendon, with Konstantin Kiselenko serving as the translator. I would like to acknowledge Konstantin's long-standing contribution as our regular translator. His work is invaluable not only to the institute but also to the Church in Bila Tserkva. Please continue to pray for Konstantin and his health.

New Instructors:

This year, we have added several Ukrainian instructors to our teaching staff. We are working to involve two brothers currently pursuing their master’s degrees—Oleg Fofanov and Oleksandr Rotkevych—in the work of the Bible institute. Oleksandr, in particular, has been assisting me with the technical aspects of our educational process. He has developed a program that allows students easy access to information databases. Through this application, students can access books, notes, maps, and also submit their assignments. This innovation is a great asset to the institute.

Current Situation in Ukraine:

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine continues, and we are losing ground at an alarming rate. The situation remains dire, with no clear end in sight. I am deeply grateful for your prayers, your patience, and your ongoing support for Ukraine. The Church of Christ in Ukraine is doing tremendous work in saving souls, thanks to the resources provided by our brothers in America. We are indebted to you, and your assistance is both invaluable and necessary.

Please also pray for the brothers who are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As the country has initiated widespread mobilization, more and more of our brothers are joining the ranks. Your prayers in this regard are greatly needed.

Future Involvement:

The schedule for this academic year is now available. If any of our American brothers are interested in participating in the educational process, please contact me. We are currently planning the schedule for the second semester, and there are opportunities for involvement.

Thank you all for your continued support. May God bless and protect you.

Sincerely,

Dennis Sopelnyk

Director, Bear Valley Bible Institute

Updates from Ukraine

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

Ukraine Based Bible Institute Works Among Adversity

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters,

I would like to share some news from Ukraine, as well as updates from several churches and the Bible Institute.

Situation in Ukraine

The overall situation in the country remains tense. Russian forces are gradually advancing in Eastern Ukraine, capturing more territories. They primarily use long-range missiles and aerial bombs, making it challenging for the Ukrainian army to hold their positions. Currently, Ukraine lacks the capability to shoot down aircraft from long distances. General mobilization continues in Ukraine, and all men must register for military service.

Impact on the Church in Bila Tserkva

From the church in Bila Tserkva, which we attended before moving to Germany, another brother has been drafted. His name is Oleg. He has left behind his wife and ten-year-old son and will now defend the homeland. Unfortunately, the war is affecting every family, and this reality has touched all churches deeply. Oleg's commitment and sacrifice are a poignant reminder of the struggles many are facing.

Bible Institute Graduation

In May, the Bible Institute held its graduation ceremony. This year, three students graduated. They are students of war. They began their education when the war started and finished during its continuation. We conducted our graduation ceremony online, as we could not physically be together. This year's graduates are Viktoria, Oleksandr, and Vyacheslav.

- Viktoria: She, along with her husband, is working in the Church of Christ in Chernivtsi. Their dedication to their ministry has been unwavering despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

- Alexander and Vyacheslav: both actively help in the ministry of the church in Dnipro. Their efforts help the church to grow. They are still young, but their support is very important in this difficult time.

Our Family's Situation

Our family remains in Germany, where we attend a church in Leipzig. We are also actively involved in organizing and conducting meetings for displaced persons, providing them with spiritual and emotional support as they navigate their new realities far from home.

Gratitude for Support

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to every brother, sister, and church for your continued financial support for the institute. Your generosity enables us to continue our mission and support our community during these trying times. Your prayers and contributions are making a significant impact.

May God keep you safe and bless you abundantly.

With respect and gratitude,

Denys Sopelnyk

Updates from Ukraine

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to share some significant events from this past month that, in my opinion, will shape Ukraine's future and impact the church in our country.

Unfortunately, the war has been ongoing for two and a half years now, and the situation is only deteriorating. We are losing some of our best men daily, who could have been great fathers and grandfathers. The gene pool of our country is rapidly diminishing. This is also reflected in the church; if you look at congregations in different cities, you will mostly see pensioners who constantly need food packages and assistance.

