UBI Graduation 2025
Thirteen graduates, our new internship program, and a message from our students
On June 13th, UBI proudly celebrated the graduation of 13 students from its program. These students worked very hard for 18 months (and some for even more), and it was a blessing to honor them together.
Nearly 100 people attended the graduation (which was held alongside our Ministry Network retreat), and we were blessed to hear from a very special guest speaker, Ben Williams, a preacher from Oklahoma. Ben teaches several courses on a regular basis and the students were very excited to finally meet him in person.
After the graduation ceremony, everyone enjoyed a beautiful banquet together. The event was filled with joy and gratitude, honoring the dedication of our students.
New Guided Internship Program
Most of our graduates are also participating in our very first six-month internship program. The students are ministering in their home congregations full time while also maintaining accountability and contact with UBI. In addition to their ministry at home, they also have regular assignments and even another class to take during this program. This internship is a way for them to put into practice the things they have learned while at the same maintaining a connection to the institute to ensure their success.
This pilot program will come to an end on September 1st (the first day of the new school year), and we look forward to hearing from our students about their experiences so as to make improvements for next year. Launching this new internship program marks another milestone in realizing the vision set for UBI two years ago (presented here).
Messages from the Students
As a reminder, our students study full-time and, because of this, are not able to keep a regular job. Your consistent donations allow them to focus fully on their studies and not worry about whether they can take care of themselves. It’s a blessing which our students do not take for granted. Recently I asked them to write some messages to you about their time at UBI. Here is what some of them said.
I want to thank you for your financial support. You take money from your own families and send it to me, which alleviates my financial needs and allows me to dedicate my time to spiritual development. This enables me to grow stronger in faith, understand God’s Word, and work to save lost souls.
I thank you for the financial support. Your support is invaluable because it allows us to study in peace and learn the Word of God without worrying about finding food.
You don't know me personally, but I am filled with gratitude for your generosity. You exemplify a godly way of life, and we students are willing to follow your example. While receiving our education, we did more than study; we changed and grew spiritually.
And regarding how they have been blessed at UBI…
Every book of the Bible serves as a stone in my spiritual foundation. Every teacher served us with love, and we could see it. The foundation laid by the institute is part of God’s building. He will continue to build on it while you and the institute helped lay its firm foundation.
The book [of Job] taught me to accept both good and evil from God. It taught me that God controls everything, and He is not obligated to explain everything to us because he is God. We breathe and live only because He loves us, and because Jesus died on the cross for us and our sins. Thanks to the institute, my heart has found peace.
It was at UBI where I found answers to all my questions thanks to our wonderful teachers. Even better, my personal life has changed. I now understand the Bible and I want to tell others about God, his Son, the Kingdom of Heaven, and eternal life. I now understand that God is all around us and within us. I love studying the Scriptures. Each time I reread them, I discover something new.
My time at UBI is a cherished gift from God. My life before and after my studies at UBI can be compared to the voyage of a small ship (me) sailing along a river. One day, however, my small ship entered a vast ocean—incredibly deep and wide. It has been so exciting. It is such a great responsibility — before God, before you, and before others. Thanks to the profound knowledge I gained in class, my understanding of the Scriptures changed. My faith was reaffirmed, and I gained a clearer understanding of God’s plan for me.
Twenty New Students?
Your partnership with Ukrainian Bible Institute is changing lives. It’s not only changing the lives our students, but it’s changing the lives of those they are working with. It is a joy to watch our student grow spiritually and in their knowledge of God’s Word, and to witness how their formation and education is reaching family, friends, and even strangers around them.
Despite the difficulty of the war, our enrollment has been up. Last fall, we began the school year with 15 students. This year, I am asking our staff, students, and sponsors to pray for 20. Will God bless us with twenty new students? And if He does, can we meet the challenges that will bring? I believe we can.
One important fact remains true: we can’t do this without you. We can’t do it without your prayers and without your donations. UBI is you. UBI is us. And with God’s help, we will continue to grow the ministry and reach of UBI. A ministry which helps disciples and churches shine their lights brighter no matter where they are or what they’re doing.
Thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for everything.
Sincerely,
Brandon Price