Kyiv. Teaching mission a success
Arriving at the Charlotte Douglas Airport at 3:30 P.M. for a 6:30 P.M. flight to Munich, I flew all night landing there at 7 a.m. on Sept. 22. The layover was five hours, so we boarded at 12:30 p.m. and arrived at the Boryspil Airport in Kyiv at 3:30 p.m.
As usual, I was met by my friend Vitaly Shulga, who took me to the Kyiv Regional Bible College which is on the same campus as Church of the Gospel, a Ukrainian Baptist Church in the suburb of Vyshneve, a growing city of about 100,000.
Many are newly-arrived refugees who have fled from the fighting with the Russians on the eastern border. There are now many new high rise buildings which are apartments and condominiums; the construction on these began about a year ago. This was my seventh trip to Kyiv/Vyschneve to teach students and to preach, and though it is never an easy trip, I am always most happy to make the journey since I find the people there so delightful and receptive.
Always well-fed
I always had three large meals which are not quite what we Americans are acustomed to, but I have developed an appreciation for compot, borsch, hot tea, soups, an assortment of breads, and buckwheat especially. My plate always was served with at least twice the amount I usually eat, so I was diligent to walk and exercise for at least two hours every afternoon.
Ukraine has some of the best soil in the world, so the meals had extra helpings of a variety of vegetables. Borsch is a type of soup, and they especially enjoy putting a large scoop of sour cream in the bowl. A variety of yogurts and chocolates are also plentiful. My accommodations were adequate, sleeping on a cot is always an adventure. I actually found it refreshing that they had no televisions.
Meeting at Independence Square
The first Sunday there was most unusual. All the Protestant churches decided not to have services but to meet on and near Independence Square, this is the area where the televised gun battles took place in 2014. The episode lasted many weeks resulting in a newly-established political order. The major religion in Ukraine is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which controls many facets of the daily lives of the Ukrainians. The group I was with were Baptists.
A very large crowd was on hand, perhaps two-hundred thousand or more, to hear a concert comprised of a one-hundred voice choir and a full orchestra. The event was televised. Several religious leaders as well as political, spoke in Ukrainian, so I had to be dependent upon an interpreter. The music was heavenly as such pieces as “Shout” and “Shine Jesus Shine” were performed. I was totally amazed at the high quality of the soloists and musicians. Many of the musical selections brought tears to my eyes.
The event was the Second Thanksgiving Festival, which commemorates the harvest season but mainly the relative peace, for now, with Russia. Of course, there are still disputes going on with Crimea and the eastern section of Ukraine which borders Russia. All the Ukrainians told me they no longer want to be connected with Russia, especially since the recent hostilities. Traditionally, they have had to speak Russian, but there is now a movement to speak only Ukrainian, though most know both languages. Because Ukraine has historically been isolated from the west, not too many speak English.
Beautiful architecture
The architecture is always an experience to behold. Sophia’s Cathedral, the Opera House, the Motherland Memorial as well as the statue of the Apostle Andrew are breath taking. Kyiv is growing, presently there are over five million people; however, about four hundred and fifty miles to the north is Moscow, which is about three times larger.
I had twenty-six students in my class which was Christ and Salvation. They were encouraged to share their personal faith through witnessing to others. Though this number of students might not appear to be large, it is very much so especially in a post-communist country.
The classes
My interpreter, Natasha, did not “miss a beat”, she had a delightful personality and was most capable. She understood most of the content since she herself attends a Presbyterian Church, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America. Many there know about Charlotte, North Carolina, since a few of their family members and friends have moved to the Queen City.
The class met from Monday through Friday for four hours daily. I also preached three times at Church of Gospel. The students are bright, and knowledgeable of many Christian subjects. They love to debate and clarify fine points in doctrine. They know the Bible well and can readily cite where certain passages are found in both the Old and New Testaments. I was impressed by how what they know and deeply believe impacts all aspects of their lives which at times are very austere. Many shared poignant accounts of God’s grace and love in their personal and family lives.
Though there are many wonderful natural resources in Ukraine, the everyday lives of most are difficult. The average monthly salary is between $100 to $300. The state directs the medical services, and I heard many desperate accounts of what such a system is like. One thing’s for sure—they are proud to be Ukrainian. They can tell if someone is not from the country, many times I was approached and told, in a nice way, that I was not Ukrainian or eastern European. They thought I was either from Western Europe or the USA, most thought America. They are delightful people.
I was invited to come back again next year, which requests did not need any convincing.
Dr. Jeffrey J. Richards
