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.
