Ferguson Report - April 2013

Rebuilding The Falling Walls

In an economy that we in America are experiencing, the subject of financing the Lord’s work is not one that many find enjoyable to discuss. I was once having a conversation with a former Christian college president and the topic of fund-raising came up. He quickly expressed to me that he enjoyed raising funds. Similarly, I enjoy telling congregations and elderships about the current work of missions and the potential for growth around the world that exists now and in the future. I enjoy inviting mission-minded brethren to participate in exciting evangelistic endeavors where the fields are indeed “white unto harvest.” I enjoy encouraging brethren to share in the efforts where all that is keeping the gospel from turning a community or a country upside down is the producing and sending of spiritually-minded men and women. But I also must take a realistic look at the current state of things as well.

We are all well aware of the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. About 140 years prior, Nebuchadnezzar breached and broke down all the walls, slew mercilessly princes, an innumerable number of soldiers and inhabitants, burned the temple of the Lord as well as all the other houses of Jerusalem, seized all the riches, and thousands were carried captive to Babylon! That was the reality of Jerusalem—nothing sugar-coated or rose-colored.

When Nehemiah the Persian king’s cupbearer received news from his brethren who had recently been to Jerusalem, he asked what they saw (Neh. 1:1-3). He wanted to VISUALIZE the situation that existed. Remember, they had no radio, cameras, newspaper, TV, internet or cell phones. Nehemiah wanted to know, “What is the city of God like?” “What about the people of God? What is their condition? I want to know!” Can’t you imagine the tears they must have wept when they told Nehemiah the news? “Oh, you have no idea, you can’t believe the degradation. You can’t believe the desolation, you can’t believe the danger, you can’t believe the poverty! The city is in disarray, the gates have been burned, the walls have crumbled, the streets are filled with weeds, and trash and debris!” 

This is what Nehemiah saw, a destroyed and defenseless city with walls that had crumbled. Before you can build, you have to be realistic with the conditions that exist. You have to visualize the situation exactly as it is. Yes, there are some aspects of the Lord’s work that are difficult to accept. The reality is that because of the foolishness, ignorance, arrogance and pride of many in leadership positions, our country is facing difficult financial and spiritual times. Our American churches have long-depended upon our financial strength to carry the gospel to distant lands. However, that strength we took for granted for so long may very well now be challenged.

What will happen to our established mission works? Will they fall in “ruins” like the walls of Jerusalem? Will they become a “reproach” to the Lord and His church due to our lack of commitment? Can we “visualize” the current state of things and possibly the future?  Nehemiah understood what Jerusalem’s current condition meant to the nation of Israel and her future. He felt a tremendous weight of grief for the future of his people.

He knew things had to change, and they had to change soon. He then began to AGONIZE over the state of things (1:4-11). He sat down and wept tears of contrition over the sad condition as it was (1:4, 5). He prayed a prayer of brokenness. He felt the helplessness of human effort to remedy the efforts of human failure. He fasted and prayed many days to the God of heaven from which our help comes.

He prayed a prayer of confession of national sin and personal sin. “Israel has sinned and I have sinned” (1:6, 7). He didn’t play the “blame” game. He didn’t point fingers. He accepted personal responsibility for Jerusalem’s condition. But he also prayed a prayer of confidence (1:8-10). He reminded God of what He had promised in His word—that he is standing upon those promises. He knew what God wanted. Someone once said that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness. But Nehemiah also prayed a prayer of commitment (1:11). Here was a man accustomed to being accountable—after all, he was Artaxerxes’ cupbearer!

This meant that he needed a plan. In order to fulfill God’s promise for Israel, Nehemiah knew he must ORGANIZE men and resources (2:1-8). Having visualized the condition as it existed, and having brought everything to God in prayer, Nehemiah was ready to put his faith into practice. Carrying this heavy burden on his heart, he couldn’t hide it—it was plainly seen by the king (2:1-3). Here was an “open door” provided by God (cf. Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8).

