Ukraine

Zhenia and his wife, Vera have six sons and three daughters.

TCM has been working in Ukraine for over 15 years.  More than 130 students have been trained, including those from Ukraine and from Central Asia.

Zhenia thanked Tony Twist and the TCM staff for their prayers, encouragement, ministry and study.  He thanked TCM for taking good care of the students; for the newsletters; and for the professors for their training.  He expressed thanks for birthday and holiday greetings, and for the privilege to be at Haus Edelweiss again.  It is a blessing for Zhenia and Vera to be here and share with Christian brothers and sisters.  These relationships will continue for eternity!  Many Ukrainian Christians and non-Christians are also thankful for the clothes, shoes and furniture given through the benevolence ministry.

TCM students are working well in Ukraine and good things are happening.  There is stronger unity in the body of Christ in the four denominations in Ukraine.  For three years, Christians there have been trying to have a national holiday, “Day of the Bible”.  Recently a meeting dedicated to the Bible was held in the largest concert hall.  Representatives from all churches in Ukraine were present.  There is unity and love between the denominations.

TCM is teaching Ukrainian preachers and teachers to use more effective and interesting ways of reaching people.  Some are teaching Christian ethics in public schools.  TCM students are involved in TV and radio ministries, and ministries for the poor and street children (there are hundreds of homeless children in the large cities).  They provide health care, food, education, and Bible study.  TCM students are also involved in the mission, “Ukraine for Christ”.

The atmosphere in churches where TCM students minister is more focused on evangelism and on being more effective in spreading the Gospel.  New colleges have been started in Ukraine; for example, the Christian Institute in Kherson and the “School without Walls”.

TCM students are also involved in various ministries with young people – sports, soccer, crafts, puppets, and summer camps.  Many children come to Christ through the summer camp program.

TCM graduates have planted 40 new churches, and are helping to develop education programs in Central Asia.  The staffs of six different institutions, as well as a publishing house, are TCM graduates.  One publishes a newspaper for non-believers.  It is the highest rated Christian newspaper.

TCM students are also focused on world missions, including Central Asia, Crimea and a church for Russian-speaking people in Israel!  TCM students serve as chaplains in several seaports, serving people from Muslim countries.

Prayer Requests:

1. Planting new churches – there are hundreds of villages in Ukraine with no churches.
2. Political situation – democratic government.
3. Need for training in Christian counseling – Zhenia said many students would like Suzanne to teach counseling in Ukraine.  He brought shirts for her and Tony to wear to make it easier for them at the border crossings!