Sadly, a new mobilization law came into effect on May 18th. In short, all men aged 25 to 60 will be required to serve and fight, with almost no exceptions. Therefore, the situation is becoming more difficult every day. There is hardly anyone left to work in factories and fields. Men have divided into two categories: those who are ready to serve and those who are hiding from military recruiters. This harsh reality has affected every family in Ukraine and will only worsen if the war continues.

Now, about the work of the institute. This year, we have three students graduating: Vyacheslav, Victoria, and Alexander. They are all remarkable individuals who want to serve the Lord and support the work of the church. However, the question arises, will they have the opportunity to do so? Each of them will turn 25 in a couple of years and will be called to the front.

Let me share another story. We have a potential student who wants to enroll. He will turn 25 this summer; he has one child and a wife who is pregnant with their second child. Unfortunately, his plans may be disrupted as he has already received a summons and has been asked to report with his belongings.

I ask you to continue praying for the war to end soon, not for the sake of victory or defeat, but for the preservation of our people as a nation.

Last month, I taught two courses: Prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel, using excellent material by Denny Petrillo. Dmitry Galyuk also taught the Gospel of Luke. I want to highlight the very active work of the churches in Ukraine. Many preachers can be called to the military at any moment, yet they still help people in need. Recently, there were baptisms in Poltava and Pokrovsk, demonstrating the continuous work of our brothers. I am grateful to God for knowing them personally and for the opportunity to pray for them.

I also ask for prayers for those Christians who are already serving. Many of them are struggling, especially mentally, but there is no alternative. Our legislation does not provide for alternative service for Christians.

May God keep you, and thank you for your constant support.

Sincerely, Denys Sopelnyk

Two Conversions in Ukraine

I want to share with you the latest news from Ukraine and the Ukrainian churches of Christ. Fierce fighting in Ukraine still continues. The Russian military still continues to push forward along the front lines. Every day they push back Ukrainians 200-500 meters. The Russians are using air bombs and unfortunately Ukrainians have no effective anti-aircraft defense guns. Also, the Russians are destroying critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine. During the last month the Russians have destroyed thermal power plants, railroad stations and electricity grids. Russia has scaled up its relentless aggression against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine in recent days.

The damage to civilian infrastructure has led to a fight for survival for Ukrainians who have been learning to live in perpetual mortal danger and – quite literally – growing darkness. The Russian missiles are not accurate and therefore many civilians are dying every day. The Ukrainian authorities have been forced to introduce planned power outages to prevent Ukraine’s remaining energy infrastructure from being overloaded, causing disruption to civilian life. 

It is a disaster for our country because the next winter is round the corner and it will be a huge challenge for our government and for our people. The electricians will try to repair the damages but as of now more than 50% of Ukraine’s power infrastructure has been destroyed. Unfortunately, the world is tired of the war in Ukraine and the funds that are being allocated to aid Ukraine are far from enough. Therefore, we are preparing for the worst. We still are trusting the Lord and pray that He would protect Ukraine. It is time for the churches of Christ to sow the seeds of the Word of God. To our great joy, we have good results: one of our graduates Oleg Fofanov is conducting great work in the vineyard of the Lord.

Last week, thanks to Oleg’s efforts and God’s grace, two ladies have been added to the body of Christ. Also, in the cities of Bila Tserkva, Chernivtsi, Kramatorsk and other locations, our brethren are distributing humanitarian aid  packages. While they give out humanitarian aid packages they preach the gospel to the refugees. In our Bible Institute we continue to teach Bible classes. Last month the Book of Daniel (the teacher was Vladimir Paziy) and the Gospel of Luke (the teacher was Dmitry Galyuk) were taught. Also, we conducted a magistrate education course (the teacher was Jerry Bates); the course was on planning and development of the church. This is a great opportunity for our graduates to receive new knowledge and become part of our staff. I am grateful for your prayers and the help that you give to Ukraine every day. This is a very heavy psychological burden for everyone who is inside the country. Every family, every child needs a prayer and support. May the Lord be with you and keep you, 

Your brother Dennis Sopelnik

Two years of war in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It's already the middle of March 2024 and the cruel and merciless war in Ukraine continues. Two years of the constant terror and bloodshed. People learned to function in stress. The social programs' funding gets less and less money. The people got poorer considerably. With these events in the background we appreciate so much the most valuable help from our American brethren who sacrificially give towards the needs of  refugees. This way we spread the Gospel and the people also receive a chance to be saved.

