This week at ABS, Jessie Beal taught on the authenticity of the Bible. It was a great message, and one that is certainly needed in our day. One of the main ideas that we try to communicate to people here is that the Bible is our final authority in every area. While many Ukrainians acknowledge that the Bible is a “holy book,” few have any real knowledge as to the many proofs of its divine inspiration.
Jessie teaches on the authenticity of the Bible at ABS, while Joshua translates.
Last Tuesday evening at ABS, I finished teaching through the Gospel of John. It’s been a great experience, and we’re very grateful for all the Ukrainians who have heard the Gospel through this series. In addition to those who actually attend our meetings live, many more will hear the messages on CD and cassette in the days to come. We have recorded every lesson that was taught from John in digital format, and soon we plan to begin mailing CD’s to our students.
ABS students listen to teaching from the Gospel of John.
Last time at ABS (Audio Bible Study), I taught from John chapter 20 on the resurrection. During the course of the lesson, one of the verses I cited was I Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” After the lesson had ended, one of our students, Marian, came up to ask me about this point.
Joshua and Marian discuss the Bible after ABS.
He began by explaining that once he had asked his priest why he should pray to an icon. The priest had replied that the icon was a “mediator” between himself and God. In contrast, we had shown clearly from Scripture that Christ is the ONLY mediator between us and the Father. “Why then would the Church promote prayer to icons if the Bible forbids this?” Marian asked.
Roman and Roman practice English in a discussion about occupations.
Marian and Bryan.
As Mondays come around each week, we begin preparing for English Club and ABS. Sometimes it’s not without an inward sigh, especially considering other all-consuming to-do’s that have to be set aside. And then Tuesday night rolls around and we come home blessed, encouraged, and excited. It is so great to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of these people. We are truly coming to love and appreciate each member of our group, and pray that they will know Christ!
From left: Bryan, Roman, Taras, Joshua, Jessie, Roman.
Meet Taras and Marian. (Do you know how unusual this photo is? Ukrainians hardly ever smile for pictures.)
Standing (from left to right): Jessie, Evelina, Kelsie, Taras, Roman. Sitting: Joshua, Bohdan, Marian, Roman, Anya. (Click the picture to enlarge.)
After breaking last week for the Ukrainian Christmas (here in Ukraine they celebrate on the 6th and 7th of January), we prepared for English Club and ABS (Audio Bible Study) this week with anticipation. Over the past few weeks attendance had dropped due to the holidays, and we wondered if people would return. We had seen some good momentum and interest, but would it continue? On Monday we called our contact list, reminding people that we were resuming the meetings after Christmas. Everyone seemed excited to hear from us and promised to come. Sure enough, on Tuesday evening, the majority of our core group arrived with enthusiasm!
“Did you notice that Roman brought a Bible with him this time?”
“Yes! and Bohdan, who sat next to me, was able to locate all the Scripture references as we went.”
“And we had ALL guys! It was a men’s Bible study!”
“And our new rock climbing friend came too, and stayed the whole time.”
“It seemed like you really had their attention during the preaching.”
If you could’ve overheard Joshua and I after English Club/Bible study this evening, you would’ve heard something like the above. We were greatly encouraged and excited, to say the least. We had a great group of six men tonight, many of whom showed key signs of interest in God’s Word.
Joshua preached from John chapter 15 and hit on some powerful subjects. One clear theme, among others, was that in Christ is LIFE, and outside of him there is NO life. I had proverbial tingles down my spine from the simple yet clear truths presented that could change these men’s lives forever if they get ahold of them.
Thanks so much to all of you that are making a special effort to pray for this ministry. Know that you are making a difference in the kingdom of God. We believe that God is drawing hearts to Himself. Please continue to pray with us for the salvation of those who are coming.
