I am Vlad from the village of Dubiivka. As a family, we didn't know about God but our neighbor told us about Christ and invited us to the church. I became a member of Ruska Poliana Baptist Church in 2006, along with my mom and older brother. As we do not have transport, we walk the 3 ? miles to church. I am also very involved every Sunday afternoon in the children's ministry at another church.

In 2006 I enrolled in the medical college, and a year later my brother entered the teacher-training institute.  Mom can't work because of her poor health and Dad's salary was not enough to pay for our education. So, to help him pay the fees, we used to work in our spare time at the sawmill. I've actually been working there since I was 14 years old. And praise God; thus far the Lord has helped us.

This year, I progressed to the Dentist Academy in Poltava. This profession is the dream of my life, but the fees are very expensive. It is $ 2,480 per year for seven years. Also I have to rent an apartment, because the city is 300 kilometers away from my village. That will cost me another $660 - 825 per year plus transport expenses.

Our parents have never tired of helping us, but due to the economic crisis, my father has lost his job. My brother has two more years at the Institute.

Vlad Futiomas