Updates on the Situation in Ukraine
Plus, our students are back in the classroom
It is no secret that Ukraine is in a very precarious position. Russian troops continue to build along the border, and the West is doing all it can to prevent an invasion. No one knows what Putin’s ultimate plan is. Some feel he is open to diplomatic solutions, others do not. Some think there are signs that things are getting better. Others are convinced things are getting worse with each passing day.
The views around the world are so ominous that the virtual silence in Ukraine is disquieting. Even though the Ukrainian government acknowledges the potential of an incursion and is accepting help and seeking alliances from other nations, officials continue to downplay any imminent danger. I believe this is as much cultural as it is pragmatic (and maybe even strategic).
And so life continues on as normal. Schools and businesses are open. There is no run on the grocery stores or ATMs. And UBI is back in session.
First Week Back
Yesterday was the first day of class after the students returned from their winter practicum. It was a blessing to listen to them share about their successes serving in their home congregations. They were all required to lead Bible studies, participate in the life of the church, and to make twenty visits to people in their churches. Several students were touched by how powerful those one-on-one visits could be. It was good to hear what they had learned over the last two months.
Our first-year students are now studying Letters of John, and our second-year students are learning about New Testament Leadership. Five students are out sick, but they are joining us online. It feels good to be back together again.
The staff and I continue to monitor the situation in the country, and we are praying for peace as well as wisdom to make difficult decisions should things get worse. For now, we will continue to teach God’s word to these eager disciples so that they will be able to go on from this place and do the same. (Is now not the exact right time to be focused on this?)
We thank you for your constant support. Thank you for your notes of encouragement and concern. Ukraine needs UBI, and UBI needs you. Thank you for your ongoing and faithful partnership. We will keep you updated of any important news or decisions.
Until next time,
Brandon Price
Director of UBI
For those interested in knowing more about how my family and I are doing, as well as what plans we have considering the current situation, I encourage you to sign up for our family updates here. (We try to keep family news and official UBI updates separate, but these current events have really blurred the lines in terms of our reporting to you.) You can see our latest update which went out today here.