As many of you know, one of the best things about the Ukrainian Bible Institute is the staff. They are well known around Ukraine and even around the world, and so I know many of you have been wondering how they are doing.
Over this next week, I'd like to share with you a few updates about our staff. I want to share with you about where they are and what everyone is busy with even beyond their regular UBI responsibilities. I'm also excited to introduce new additions to our staff. These new coworkers bring wonderful gifts to the school, and I look forward to working with them as UBI grows in new ways.
Today, however, I'd like to start by updating you about two staff members that have moved on from UBI.
Instructor Dima Grishuk
After 16 years of teaching, one of our dear instructors, Dima Grishuk, made the decision late this summer to step away from his involvement with the Ukrainian Bible Institute.
Dima was part of one of UBI's first graduating classes, and he has been actively involved in ministry ever since. He is a talented teacher and an important mentor to many. He has been involved in church planting and has led the Let’s Love ministry for many years.
Dima has remained in Ukraine throughout the war and has been working hard leading Let's Love and, specifically, the group Volunteer Brothers, which has brought relief to thousands of people in significant ways across the country. Through his initiative and organizational talents, thousands have received aid and over two thousand have been evacuated from dangerous areas of Ukraine.
Dima shared with me towards the end of summer that he was stepping away from UBI and full-time paid ministry. He wanted instead to pursue vocational ministry and continue his work with his congregation and with Let's Love.
His departure is an end of an era for UBI. Even though we miss him, I understand and support his decision and step of faith into a new area of work. We pray that God will continue to bless him and his family abundantly as he begins this new journey.
Translator Zheyna Tochilkin
We are also sad to say goodbye to Yevgenniy (Zhenya) Tochilkin.
Zhenya began working with UBI in 2016. He is a talented translator who also loves to make others laugh. His spirit always brought an element of fun to the staff and the students, and the friendship he and I share is very special to me.
Those that know him know that he has struggled with severe neck problems after an accident he had as a teenager. Strangely enough, the war provided an opportunity for him and his wife Nastia to travel to Reno, Nevada and undergo an operation and treatment there. Zhenya is going through a long rehabilitation, and so he and Nastia have settled in the States for the time being.
Due to the limited translation needs we currently have, as well as the 10-hour time difference between Ukraine and Nevada, it just became impractical for him to stay on with us at this time. We miss him, but we are thankful he is doing well.
Changes
This war has brought so many changes to every aspect of our lives and to our ministries. These changes were not welcome changes—they were forced on us. But through these changes God has presented opportunities and directions that weren't possible before.
We are sad to say goodbye to two of our dear staff members, but we are excited about what God is doing with their lives.
I know many of you are blessed to know both Dima and Zhenya. If you haven't already, I encourage you to reach out and share a word of encouragement to them in their new places.
In a few days, I’ll share with you how our current staff is doing and then, early next week, I’ll introduce you to our new staff members.
Thank you all so much for your continued love and support.
Sincerely,
Brandon Price