Dear brothers and sisters,
So, 2020 finally ended. It was the most unpredictable and unusual year for any man. So many of us could not possibly imagine that the apocalyptic movies would get so close to reality. During the year a lot of people regrouped and reorganized their schedules and work styles. Nowadays, remote work is the usual thing for many. Our Bible Institute had also switched to distant learning and only in the second half of the year we were trying to resume our classroom studies.
This school year we didn't recruit any first year students. Thus, we have 5 students who will graduate this year. And as of right now we lined up two potential students for the next school year. It looks like life is going on and we will return to the usual lifestyle eventually.
Last year our congregation had a few baptisms, our numbers grew but because of the Covid-19 some Christians preferred online sermons. We are looking forward to our spiritual family reunion someday soon.
So, in December our 2 year students had Denominational Doctrines (Instructor - Andrew Zhuravlev) and 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (Dennis Sopelnik).
In the end of December our students had a nice tea party and it was a wonderful time of close fellowship and encouragement (in person!). It was practically proven that online studies require a lot of preparation of the Instructors and a lot of patience of the students. I had to change some of my teaching methods as well. All of my teaching notes had to be converted into online presentations and I had to utilize a lot of visual aids. Since we lost the closeness of personal touch, I had to make the teaching material very vivid. The students were getting more materials for personal studies and home reading. I hope the Lord will strengthen us in this process and grant us wisdom.
The winter break started on December 18th, and January 11th the classes will resume. During those three weeks the students had time to visit their parents and spend the holidays together. I asked all the students to use the opportunity and try to share the Gospel with the unbelievers from the midst of their families and friends.
My family also took a trip to Kramatorsk, our home city. We visited our parents, our relatives and our close friends from the church. We were able to attend the services as well. It was a huge blessing to be able to make that trip during the quarantine restrictions.
Our country announced very strict quarantine measures during January 8-24. Stores and supermarkets got restrictions on certain sales. Nevertheless, we decided to resume the studies offline and also congregate in the church building taking all possible precautions.
My family, our students and Instructors send their greetings and their love. We are very aware and very appreciative of your prayers and sacrifices.
May God keep you safe in the new year!
Your brother,
Dennis Sopelnik