READ Ukrainian partner and Board member Volodymyr Degtyaryov updates us on the current standing at Zaporizhzhya Bible Seminary.
Dear friends of ZBS,
For more than five months, Ukraine has been at war with Russia. God has performed miracles during this time. Despite all the pessimistic forecasts at the end of February, Ukraine has not fallen but continues to courageously defend itself and win back occupied territories. Zaporizhzhya is located in the frontline zone, and the risk of hostilities escalating in our region remains quite high. Thank you for your prayers and support for the seminary during this difficult time.
A little about our ministry and plans for the future: during these months, the seminary has primarily been engaged in helping those escaping from the war zone. Many refugees have passed through the ZBS campus and received necessary assistance and an overnight stay in our buildings. And it is thanks to your support that we have been able to do this!
The time has come, though, while continuing to help refugees in one way or another, to return to our main calling: to prepare Christian servants for the ministries of local churches during this difficult time. This week, the Seminary Building is hosting a Teen Education Program with Precept Ministries! Photos below. And it is with joy and overflowing gratitude to God that I can tell you that student life is slowly returning within the ZBS walls.
Just today, as I write, the ZBS faculty held a meeting and made important decisions. It was unanimously decided to begin the new academic year 2022-2023 on September 5th. Additionally, we plan to launch the day with the graduation ceremony we were unable to conduct in May. Thanks be to the Lord for those who were able to successfully complete their studies even in wartime.
Please pray that the enemy will not frustrate these plans. Pray for the graduates and continuing students, especially for the new enrollees who have to make a difficult decision about their studies. Pray for the situation in Zaporizhzhya and Ukraine, that the enemy would be expelled and Ukraine will be free and independent again! Pray for the coming school year, for heating during the winter, and for finances to fully cover the ministry of our seminary. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from all of us at ZBS for your care, prayers, and financial support.
Truly yours in Christ,
Volodymyr Degtyaryov
Development Director
Zaporizhzhya Bible Seminary