Nehemiah needed three things that everyone needs to ask when trying to do something great for God. First, Nehemiah needed the king’s permission (2:4-6). Before you do anything for the king, you need to get his consent. It’s as dangerous to run ahead of God as it is to run behind Him. Second, Nehemiah asked for the king’s protection (2:7). He needed a letter authorizing his activities when he entered other lands of those who might ask of his business. Aren’t you glad that as God’s children He has given us His word? But Nehemiah also needed the king’s provision (2:8). He needed building materials to accomplish his goal of rebuilding the walls. Notice this extremely important statement: “And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” This earthly king was but a tool in the hand of the King of kings!

Allow me to make an application. Many of you reading this newsletter have shared with me a vision of operating preacher-training schools around the world. We both understand how important these schools are to training faithful men to teach others. However, we also understand the future of these schools are in danger of collapse from diminishing funding. That’s the situation. We agonize with that state of things and it breaks our hearts as we admit to God that in some areas we have failed—I have failed! Our limited abilities and lack of faith has caused our finances to gradually slip away. We blame our economy, but we really limit God by doing so. We still remain the wealthiest people in the world! I sometimes get caught-up in the “doom-and-gloom” picture so often portrayed by church leaders. But I am confident God wants His gospel carried to all the world, and I am confident it can be done if we make the commitment of being accountable. Why would we be responsible in domestic affairs, but somehow drop the ball with the Lord’s work?

So, we ask King Jesus His permission to continue doing His glorious work; to “shore-up” those financial walls the devil has breached. We have the right to ask Him to do that because it is what He desires. We ask Him to protect us through His providence and by His powerful Spirit-filled word. And we need His provisions to rebuild the financial wall that has fallen due to a deficit. The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine (BVBIU) in Gorlovka is facing failing financial walls. It is facing spiritual Babylonian forces endangering its very existence. The hand of our God is good upon us. Let us arise and build! Please, will you help?  Howell

Ferguson Report - March 2013

Spring Extension Meeting

Because these reports are often written a few days into the new month, sometimes the news they contain overlap covering a little bit of news from two months. Such is the case with this month’s newsletter. I flew to Denver Sunday afternoon, March 31^st for the annual spring meeting of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension staff meeting. The two-day meeting technically began on Monday, April 1^st. So I thought I would include it in this report while it was still fresh on my mind.

Bob Turner, BVBID extension director has proven to be an effective and dedicated leader of the extension program. Under his capable direction, the extension program now consists of 17 foreign extension schools. During the extension meeting, we heard reports from most of the schools. The information in these reports included the number of current students, the work being done by the graduates, financial status and needs, and challenges and special concerns.

Last year there were three new schools added to the extension program: Nigeria, Liberia, and Kenya. And in March of this year, a school was added in Paraguay. During the two days we met together, the first reports we heard were on the Central American schools by Donnie Bates. David Ballard gave a report on the school in Cameroon. Steven Ashcraft, who has spent a lot of time in West Africa, gave reports on the schools in Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.

Donnie Estep began the reports on East Africa with information about the school in Uganda. Mike Reese gave a report on the new school in Kenya. Bob Turner gave the recent changes that are taking place in the school in Arusha where my family served as missionaries for over 3 years in the early 2000’s. With my service as extension coordinator in Chimala coming to an end in 2012, I assisted Gary Hill in reporting on the work at Chimala.

Continuing to serve as the coordinator for the Ukrainian effort, I gave a report on the extension school in Gorlovka (BVBIU). I will have more to say about Ukraine in the next article.

In the absence of Jerry Bates, Keith Kasarjian (assistant extension director) gave reports on the India schools – one in Chandigarh and the other in Visakhapatnam. Also in the absence of Mike York and Don Prather, Keith gave a report on the work in the extension school in Nepal.

Extension coordinator for Cambodia, Wes Autrey gave his report on the work taking place in that Southeast Asian country.

