Partner school became “an avenue for [graduate’s] life direction…and continues to lead to new challenges”

Sergei and Valentina Sizonenko with their four young children

Leaving his hometown and church in Berdyansk, Sergei Sizonenko came to the Zaporozhye Bible College and Seminary (ZBCS) in Ukraine for his first opportunity for theological training. His original plan was to return and serve his hometown church after graduation (as many graduates plan to do), but God had different plans for Sergei. During his studies, the school says he demonstrated that he was a gifted communicator, teacher and leader. “As our school began its shift from an American to a Ukrainian faculty, Sergei became an obvious candidate.”

After graduating with his Diploma in Pastoral Ministry in 1997, Sergei became a full-time faculty member. He teaches a range of subjects with his specialization being Church History. “We deeply value his role and influence in the lives of our students, especially those whom he has more personally mentored and involved in his church ministries over the years.” The school says Sergei grew naturally into a pastoral role (later formalized with ordination) when he volunteered to help shepherd a small group of new believers in the aftermath of a citywide mass evangelism campaign.

Today, Sergei serves as the pastor of a new church and also supervises a new youth center targeting non-believing youth, a critical need in Zaporozhye. “[His] connection with ZBCS’s student body provides him with a pool of ready and eager young believers who can interact with the non-believers at the center.”

Although he had to leave his hometown, and his original ministry plans changed, Sergei has been faithful to God’s call on his life. “For Sergei, ZBCS and Zaporozhye became not only a place of training but an avenue for his life’s direction, one that continues to lead to new challenges.” He is also pursuing graduate studies at the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS), OC’s partner school in Prague. He and his wife, Valentina, whom he met at ZBCS, have four young children. Please pray for the family and their health; continual spiritual prospering; the Lord’s guidance and provision of a building for their church; and wisdom in the new ministry to youth.