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. All of this is made possible by people paying just $7 a month –money well spent.
As the two-year session at the Cherkassy Centre for Biblical Studies draws to a close and we students look forward to graduation and a farewell party, there are mixed feelings to make us both sad and happy. We are sad, because we shall rarely be able to come together again. We became such good friends with one another. We had discussions, similar problems, and common prayers. And we are happy, because God has richly blessed each of us during the study. I can say we received a triple blessing.
Blessing number one was the academic process itself. Wonderful, God-gifted teachers, a rich informative program and fine conditions, all of which stimulated the students to grow as leaders and ministers of different church ministries. I serve as a property manager in the church and as leader of a home group. I praise God for my study. My knowledge is enriched and now I can answer many questions I used to avoid answering two years ago.
The second blessing was the wonderful fellowship among us. We understood and learned better as we had practical lessons together. There is another aspect to this. As one spends a part of the month back in the home location, in work and ministry, different problems arise and sometimes one feels let down. However, when study begins, we again all come together, pray, and enjoy fellowship. In this process, we soon learn that another brother has been grappling with the same problems or a comparable situation. Good advise is then shared and everyone is strengthened and encouraged. After the session is over you come to your own “little aquarium,” with answers to the questions that you had, with new ideas and a fresh desire to live and serve God.
Blessing number three is the sweetest one but that is still ahead of us. That is to put the knowledge we gained into practice. To give is much better that to receive. Jesus Christ was teaching his disciples but at the end he said: “Go therefore, and teach all nations … (Mathew 28:19). In order that the knowledge we received should not die, we shall pass it on to others. That is what it means, “to teach.” That is how we can invest in fulfilling the great commission.
We thank God every day for the opportunity to study, for brothers and sisters who have generously given their donations to Hope Now to make it possible for us to receive a triple blessing.
Ivan Syvachuk Cherkassy Centre for Biblical Studies Graduate, Class of 2010
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.
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.
