John White - Developing Church Leadership in the Russian Speaking World DCU, Prospect Ilicha 106-A, Donetsk 83059, UKRAINE June 2004 011-38062-345-5342 | jwhite@alumni.princeton.edu | http://www.marucheck.net/jw
It’s been a long year for me. This was my first year teaching at DCU full-time and my first year working part-time in public relations. Boy, do I have a lot to learn! But, now I can finally take a moment to rest and share some of my joys and sorrows with you.
It was a good year for me to grow as a teacher. I clearly improved teaching the graduating missions students from my class first semester (Romans) to my final class (Contextualization). Despite spring fever and other issues, this group applauded me the last day of class and thanked me for my patience with them. Honestly, it often felt like I was battling for their attention and hearts, and many days I was really frustrated. But in the end, it was worth it.
Now several of these students, though all still quite young, are planning to go into church planting and mission work. Two of my students are moving to Nizhny Novgorod (formerly known as Gorky Park), the third largest city in Russia, to plant a church. This is a city with perhaps only 1000-2000 evangelical Christians out of two million people. Another one of my students is going on a vision trip to central Asia to seek the where the Lord would want him to serve. Others are going to work in church plants and existing churches in different places in Ukraine and Russia. I am so thankful for them and pray that God would do amazing things through them.
And, it’s been a very faith-stretching year to work in public relations for DCU. I became the translator for President Rybikov during our trip to the States in January. I had the privilege of representing our school through letters, phone calls, and visitations. Raising financial and prayer support for myself is one thing, but for an entire Christian University is a difficult and scary task. So many people--including students and staff--are depending on help from me (and the rest of the public relations staff). Each time we can’t meet payroll, I cringe. Each time we are able to catch up with back pay I breathe a sigh of relief. I perhaps need your prayers in this area of ministry more than in any other.
When I was in seminary, I came across a book by Tim Hansel with the above title. I can sure sympathize! My top priority this summer is to rest and recover from a difficult year. Yet, I still feel guilty when I’m not preparing my course materials for next year and when I’m not doing more to help in public relations for DCU. I will be working on these things some of the time this summer, but I will also be trying to rest! I’m going on vacation with my parents to England in the second half of June and I’m hoping to take another short vacation later as well. I’d appreciate your prayers for a good summer of recharging.
May God recharge you as well,
John