Winter Bible School January 2009
The Ukraine Bible school in Poltava Ukraine was an amazing experience for all involved. Brothers and sisters from all over Russia, Belarus, Estonia, England, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Latvia and the U.S.A. all attended. There were around 90 present, including the day visitors from the local ecclesia. The accommodations were well planned by our local sister, Ludmila, and the food was typically Russian. The spiritual food was even better. Brother Scott Ketelsen from the U.S.A. gave a series of talks on the Tabernacle.
Photo: Brothers from throughout the former USSR discussing together Scott's model of the tabernacle
Brother Duncan Heaster from Latvia brought talks on the book of James and led the daily Bible readings from the Bible Companion. There was amazing discussion on each chapter.
Photo: Group discussion of themes from the book of James
Charles Klennert from the U.S.A. brought a series of talks on the prophets. There was even a program with plays, poems, prayers and songs to celebrate the baptisms. Brother Alexei and sister Vera composed poems about the Bible School and recited them to us. Our new brother Misha played an active part in the play about Jael and Sisera:
One of the evening activities was based upon the list of names in Romans 16. Everyone was given a scroll to write, which they could use as a bookmark, listing the names of those whom they were thankful for. It was wonderful to see how truly a new family has been developed over the last 15 years of unceasing preaching and pastoral work.
Photo: Sisters from Ukraine and Moldova writing their scroll
The fellowship was amazing to witness. Brothers and sisters who see each other ever so briefly throughout the year cherished the time they spent together. Old friends were reacquainted and new friends were made. It was an amazing testament to what the kingdom will be like when our Savior returns to earth to establish the beloved truth throughout the earth. We sang, we cried, we laughed, we prayed, we discussed the scriptures at quite some length together.
Photo: Distributing scarves knitted by sisters in England and Australia being distributed to sisters at the Bible School
Photo: Distributing large print Bibles sent over from America
At the middle of the school we had 3 baptisms: TIMUR from Uzbekistan, VALENTIN from Ukraine, both of whom had studied Bible Basics online, and MISHA also from Ukraine, the brother of our sisters Anna and Larisa. A loving reminder of the power of our doctrine, it is being accepted throughout the world. God is calling out a people for His name.
Sister Larisa's sister Anna was baptized at last year's school, and now their brother Misha was baptized. It's so great to see the Truth spread within these families, many of whom were atheists not many years ago.
Photo: Sis Anna drying her brother's hair after his baptism; a family united in Christ
Bro Misha receiving greetings on behalf of us all from Sis. Olga from Moldova; Sis. Larisa reads a poem to her brother [a very emotional moment]:
The days together at the Bible school will be treasured and remembered throughout the year by all who were involved. If you have a chance to come and see the faith, hope and joy we all experienced, take it. There was young and old alike who felt the power of God at various times in various ways throughout the school. Though we all may be broken, and truly there are many broken lives in Eastern Europe, we have joy in the things of God.
Your Brother in Christ
Charlie Klennert