The Bible Institute faithfully continues its ministry. In February and March we had the following subjects - Minor Prophets, part 1, The Wisdom Literature (Instructor Dennis Sopelnik) and the Book of Job (Dmytro Galyuk). After each course the students have to take the written test and also the oral part of the testing. Our online studies definitely don't substitute the personal presence but it's the only safe option of keeping the studies going.

We keep working with the refugees in Leipzig as well. For us it's a wonderful opportunity to have fellowship with Ukrainians and share the Gospel with them. We don't have a lot of opportunities for the evangelism here so we try to use every chance we have.

I'd like to request your prayers for our bothers Dennis and Valentine who are in military now. Our student Dennis got married recently and he was allowed a short leave for the occasion. He was on the front line position with 0 distance to the enemy, it means he occasionally was 100-200 meters away  from the enemy trenches. A lot of fellow soldiers who had been drafted with him lost their lives. We keep him in our prayers at all times and it was God's good will to keep him alive.  And one of our Instructors Valentin is also in the military serving as  an officer in the headquarters. He aged considerably in the recent six months. His physical health deteriorated due to the constant stress and lack of sleep.  Both of them, as well as thousands of our defenders,  need your fervent prayers.

I'm very thankful to all of our preachers who try and help the needy. As an example I will tell about a very interesting event that happened in Bela Tserkva. Our brother in Christ and the local preacher Konstantin contacted one humanitarian fund. Those people came with their own pizza baking equipment and literally in the back yard of the church building cooked and gave away free of charge a lot of pizza. All the refugees who are in the city were told about the upcoming event and hundreds of people had a joyful feast. Of course, it was only a one time  event that doesn't resolve the humanitarian catastrophe but the people got a little hope for rejoicing. I wish you could see the eyes of the children who were given free pizza. They swallowed their slices in seconds!

The world has always been cruel, and only the love of God helps and keeps it in existence.

May God keep each of you.

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Challenging times in Ukraine

In my report I would like to share with you the news of the latest developments in regards to Ukraine and the Bible Institute of Bear Valley. The New Year was not peaceful; the entire territory of Ukraine was pounded with missiles that were launched by the Russians. Because of the artillery shelling we experienced blackouts; no electricity, no heating, no gas, no running water. More than forty of the innocent civilians were killed in the recent attack. The enemy tries to destroy infrastructure (so far, $100 billion in infrastructure damage and counting). It’s very harmful especially now when we are having sub-zero temperatures outdoors. This is why we are very grateful for your aid and the donations that you contribute to  congregations and to the entire Ukrainian nation.

The classes in the Bible Institute have started in the beginning of January. Currently, we have four students who are taking the classes. The current curriculum is the Book of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. The instructor is Denis Sopelnik. Next, the students will be studying the 1st and 2nd Book of Kings which will be taught by Vladimir Paziy. One of our students (Victoria Radkevich) did finish her studies in December. She completed all the classes, and in May she will receive the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degree.

Unfortunately, the military mobilization campaign in Ukraine is in the next phase, and many Ukrainian men are pressed into service. There have been cases when Ukrainian military recruiters used harsh tactics to fill ranks. The troops’ losses in Ukraine are huge and many men are trying to stay at home and not venture outdoors. This is why we are utilizing on-line studies.

At the moment, my family and I are living in Germany; we are helping the local church congregation in the city of Leipzig. We continue to conduct Bible classes for the Ukrainian children and their parents. Last Sunday I was preaching in English for the first time; I was mainly reading my sermon outline on a piece of paper. I hope that soon I will be able to say a few phrases in German, too.

I am very encouraged that our instructors and graduates are able to conduct worship services in Ukraine (in Bila Tserkva, Chernovtsy, Uzhhorod, Kiev, Skvira and other cities). In these cities the local Christians are distributing humanitarian aid, while sharing the gospel with the refugees.

