On the highest rock of a tiny island
at the edge of the world stands a lighthouse.
It is built to last forever.
Sending its light out to sea.
—Sophie Blackall
Twenty-three Years of UBI
On May 15th, the Ukrainian Bible Institute completed its 23rd academic year. God has done incredible things with this school over these 23 years. UBI is not just a Bible institute. It is a place of renewal and spiritual growth. It is a place of training of future ministers. It's a conduit of so much benevolence work, and it is a partner for many ministries throughout Ukraine and abroad. It has been a lighthouse for the kingdom of God in Ukraine.
God deserves all the glory for its successes, of course, but it's impossible to overlook one of the primary tools he's used to accomplish his work through UBI. Jay Don Rogers has faithfully kept this lighthouse for the last nineteen years. For many it's difficult to imagine UBI without Jay Don and Mary Lee. Their leadership and love and sacrifice to help the school stand has permanently fused their spirits together with this place.
And so it is with tempered excitement that I take over the job of polishing the lens, refilling the oil, and trimming the wick. I pray that I never lose the sense of the incredible honor I feel stepping into this role. Jay Don and I have shared a wonderful year of transition together, and I look forward to many more years of partnership.
I asked Jay Don to share about our last two months of studies as well as how he and Mary Lee are fairing during this time of departure.
Unmet Expectations
Jay Don Rogers
The final two months were certainly not what we expected. Due to COVID-19, we spent our final weeks within virtual classrooms. It was great to be able to see the students' smiling faces each day, but it was certainly not the same as seeing everyone in person and sharing hugs. Even though we would have never chosen to have this experience, we did learn some things from it. In the future, we will be able to do a more effective job of hosting classes remotely when our visiting teachers aren't able to make the trip in person. We don't want to give up those visits by any means, but we know now how to work well should the need arise.
Instead of having the large graduation ceremony that we usually have, we were forced to do things differently. We only had 14 people at graduation (as opposed to our regular 100), and two of the six graduates had to join us online. As this was our last year, it was a very emotional day and seemed so unreal. Mary Lee and I shed many tears.
It is very difficult to bring this nineteen-year ministry to a close. Our time in Ukraine has been wonderful, and it is hard to say goodbye and begin this new stage in our lives. (We will certainly need some additional grieving time when this is all over with.)
Brandon Price is now the director of the Ukrainian Bible Institute. It makes it so much easier to leave knowing we are handing the leadership off to a very wonderful and capable family. We are so thankful that they have agreed to take on this great work. I have much confidence in Brandon as the new director of UBI. He and Katie love Ukraine, they love UBI and, most of all, they love the Lord. I know Brandon will do a great job in his new role.
Moving Forward
Even though Jay Don is leaving Ukraine, he will continue to serve the school as its international liaison, representing UBI stateside in a more full-time way. We also look forward to having him and Mary Lee visit once or twice a year to continue teaching the students.
We thank each and every one of you for the love and support you show our families and this school. Please continue praying for this transition. Be praying for the upcoming school year and for the students God will be sending us. Be praying that UBI continues to be light for the kingdom of God in Ukraine.
Until next time,
Brandon Price