We had, at the Hope Now Bible School, a very rich graduation service of sermons, testimonies, poems and songs. Everyone serves the Lord, as he is able. The Lord blesses, He uses His clay vessels as He wants. I watch and listen and can’t help but rejoice that, as a graduating student, I am a part of God’s work.
There was a time, when I was so far away from the cross of Christ that I didn’t want to look that way. I wanted to be “on top,” to be an important person. Now I understand that wasn’t the right way to follow. As it is written in Isaiah 17:5 “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm…” and again “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased… (Lk.14:11). Therefore, it happened that I found myself in a prison cell. God wanted to show me my place in this world.
I thank Jesus Christ, that he touched my heart when I was in Kiev Remand Center. I was given my first Bible there, which I use to this day. I read there, in God’s Word, about His love for me and I still feel that love today. I was humbled, and began to behave in God’s way. Because of good behavior, I was sent to a pre-release center for two years and was released in a year.
I found the Baptist church in Korsun, which was actually built by Hope Now, and I met brothers who, like me had been in Prison. I was baptized in 2007. It seemed, I had everything – I was a child of God, my wife was a Christian, my children grew under the protection of God, but I was lacking knowledge. I couldn’t go far with my own understanding. But how can one study at Bible School and still work to earn a crust?
Praise God, he showed me His blessing – and I graduated from the Hope Now Bible center. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me to learn the Word of God and opened my heart for fulfilling His will. First, I am thankful to my teachers in the Lord – Vladimir Kuzin, Vadim Kurat, Sergei Geiza, Gennadii Gololob and others. They all made God’s stroke in shaping me as a Christian.
All of us are pleased with the method of teaching, accommodation, conditions and food.
We can’t thank enough those whose who support Hope Now, giving us a chance to gain Bible knowledge, and yet still be close to family and work. Praise be to God, who motivates for all good actions.
On May 15, students will gather with their teachers and guests to
celebrate graduation. It is thrilling to know that these men will spread
far and wide to be pastors and church planters.
Greetings to you dear brothers and sisters, and peace be to you. God has blessed me with a ministry in a Christian church called
"Calvary". I am an administrator of the church. As a part of my job, I
often visit city administrators, governor's committees and meet with
secular people.
The Hope Now Bible School in Cherkassy has opened new classes for
Sunday school teachers. Vitally Kozak was one of the first to take this
course and shares his impressions with us.