We are very thankful to the American churches which are continuing to help  Ukraine and the Bear Valley Bible Institute. We  persevere in our efforts to prepare the future ministers, even in these difficult times.

Your brother, Dennis Sopelnik

God still works in hard times

Dear brothers and sisters,

In my report today I would like to show how God works through the difficult times. Sometimes we don't know what to expect tomorrow but still we can completely trust God and His love. The studies continue in the Bible Institute. Thank God we have Internet and we can do everything on-line. Of course, it's no substitute for the real fellowship but we have this good opportunity to work distantly during the war times. Last month our Instructors were Denton Landonfor the Genesis and Dmitro Galyuk for Exodus -
Deuteronomy. Also the Masters' Program was resumed in December after the long break.

The last time we had the program it was during the pre-quarantine time in the whole world. We have a group of 6 students-preachers. Almost all of them are the graduates of the Bear Valley Bible Institute who now serve as Ministers in different congregations (Uzhgorod, Bela Tserkva, Poltava, Chernivtsy, Brovary). Currently they are taking the course called Introduction to Research Papers Writing.

During November and December we had a few baptisms initiated by our Instructors and graduates. One of them took place in Warsaw. Our Instructor Vladimir Paziy who is currently in Poland had studied with a man and recently baptized him for the remissions of his sins. There was one more baptism in Chernivtsy.

As I've written before my family and I are currently in Germany and we are trying to stay useful to the local congregation. Every Sunday after the services we invite and get together with some Ukrainian refugees for fellowship, tea party, time of crafts and tell them about the Church and Jesus Christ. We have had a few of such meetings by now and there are some regular visitors. We are grateful to Amerikraine fund for this ministry and the opportunity to help people out. And I'd like to thank all sponsors who work constantly towards the goal of keeping the ministry of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ukraine and training the preachers. At the present time we are working on the schedule for the next school year. If some of our American brethren like to teach a course we'd really like that. Please send me a personal message and we will discuss details. May God keep you,

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Praying for peace in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,

I'd like to share with you some news from the Bear Valley Bible Institute and some  changes in my family life.

About a week ago the students returned to the online studies after the evangelical practice and vacation. Currently they are studying the gospels of Matthew and Mark. I'm the Instructor, and the course will last a week and a half. The students had an opportunity to help the local congregations with delivering the humanitarian aid and establishing the contacts with the people who were receiving it. It was a good experience for them  as well as learning to preach and demonstrate patience in ministry. Vyacheslav and Alexander worked in Dnipro while Maksim and Vadim helped the congregation in Bela Tserkva. Victoria was in Kiyv and Chernihiv where she helped her husband in ministry.

About 3 weeks ago my family left Ukraine, spent some time in Warsaw and now we are in Germany, in the city of Leipzig. This city has the congregation of the Church of Christ where we worship alongside our brothers and sisters. We decided to make this difficult and responsible decision to secure the safety of our three children. We were physically and emotionally exhausted to constantly live in a state of stress. While in Warsaw I had an opportunity to preach and teach a lesson in the middle of the week. We noticed that there were many Ukrainian speaking preachers there and we decided to move to a different location where our presence will be more beneficial in our opinion. The congregation in Leipzig is multicultural, brethren speak Ukrainian, English, German and Spanish. There are some families from Ukraine here, people who we've known for a long time.

It looks like there are not too many news but the last three weeks were very tiring. We can't wait for the return of peace so we can safely go back to Ukraine.

We are grateful to all who continues supporting the  Bible Institute, the Instructors and my ministry.

May God keep you safe.

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Making adjustments in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters, as well as the congregations,

We are very grateful for your prayers and your help that you constantly send to our country and the congregations of the Church of Christ.

The winter time is approaching and we are praying that we will have the opportunity to live through the colder time of the year. The warfare continues and, sadly, thousands of people die daily for the ambitions and desires of the handful of people with the power.

The Ministry of the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

In September Jim Sherman taught "Family Life", Terry Harmon taught the course on Homiletics and currently Vladimir Paziy is teaching "How we got the Bible". The studies are taking place on-line and we are trying to adapt to the new realities. In December we plan on starting Masters' program and we already have 6 students.