The reports ended with comments on the master’s program from Gary Fallis and Denton Landon. The primary purpose of the master’s program is to qualify the local preaching/teaching brethren educationally to become instructors in the extension schools. I don’t have first-hand knowledge of the other extension schools, but I do know that no less than 75% of the undergraduate classes in the extension schools in both Chimala, Tanzania and in Gorlovka, Ukraine are taught by the local men. And I believe that is as it should be—if not more—if we are ever going to turn these extension schools into self-taught, self-led, and self-supporting works of the Lord’s church.

While the motto of the BVBID local and extension schools is “we train preachers”, the ultimate purpose is to save souls. We are not interested in producing only pulpit men; we want to train “men of the book” who are interested in the things God cares about—the salvation of souls! “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Every program of the Lord’s work must keep this purpose foremost in mind. The danger of lowering this divine expectation to secondary status is destructive to the very purpose for which Jesus came to this earth and died. Howell 

Brief Review of BVBIU

The time is rapidly approaching for my next scheduled trip to Ukraine. The graduation of seven students is scheduled for May 25^th. That means it’s not too early to start thinking about ordering my flight tickets.

This is going on my 4^th year as coordinator for the work in Gorlovka, Ukraine having officially acted in this capacity since the spring of 2009. As you will recall, BVBIU left the city of Kramatorsk and moved to Gorlovka in 2007 and has been operating there for six years.

Dennis Sopelnik became new director Sept. 2010 when the Harmons left Ukraine due to the sickness of their younger son, Andrew. Fortunately, Terry had been mentoring Dennis for the possibility that he would one day need to assume the director’s role. Terry’s wisdom in choosing Dennis has continued to bear good fruit with each passing day in the operations of BVBIU.

My first time to teach at BVBIU was 2008. Dealing with the fallout of such a move, we wound up with only three students in the 1^st-year class, and only one student in the 2^nd-year class. What is almost humorous about that particular class, I had only one student but two translators!

Today, BVBIU has 16 students, nine 1^st-year students and seven 2^nd-year students. During my time as coordinator, I have witnessed the following number of graduations:

         a)      2009 – 1 (became coordinator in fall)

         b)      2010 – 2

         c)      2011 – 5

         d)      2012 – 6

         e)      2013 – on track to have 7

Some of the current known works of our graduates include the following:

a)      Stas Kuropyatnikov works with the Slavyansk church with Albert Bagasarian.

b)   Sasha Rodichev married Lena Chuenko and works with the Kirova church in Dnepropetrovsk.

c)      Lena Tonikh is married with a baby and lives and worships in Slavyansk.

d)      Anatoly Chebotar assists with the church in Krasny Luch.

e)      Oksana Sonechko serves as BVBIU secretary and translator.

f)      Dennis Petrov works at BVBIU & Central church as security guard.

g)      Roman Kamaev works with a small church near his home town of Krasnoarmeysk.

Ukrainian instructors (all masters graduates of BVBIU) who teach at BVBIU include:

a)      Dennis Sopelnik – instructor and BVBIU director.

b)      Andrew Zhuravlev – instructor and preacher for Central church in Gorlovka.

c)      Albert Bagdasaryan – instructor and preacher for church in Slavyansk.

d)      Vlad Paziy – instructor and preacher for churches in Kramatorsk & Konstantinovka.

e)      Vitaly Rodichev – instructor and preacher for churches in Kramatorsk & Konstantinovka.

f)      Sasha Rodnaev – instructor and preacher for church in Krasnoarmeysk.

g)      Victor Semikoz – instructor and preacher for church in Krasny Lyman.

