Celebrations at UBI
Graduation, another partner's meeting, and a new congregation turns one!
Dear partners,
We are thankful to be enjoying the summer season, but with the ongoing war and humanitarian aid needs, the work of UBI continues despite the fact that we aren’t in classes every day.
The last month has certainly been busy, and I am excited to share with you how we ended this school year.
UBI Partner’s Meeting
Just as we did in November, UBI hosted another Serving Those Who Serve event. We met at the beginning of June, and this time we rented a retreat center in Irpin (a small city outside of Kyiv). Over 100 ministers, family members, and other guests made the trip from all over Ukraine to spend three days of worship, prayer, reflection, and fellowship time together. It was a joy to once against seek to bless those who are on the ground working hard to serve others day in and day out.
Our theme was I Will Be With You from Isaiah 43, and our activities challenged everyone to be mindful of God’s constant and personal presence in their lives. We talked about not doubting in God’s presence and making sure we are giving him ours—joining him in His work. We also took some time to emphasize that UBI is also with them as they work in their respective ministries.
We heard reports from our ministry partners who every month distribute 2,500 grocery packages in cities around Ukraine. We split up into discussion groups while we studied God’s Word together, and we spent time in guided personal prayer and reflection time together. On our final afternoon, I also taught a practical class on how to better communicate with sponsors through newsletters and social media posts.
We were happy that many of our current students were able to attend as well. Most had only met on Zoom before, so it was a blessing to watch them spend time with one another in real life.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the time together, and our guests expressed their sincere thanks for the effort put into those three beautiful days. (One group, from the eastern city of Kharkov, especially enjoyed a few days of quiet from the constant shelling they have been hearing for the last few months.)
Erik Tryggestad from the Christian Chronicle joined us for the event and shared some from his experience in his article here.
UBI Graduation
We didn’t gather solely to spend time with our ministry partners, however. It was also time to celebrate the graduation of the 2024 class. These five students were the last to have started UBI before the war, and they have worked hard to finish during such a difficult time. It was a blessing to hear personal words of appreciation from them as they received their diplomas, and we all enjoyed laughing together as the students poked fun at each other and their teachers. One visitor commented on how important it was to spend such a joyful time together like this, and how there hasn’t been enough of that over the last two years.
Four of our five graduates are already engaged in full-time ministry, and another is looking for one to join. We are proud of their hard work and excited to see how God will use them in the future.
Graduation was made even meaningful by the attendance of two very special guests. Jay Don and Mary Lee Rogers made the trip to Kyiv to spend these three days with us. It was their first trip back to Ukraine since they left in 2020, and everyone was very excited to see them. Jay Don was our special guest speaker for graduation.
The Christian Chronicle also published an article about UBI’s graduation that you can read here.
Elblag
This last week, the Ukrainian church plant in Elblag, Poland celebrated its first birthday. This congregation began in partnership with the Sopot Church of Christ in northern Poland. The minister there, Bogdan Bagdasarov, is a UBI alumnus and he and his family moved to Elblang last year specifically to work with Ukrainian refugees. UBI also partners with this church to provide aid to those they minister to.
We praise God for this new congregation in Elblag, and we praise God for Bogdan and his family who are working so hard to serve the people there.
Summer Studies
Even though our students are on their summer break, they are still active in ministering in their home congregations. And, this year, they are all required to take the course Minor Prophets as an online video course on their own schedule.
The next school year begins September 2, 2024. We have already received around five applications. This year I am praying for 15 new students. Will you join me this summer in praying for 15 new students who will come and learn God’s word, grow in their own personal faith, and will learn how to confidently share it with others?
Until Next Time
We hope you enjoy a blessed summer of rest and spiritual opportunities. We thank you for your constant support and words of encouragement. Our Heavenly Father is using UBI in many big ways, and we couldn’t do that with our staff, students, ministry network, and our partners like you.
Sincerely,
Brandon Price