The Ministry of the Church in Bila Tserkva.

Last Sunday two people were baptized. It's a joyful event for the Church and for the Lord. An elderly couple from Kharkiv region stopped in Bela Tserkva fleeing from the war. During the previous year we helped them out, sent them food and helped in resolving their social problems. Some brothers would take them to the doctors' appointments, helped them make their living place more comfortable. They got attached to the church and experienced our love and care. They started attending the services regularly, studying with us the Word of God. As the result these two babies in Christ got on the way of salvation.  We pray that they will be an example for the group of other refugees who also attend our services regularly. Every Wednesday we keep on distributing the food packages and preaching the Gospel to newly resettled citizens of our city. This is a  good  opportunity to meet people and establish some friendships.

May God keep you safe and take care of you,

Your brother Dennis Sopelnik.

Classes forced to move online in Ukraine

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters,

News from the Bible Institute.

God has blessed us with the new academic year at the Bear Valley Bible institute -  Ukraine. This year there 5 students on the program. All of them and their families are from the territories where the active warfare is taking place. We are trying to provide some financial aid for them and pay their rent. By taking care of the physical needs we let the students study and devote themselves to the educational process without distractions. We are grateful to the brethren and congregations in the USA who provide the opportunity for our students to be get training and become the qualified preachers in Ukraine.

If you remember the history of our Institute in Ukraine it was founded in Kramatorsk and from 1997 to 2007 it rented a place from a private college and started training preachers. That was the time period of church growth in the Donetsk region. Almost every city would have a congregation and there were dozens of baptisms every month. Then the Institute moved to the city of Gorlovka and it started a new chapter in the history of the Bible Institute. And the building in Kramatorsk that we used for 10 years is now destroyed by missiles. Unfortunately Satan destroys what's dear to us and has value for us.

The first subject that our students had was Hermeneutics (taught by Dennis Sopelnik). Now Jim Sherman is teaching The Scheme of Redemption and Family Life. These are important courses necessary for the future ministers of the church.

We are also starting the Masters' program for our graduates.  We have 6 students as of right now and we are in the process of developing the schedule for them. This will be the first recruitment of the last 5 years. We are in constant need of Ukrainian Instructors and for this reason it's very important for us.

News from Bela Tserkva Church of Christ.

We are trying to spread the Gospel with the help of food packages distribution.  A lot of people are signing up for their turn and we are using the contacts as the opportunity. Also we ship the food packages to the terrorists that were reclaimed after the occupation. Mostly to the people we know personally and the people who are connected to our Christians. This is also a good way to demonstrate the Lord's love.

Last Saturday we had a seminar for our students and the church members on Apologetics. It was conducted by our American brother Michael Houts who works for the NASA. It was very interesting and educational.

Our government is preparing us for the hard winter. Most likely there will be shortages of natural gas, electricity and water because the Russians keep destroying the infrastructure of our cities with the missiles' strikes.

We ask you to keep praying for us and for our Instructor Valentin who is serving in the Military Forces of Ukraine. Please also pray for the speedy return of peace to our country.

Last month I had to have a knee surgery connected with meniscus tear. Please pray for me as the post surgery recovery is accompanied with some difficulties.

Thank you for your help and support. May God keep you.

Your brother, 

Dennis Sopelnik

An update from Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,

Thank you for your prayers and your unfailing participation in the work of God. Last month our family had an amazing news. God gifted us with the 3rd daughter. We named her Diana. Praise the Lord, the labor went safely even though there was an air raid alert and the medical staff suggested us to move to the basement for shelter. Unfortunately, our hospitals are not prepared for such dire conditions and our family was very scared.

There were also some changes implemented in the work of the Bible Institute. We had to let go one of Instructors as the disciplinary action and some others followed him. We understood that it had to be done and calculated the risks of negative consequences.  However, we keep moving forward and everything is ready for the new school year.  As I mentioned in the previous letter the air raids are constant all over Ukraine, there's always a danger of blackouts and lost of the central heating. For these reasons we will transfer to the online studies until there's no danger for our Instructors and students. We have got 5 students for the first year of the program.

