Ukrainian seminary shows the importance of perseverance in challenging times

Entering its 20^th year of service to the churches of Ukraine and beyond, Odessa Theological Seminary (OTS) says it has been affected by the worldwide economic crisis and was further strained by the Russia-Ukraine natural gas conflict in January. OTS President Volodymyr P. Shemchyshyn says the effects are being felt by Ukrainians in every level of society: one million people have lost their jobs, companies have shut down or are not operating at full capacity and prices have skyrocketed. “OTS has not been immune to the drastic changes in the global economy,” he says. “Funds raised through donations have decreased significantly. Many of our students and their churches are unable to contribute their share of their tuition. Some [students] are not even able to come to their sessions because they can’t afford the price of the train or bus ticket.”

Despite it all, OTS rejoices in the admission of 99 new students earlier this academic year. One contributing factor to the high enrollment is the seminary’s diversified programs, including programs focused on contextual realities, lay leadership training, a sign language program to train students in reaching the deaf community, distance learning and Middle East missions. (To read more about OTS, click here.)

Volodymyr says the seminary is convinced that God has great plans for His Kingdom through the seminary’s faithful servants, and OTS is persevering to meet the needs of the Church. “Our desire as a seminary is to be faithful to equip [leaders] in hard times as well as in times of abundance. It is in times of instability that we need servants of God who are capable of bringing the Good News to people.”

He says while many Ukrainians have felt hopelessness and despair during the current crisis, OTS and its students are committed to demonstrating to the world that there is a God who loves and cares for those who are hurting, and they are putting their trust in Him to meet their needs.

Please join OC in praying for wisdom and perseverance for OTS and all of our 100+ partner schools around the world. As Volodymyr says, “May we all stand firm in the faith, strengthened in His might, courageous in all things.”

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:2b-5 NIV)