John White - Developing Church Leadership in the Russian Speaking World c/o Eric Yodis, Postal Box 3644, Donetsk 83076, UKRAINE August 2002 jwhite@alumni.princeton.edu http://www.marucheck.net/jw/
In looking through a number of my recent pictures, I realized that I've been saying goodbye a lot lately. A number of friends at Donetsk Christian University, both American and Ukrainian, have left. Several of my student friends have finished school and have moved away or are soon moving. Some of my colleagues with CBI have gone to the States for home assignment (some will be gone for as long as a year). And, my good friends and colleagues the Watsons have finished their language training and have moved to start their ministry in Russia.
Honestly, this has been sad for me, but I am striving to look to the hope that God will be beginning a new work here. As you know from my last letter, I'm hoping to do more ministry this coming school year, especially at Donetsk Christian University and with Campus Crusade. In thinking about these possibilities, I get excited about having the chance to teach and connect with students. God has really blessed me these past two years to be able to focus on learning Russian, but I have been longing to be able to use what I've learned and make more of an impact. Quite frankly, I still have a long way to go before I can reach a professional teaching level of Russian. Studying Russian is not something that's ending, but I'm hoping my teaching in Russian is just beginning!
Actually, my study and use of Russian has taken some interesting turns lately. On my last day of Russian class with Galina in June (before I left on vacation), Galina prayed to accept Christ! I've been unsure about her spiritual status for some time, but this seemed like a very serious step on her part. Unfortunately, she hasn't seemed to have taken further steps while I was gone and many distractions seem to still be coming her way. Please pray for her, especially that she would connect with more Ukrainian Christians and become a regular church attendee.
The other interesting turn for my Russian has been the chance to take part in an American football camp. Now, I say "American" football, because the word "football" in this part of the world means soccer! Anyway, some local missionaries have partnered with some American Christian football coaches to come to Donetsk and hold a football camp for the four or so football teams that exist in Ukraine. I've found that my football knowledge isn't quite good enough to be a coach and my Russian knowledge isn't quite good enough to be a translator (though I do now know the word for interception in Russian...). But, my little knowledge in both areas has given me chances to help the coaches and translators here and there. Football is only a game, but I've been seeing how the discipline and love the coaches bring can have an impact on young Ukrainians' lives. Please pray for God to break through the egos of the players and show them where real hope lies. This may be the beginning of a ministry that will continue in future summers.
Looking to Him,
John