There are all temporally dislocated individuals and we will have to seek additional funding for rent needs of every family. On average it's about $200-300 a month.

It's been 1.5 years since the beginning of the active warfare and, naturally, people are exhausted and longing for peace. They want to go to work, buy groceries and clothes, have some normal rest and stop worrying about their families every second. But, unfortunately, we have to live with the prolonged war with extensive bloodshed. Currently we have the 3rd stage of mobilization. Men younger than 60 are dealing with forceful encounters in the streets when they are being given the drafting paperwork and sent to the military commissaries for medical evaluation and dispatching to the military units. The  fatalities are numerous and the military units are in constant need of recruits. It's very stressful emotionally for those who are scared and not willing to join the military. For this reason it's not unusual that men prefer to stay at home and only women go to work. The humanitarian aid is the only means of surviving for some people. We are trying to use this avenue to share the word of God and introduce people to the church.

Last Sunday I went to preach to Brovary to support the local  congregation that works for the Lord a lot. During the following week Konstantin and I went to Kramatorsk to deliver the grocery care packages. People there are in such great need that the list of people asking for help numbers over 500 individuals. And they are willing to wait for months for their turn.

There were baptisms this month in Kiyv, Nikopol, Kremenchoog. God is adding people to His family. It encourages us and gives us strength to keep working. Thank you for your love and support for our ministry.

May God keep you all,

Your brother Dennis Sopelnik

God blesses His own in Ukraine

How are you, brothers and sisters? In spite of all the hardships that our country is facing we have been able to finish this academic year. This year has been full of trials and  tribulations. We had to relocate our Bible Institute to the city of Chernivtsi, this was and still is the safest place in our country. During this year I had to commute back and forth from Bila Tserkva to Chernivtsi and supervise the academic process. Every time it took me approximately eight hours to travel one way. I couldn’t relax because of the constant air raid sirens, missile attacks on our cities, black-outs and power cuts, lack of heating and of water. 

But God is above all of our problems and He has kept us alive and well. As l look back, I can see how God has  revealed to us our strengths and weaknesses. God has shown us where we should labor.  This year three students graduated. One of them (Alexander) has already started work as a youth minister in the church in Chernivtsi. He has been preparing himself for this type of work during the last two years. Two other students (Anton and Timothy) are helping with the church ministry in the city of Kiev. That congregation doesn’t have a  full-time minister, and the local brethren are taking turns doing preaching and teaching. Over there, these graduate students are learning how to preach, prepare and conduct summer Christian camps. They work mainly with the youth and invite others to participate in youth group meetings.

The new school year will start in September. Now is the practice time; therefore, they are gaining experience in the labor of the church. Last week we drove to Kramatorsk (which is located twenty  miles from the frontlines) and delivered humanitarian aid, both to the local Christians and visitors who attend the Sunday worship services. This time we distributed humanitarian aid to 50 persons. Before we arrive, they get registered and then they look forward to our visits. Of course, there are many more people who are in dire need but it would require much more resources. Therefore, we help, first of all, those who are in the greatest need. There is a group of refugees in Bila Tserkva, roughly 20 persons, who regularly attend our worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays. They are studying the Scriptures, asking questions, and we are trying to help them to adjust to a new life in the city. 

There are also people who show up only once in a while but we still hope that they would commit to become regular visitors and maybe, later on, become members of the local Lord’s church. We have been conducting this type of work during the last year and only now we can see the fruit of our efforts. Naturally, some people make an appearance only to receive humanitarian aid but we’re praying that God will touch their hearts through our service.

We are very grateful for the assistance and for the prayers of the brethren who are supporting our ministry and helping us in our work.  May the Lord keep each one of you.

Your brother,

Dennis. 

Pressing on in Ukraine

Greetings to our dear brothers and sisters and churches. I am very grateful for your prayers and the assistance that you provide for the people of Ukraine. We still have a war going on that everyone is tired of, except for the aggressor. The Russian army artillery shelling rains down on the entire territory of Ukraine; the Russians are striking with hypersonic missiles. Both the military and civilians are dying alike every day. Many refugees are coming to us; we have distributed thousands of food packages but it seems like there’s no end to this.