There is every reason to rejoice in the efforts of BVBIU. One-by-one, soldiers of the cross are being trained and sent. To God be the glory! Howell

Ferguson Report - February 2013

Risk In Getting There

In October, 2006, I made my first trip to Ukraine traveling with Frances Sullivan Jones and Paul Norris from the North Jackson church of Christ. From the discussions Paul and I had prior to that trip, conditions were obviously much-improved from their previous visits. Direct flights into Donetsk exist now; whereas previously, they had to travel first through Kiev which was described frequently as a nightmare. Visas are no longer required. And the hotel in Krasny Luch where we stayed has been remodeled over the last few years. Of course, there were still a few minor inconveniences; but overall the mission trip was enjoyable and productive.

The part of those early trips Paul seemed to dislike the most, however, was the short connection between Kiev and Donetsk. I distinctly remember Paul affectionately describing the plane they flew in as a “World War II crop duster.” Fortunately, I missed the “joy” of traveling with Paul during those earlier years!

Of course, there is a certain amount of risk with any type of travel—car or plane. But the recent Feb. 13^th accident at the Serhiy Prokofiev International Airport in Donetsk, Ukraine wherein five people were killed does cause a little concern. The interesting thing is that the aircraft Paul described was the same type that crashed: a Russian built Antonov An-24 turboprop. This plane was carrying dozens of football fans to the Champions League football match in Donetsk between Shakhtar Donetsk and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund when it made an emergency landing in Donetsk. Due to heavy fog, the pilot may have misjudged his approach and overshot the runway coming to rest about 2,700 feet away.

Even though former Soviet republic countries have had some of the world’s worst air traffic safety records, most of our American instructors and visitors fly either the Munich-to-Donetsk Lufthansa flight, or the Kiev-to-Donetsk flights offered by Aerosvit, Donbassaero, and Ukrainian Int’l airlines. I have flown on all of these airlines with few problems. However, the German-based Lufthansa carrier has the best safety record and the one I would recommend if you want to avoid handling your luggage again and finding the right terminal in Kiev.

As with all of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver foreign extension schools, there is the matter of getting to-and-from these locations. I think most of the extension staff and short-course teachers would agree that overall, traveling in and out of the various countries is somewhat safer and more standards of operations exist in international airports than in past years. Of course, some of the airlines are getting a little “cheap” with amenities trying to make a profit. But I still maintain things are better than before. Just be careful if you find some air carrier you’ve never heard of advertising highly-discounted ticket prices! The phrase, “you get what you pay for” has a bit more meaning when it comes to flying.

My advice is pray to God for a safe and uneventful travel before, during (especially during take-off), and after all flights. Fly reputable airlines. And then don’t worry about it. Sit back, relax, read a good book (the Bible), and enjoy the pretzels!  Howell

A Divided Ukraine

The next few paragraphs are part of an article that came out of the New York Times international section, updated Oct. 29, 2012. Among other things, it describes Ukraine’s continuing struggle in identifying itself as a nation while being pulled from the two powerful influences of the West and the old powers of Russia. Without trying to dig too deeply into Ukrainian politics, the process and outcome of Ukraine’s internal struggle will undoubtedly affect the stability and growth of the Lord’s church in that country.

“It is no secret that Ukraine has long been divided, with Ukrainian speakers in western regions wanting ties to Europe and Russian speakers in the east and south more sympathetic to Moscow. On July 3, 2012, the Ukrainian Parliament, acting unexpectedly, approved a bill reaffirming Ukrainian as the country’s sole national language, but allowing local and regional governments to grant official status to Russian and other languages spoken by at least 10 percent of their residents.

Opponents of the bill said that it violated the Constitution, which designates Ukrainian as the only state language, and that elevating the status of Russian would push Ukraine further from the European Union. In Ukraine many people view speaking Ukrainian as an important affirmation of nationalist self-identity and as a way of securing the country’s post-Communist turn toward independence, capitalism and the West.

The status of the Russian language in Ukraine is also an issue of keen political interest in Moscow, and the elevation of Russian could be a signal that Mr. Yanukovich may be looking east for support, though his ties with the Kremlin have been strained.

The day after parliament approved the bill, Volodymyr M. Lytvy, the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, resigned after refusing to sign the contentious bill.”  

As most of you know, BVBIU is located in the eastern Ukrainian city of Gorlovka (Горловка - Russian) or Horlivka (Горлівка - Ukrainian). Because of its eastern location, there is a strong pro-Russian influence. Which language, politics, and culture will win out, no one knows but God. The saddest part of the matter, however, is that the Ukrainian people are caught in the middle. Unemployment is not only sapping the economic strength of the country, but it also brings depression and a feeling of hopelessness to the people who struggle to feed their families.

Without trying to be insensitive to the physical and emotional condition of many of those who suffer, the spiritual condition is the most alarming concern. Many feel that God has abandoned them or is of no practical help to them. How quickly people forget what decades of godless communism can do to them! Is it God’s fault that unscrupulous opportunists take advantage of people promising them much but delivering little? Centuries of perverted forms of Christianity are quickly set aside for its impotency and replaced by a manmade evolutionary model of man’s origin and development. They “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. For this cause God gave them up…” (Rom. 1:25, 26). Consequently, generations of their youth were taught in grade school and higher education that they were not much more than some knuckle-dragging apes! Is it any wonder that such people live that way?

While a nation teeters on the verge of economic and social collapse, the church of our Lord holds the only hope for a better future. My frequent affirmation has been that BVBIU exists to offer a shining light to those lost and drowning in a moral and political sea. The church of our Lord offers a risen Savior who rules over all the world and reaches out to downtrodden and discouraged souls. To Him alone shall all principalities, powers, and majesties one day bow and give an account. God is accomplishing His divine plan. May the men we produce boldly pronounce man’s only hope before the consummation of all things!  Howell  

Ferguson Report - January 2013

January News

This month’s newsletter concerning events of January begins with a report on my visit to Ukraine to teach a short course at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine (BVBIU). In last month’s newsletter I mentioned this trip and its main purpose to teach Homiletics II to the second-year students. Out of the original ten students who began the BVBIU’s two-year program in Sept. 2011, there were seven students remaining. It’s not unusual to lose a few students for various reasons. But these seven remaining students are in the “final stretch” with graduation scheduled for May 25^th.

I always enjoy teaching Bible text classes, but I especially enjoy teaching homiletics courses for three main reasons. First, the nature of the course is learning how to develop lessons and communicate the Bible’s message. A person might have a Ph.D. in theology, but if he can’t communicate God’s message all his education is useless as far as salvation of souls is concerned. Consequently, this is not a class to be taken lightly. Second, I enjoy interacting with the students answering their practical questions and sharing my own personal experiences in preaching and teaching. Third, every time I teach these classes I am reminded of the principles I need to continue to develop in my own ministry. If you ever reach a point in your life where you don’t think you need to continue to develop your teaching/preaching abilities, you need to quit.

In keeping with the principle of 2 Tim. 2:2, I pray that the Bible lessons and practical tools our instructors bring will produce fruit in the present and future ministries of our students. They represent the spiritual soldiers who will wage spiritual battles against Satan’s hosts and devices (cf. Eph. 6:11-12; 2 Cor. 2:11).

Another important reason for making the trip to Gorlovka, Ukraine was to assess the current spiritual and physical state of BVBIU as well as the morale of the students, instructors, and staff. BVBIU operates much like preaching schools in the U.S. Not everything is perfect, and there is always room for improvement.

Spiritually speaking, our director, Dennis Sopelnik and all of the teaching staff of BVBIU are committed to teaching the pattern of sound words contained in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 1:13). The emphasis upheld and required of all those associated with BVBIU is to display Christ in both word and deed (Col. 3:17; 1 John 3:18).

Financially, BVBIU seems continually to be in a state of flux. Part of my responsibility is to make sure the financial means needed to operate the institute is there. This is no small task. Sometimes I feel like the little Dutch boy who plugged a hole with his finger lest the entire dam bursts. Losing one or two supporters is usually not that damaging. However, when several losses occur all at one time, the financial effect can be disastrous. For that reason, I continue to implore our current supporters to “stay the course” and not become intimated by the “doom-and-gloom” rumors that continually swirl around us. So far, the “dam” is holding, but we need supporters not to grow weary in well doing (cf. Gal. 6:9).

Like any program of study, BVBIU requires discipline, perseverance, and patience in its students. Most of our students are young, so naturally these qualities are challenging and in a state of development. Yet, I am always impressed with the determination of the students who remain with the program. The stress sometimes on their faces is easily recognized. This is not an easy program. But their interest in spiritual things and the desire to finish what they started keeps them motivated one-day-at-a-time. I admire their ambition and their spirit. Howell

How You Can Help       

Let me introduce you to a young man by the name of Bogdan Chigvintsev. Bogdan grew up in Gorlovka, and after spending several summers participating in summer youth events hosted by the Central church of Christ (located at BVBIU), he became a Christian. There has not been an event of the church  available that  Bogdan  isn’t a part of.   I  have witnessed nothing in Bogdan but what is good. He has a Christian heart, a gentle soul, and a friendly spirit.  He is cheerful, positive, and compassionate. He frequently and willingly participates in every area of Christian service available to him. He is evangelistic—always taking a leading role in street evangelism and Bible studies regardless of weather or circumstances. Bogdan is 19 years old and graduates from BVBIU in May.

One evening after having a delicious meal and very pleasant visit in the home of Andrew & Veronica Zhuravlev, Andrew asked my opinion about inviting Bogdan to work with him as a youth/associate minister. My reply to Andrew was I thought it was a terrific idea, and I could think of no other young man with a greater servant’s heart to assist the Lord’s church at Central than Bogdan. As you might have guessed, the biggest obstacle is money. The Central congregation can barely pay the light bill much less hire a youth/associate minister. Neither do they pay Andrew’s salary, but he receives outside support. I told Andrew I would work on it.

Needless to say, I’m looking for a church, churches, a person or persons that would be willing to support Bogdan $200 per month. His support would necessarily begin in June 2013 when he graduates. If you or the congregation you attend would be interested in helping Bogdan, or if you need more information concerning him and that work, please contact me. I can give you information where to send your support. God bless! Howell

Ferguson Report - December 2012

What Lies Ahead?

Twenty small children and six staff members of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut are gunned-down in cold blood without mercy or purpose. The Mayan Calendar prediction foreseeing the “doomsday” of the world on 12/21/12 has proven to be a hoax. Are we surprised? Sensational news media warned the U.S. would go over a “fiscal cliff” at midnight on Dec. 31, 2012 (because our government has forgotten how to stay out of our business and is flirting with failed-socialism). The U.S.—the world’s “shining light” for democracy and freedom—are we losing our ability to come to the world’s rescue against aggression, tyranny, and natural as well as financial calamity?

This December’s calendar has not left us with too many fond memories, has it? Is the world waxing worse and worse? Every year our attention is distracted by horrific tragedies, dramatic events, and apocalyptic projections of global “warmings”, “coolings”, “collisions”, etc. But the clock keeps ticking.

Human tendency looks for “meaning” in seismic events. “What does it all mean?” we ask ourselves. This was true also of the first century world. Jesus recognized this tendency and gave a warning against trying to “read meaning” into world events without divine guidance. In preparation for the impending destruction of the city of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, Jesus gave His disciples specific details so they might avoid being caught unprepared when the Romans came. Other than those specific “signs” laid out by Jesus (Matt. 24:3, 15-22), they should ignore claims of a Messianic presence by those who would say, “Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not” (Matt. 24:23).

What is really taking place in the world? While we humans have an affinity for wanting to know these kinds of things, we can conclude with two main thoughts: 1) We do not know when Jesus is returning; no one knows—not even the angels of heaven, but only the Father (Matt. 24:36). Instead, Jesus’ return has been likened to a thief invading an unsuspecting house in the night, without warning (Matt. 24:42-44; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10); 2) A second thought, we would be wise to view human tragedies and natural calamities in the same way as did the prophets of old—reminders or “types” of a greater “Day of Judgment” that is coming upon the world. Every tick of the clock is a moment of Divine longsuffering and mercy with the express purpose that mankind would repent and turn to God (cf. Acts 3:19; Rom. 2:4).       

What should really draw our attention is that Jesus is coming! That may not attract the attention of the news media as they have all but turned a deaf ear to Jesus and His Bible. But on God’s appointment book, your name and mine is irrevocably inscribed. Are we ready for what lies ahead? Do we hear His voice as the Great Shepherd of our souls who alone knows how to direct us safely through life’s troubled waters?

In consideration to the extension program of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, what is the future for the training of preachers, church leaders, and Bible teachers around the world? No one knows the answer to this question precisely. What we do know is that it is clearly God’s will that we never give up! “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”; “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (Gal. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:58). 

What we are not giving up is an effort to teach faithful men to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). We are not giving up the idea that the gospel of Christ which we teach is the only way people can come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved from their sins (Rom. 1:16; 1 Tim. 2:4). We are not giving up our striving to live faithfully for Christ even though we know we will fall short of the goal (Phil. 3:12-14). We are not giving up the very specific teaching of the N.T. that salvation comes at the point of baptism to the person who believes in the name of Christ and repents of his/her sins (John 8:24; Luke 13:3; Mark 16:16). We are not giving up the biblical teaching of the “one body”—the church of Christ into which the Lord adds the saved and only the saved (Eph. 4:4-6; 1:22, 23; Acts 2:41, 47). We are not giving up the hope that no person is so sinful that the blood of Christ cannot cleanse his/her sins through humble submission to God’s will (Isa. 1:18; Rev. 22:17; Psa. 51:17). We are not giving up on the unique idea that God loves all people of all lands, races, and languages; we are His offspring for we are made in His image (Acts 17:28; Gen. 1:26, 27).

What lies ahead depends upon the decisions made by each one of us. God remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:13). He will respond to each of us in harmony with His Divine Nature. God is always true to Himself and to His character. He plays no favors nor does He “bend” His rules to accommodate for our own stubbornness, neglect or insubordination. For this reason, we have no choice but to teach the gospel of Christ faithfully as we have received it from God. It is a most sacred trust placed within our hands. The world’s salvation depends upon the faithful discharge of that holy and solemn vow.

Paul expressed this same principle in crystal clear terms: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4). “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16). “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20, 21).

Plans can change; we all know that very well. My prayer is that all your efforts for good in God’s kingdom may be fruitful many times over. God is good, and He is thrilled at the efforts to promote wholesome living and teaching. My plans are to return to Ukraine Jan. 10 – 21 to teach Homiletics II as a short course at BVBIU in Gorlovka. I always pray that my plans are in accord with God’s plans. Otherwise, things can become quite frustrating. At any rate, I would appreciate your prayers for the BVBIU extension school in Gorlovka that God would strengthen the hands of our director, Dennis Sopelnik; the rest of the teaching staff and secretary; and all of the students in both the 1^st and 2^nd year classes.

There are so many challenges for the church in Ukraine; everything from the pressures of materialism, the influences of liberalism, and the future survivability of faithful churches and adequate preachers due to economic and social pressures. I know God’s church has weathered such storms in the past, and I know God is not intimidated in the least at the future—for all things are in His hands, and by Him all things arise, consist and are brought low. But for His people these difficulties are matters that address the root and sufficiency of our faith.

Again, we need each other’s prayers, ideas, and resourcefulness. God is looking at the future as its architect even as we contemplate it in the realm of the unknown. As I’ve said before, Satan hates what we do. God loves what we do. The future becomes, therefore for each of us, the fruit of our determination and devotion.  Howell