While traveling through Western Ukraine, glimpses of the old way of life and glimpses of new technology are seen side by side in many of the small towns and villages. New homes and new businesses are being built in many various areas. What a joy to behold evangelical churches dotting the landscape in different locations of this region! But sadness also appears when one realizes that some of these small towns and villages do not have church buildings. Some places lack the benefit of even one genuine believer.
Therefore, evangelistic outreach still is necessary in the country of Ukraine. Supporting national workers and projects must continue to be a top priority for believers of other countries. One should never forget that the Great Commission proclaims the "world" as its goal. Of course, one cannot support every "plea" for assistance, but one can help some — or at least another one!
The Biblical seminaries and colleges are preparing students to go into these small towns and villages. The leadership and teaching staff perform their tasks and pray that each student will develop into effective witnesses and workers for the Lord. Rob Zapotoski, SMS International Field Coordinator, is grateful to God for the opportunity to participate in this spiritual education of the next generation in Western Ukraine.
Some of those students who have finished their training are now serving the Lord in different capacities. Bogdan Savka, a graduate of the first class of students from the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary, now serves as the pastor of the church in Stebnik. Volodimir Kutni, a graduate from the recent class of students from UBTS, just started serving as youth pastor in the church of Storona. Ivanna Popudnik, also a student from the recent graduating class, is the new librarian in the Bible College in Lvov. "And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:6-8).
Let us continue to pray and participate in the evangelistic efforts within Ukraine. Consider supporting a student who is preparing for Christian ministry, or consider assisting a project that will reach people with the proclamation of the Gospel. Like the believers of Philippi who assisted Paul in his missionary work, may we also supply to those who are in need the necessary resources that will become "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18).