People need food, clothing; many of them are resentful of their lives and angry at God. Many children are psychologically traumatized; they and their parents are calling us on the phone to get in line in order to obtain humanitarian aid. And all of this is happening far from the battlefields; at the frontlines there’s only death, pain and grief. New cemeteries are growing like mushrooms after the rainfall. We don’t even know the exact numbers of the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Bible Institute

Last month the following subjects were taught: the Book of Galatians and the Book of Revelation (teacher Denys Sopelnyk), Prison Epistles (Vitaly Rodichev). The month of May is the last month for our three graduates. It was a very difficult period for these guys. At first, it was the Covid 19 quarantine which forced everyone to stay at home in order to avoid the virus. Then the war began which made people move all over the place. During that time, we experienced massive missile and drone air attacks, in addition to blackouts and energy cuts. In a word, the reality is such that there was no quiet time during their studies. I am very grateful to all the teachers who, in spite of the hardships, found the time and made the effort to make sure that the preachers’ preparation program continued in Ukraine.

Church in Ukraine.

We are still trying to visit the town of Kramatorsk once a month where we are taking the humanitarian food aid. In May we made a second trip to that frontline town. It’s only twenty miles from the frontlines. We are distributing food packages and conducting evangelistic lessons; we also are inviting the people to attend our worship services on Sunday. Thank God, we have good results. People do come and listen to the gospel message even on the days when there is no food packages distribution. May the Lord keep and protect His church. Thank you for your love.

Your brother,

Sopelnyk Denys

Some good news from Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,  as well as congregations,

We are grateful to God for His love and mercy He provides for us every day. The last couple of weeks the situation in the country remained very difficult, however, controlled. There's fierce warfare along the whole battle line and, sadly, both sides have a lot of fatalities. The freedom that Ukraine wants to defend is available only at the great cost. We ask for your to pray for us, for the Lord's church and for the peace in our country.

Bear Valley Bible Institute.

In the end of the last month our students had evangelical practice. It took place in the cities of Lviv and Chernivtsy. Viacheslav Shmakov and his wife went to Lviv where they helped the local congregation, taught lessons and preached at the Sunday services. The rest of the students body remained in Chernivtsy. They held Christian meetings for children, youth group meetings, paid visits to the members of the local congregation and served the refugees who had relocated to the city recently. In this way the students got a very good practical idea of what the ministry was like and how to be a part of the  process.

We have some good news. Our future graduate Alexander Radkevich will serve as the youth minister in Chernivtsy upon graduation. For the long time the congregation was getting ready for this important event and now the moment has come. You might remember that about a year ago I mentioned in my report that Alexander and Victoria had been married while our first year students. They are both young and full of energy, and  very excited to serve the Lord. The congregation in Chernivtsy will be their starting point where they can demonstrate their abilities. We are looking for some financial support on their behalf and if you are willing to help them or know someone who will be interested in sponsoring the ministry please get in touch with me.

The Church of Christ in Bela Tserkva.

During the last month we kept helping the relocated refugees. Usually we invite them to the Sunday service and when it's over we distribute the grocery care packages. This way we constantly have a circle of fellowship with the people who have needs.

Last week the Bela Tserkva church of Christ Minister Konstantin and I went to Kramatorsk to help out the local congregation with food packages. The church still meets there, about 10 Christians who  still can't evacuate from the city due to their personal reasons. The city is only about 12 miles from the front line and, as you can assume, the situation is critical. Major stores are closed down, and the smaller ones have raised the prices 1.2-2 times on all groups of merchandise. There are no jobs on the city and a lot of military personnel who use the city as their military base and move around the city from morning till night. A lot of times the city is attacked by the hostile artillery and there's not enough time for air raid sirens to react to the threat. Unfortunately, such as the life of many front line proximity cities where  hundreds of civilians still remain for various reasons. The government doesn't have funds to help with the resettlement in safer places and a very low income level for a large amount of the population makes people remain in the dangerous areas. We'd like to continue this ministry and we are looking for people  who'd like to financially support the project.

May God keep you and your families. Search for peace and remain in it. Thank you for your prayers and your help that you provide for our country and our congregations.

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik