John White - Developing Church Leadership in the Russian Speaking World
c/o Eric Yodis, Postal Box 3644, Donetsk 83076, UKRAINE September 2003
011-38062-345-5342 | jwhite@alumni.princeton.edu | http://www.marucheck.net/jw/
Greetings once again from Ukraine! I just returned a few days ago from the US after visiting fourteen states, seven churches, and many of you! I accomplished my goal of visiting family, churches, and friends, but was not very successful in resting. There are just too many people to see! But, I'm very glad you still remember me...
One of my concerns was if I'd get enough Russian practice during my time in the States, and I did get some very good and in some cases quite unexpected opportunities. My first chance to speak Russian was meeting up with the president of Donetsk Christian University, Sergei Rybikov, and the director of public relations, Yuriy Golovay. I traveled with them in Kansas and Colorado as we visited churches and supporters of DCU and served as "back up" translator for President Rybikov (who doesn't speak English). It was a very encouraging trip, and I feel like I am in the right place working at DCU and working for President Rybikov.
My second chance to practice Russian came speaking at Grace Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. I expected to get a chance to preach to the Russian congregation, but I also got the chance to translate for two Russian speakers who were being interviewed for membership in the church! As you might imagine, that was pretty stretching.
I really enjoyed my time in the States, but I did feel ready to come back and start anew at DCU and in ministry in Donetsk. And now I'm only starting to realize the ways that I'm going to be stretched this year!
I plan to teach the two courses I taught last year (Romans and Introduction to Missions) plus a course in missions called Contextualization. I'm really looking forward to teaching again and hope that I can do a better job with these courses and perhaps do even more in Russian this year than last. I could very much use your prayers for wisdom in preparation and then in teaching in a way that will connect well with students.
In addition, I hope to have a prayer group again and to help the school in some various administrative matters, most importantly in the area of public relations. This is a big area of need for DCU since it has struggled meeting its budget the last couple of years and really needs to improve in communication with supporters. I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and innovation in improving our relationships with people and in making our vision for ministry clear. Please pray and consider if you or perhaps your church might want to help support DCU in its vision to send missionaries and Bible teachers to reach the entire former Soviet Union with the message of Christ.
Thanks, and may God also stretch you as well,
John