Pressing on in Ukraine
Report on the Ministry and Work of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Ukraine
October–November 2025
Dear brothers,
General Situation in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine continues without relief. During these months the situation has become even more difficult:
• Russian missile attacks are regularly targeting electrical and heating infrastructure.
• As a result, Ukraine is experiencing frequent electricity outages and a lack of heat in many regions.
• The destruction of energy facilities continues to complicate daily life for our staff, students, and churches.
Despite these challenges, the work of the Bible Institute continues.
Difficult News About Our Student
We received sad news concerning Mykola, our second-year student from Poltava.
Last week, soldiers detained him in the street and he was forcibly mobilized into the Ukrainian army.
He now must serve in the military, although he did not wish to do so. He has a wife and two children at home, and the family is facing a very difficult season.
Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
Academic Process
After a short autumn break, our classes resumed. Despite the difficult conditions, the educational process continues steadily:
• I taught the courses on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
• Oleh Fafanov is currently teaching his course titled “The Book of Genesis”
• All classes are held online.
• Students who lose access to electricity or internet follow the lessons through YouTube recordings.
We are doing everything possible to provide our students with power banks and charging equipment so they can stay online even during blackouts.
Prayer Request for Our Co-Worker
We ask you to pray for our brother and staff member Kostiantyn Kyselenko, who serves as a full-time translator at the Institute.
He will undergo chemotherapy this week. Please pray for his health and for the Lord to give him strength during this difficult period.
New Applicant
A Christian sister from Chernivtsi, originally displaced from the city of Kostiantynivka, has expressed her desire to join our program.
We hope she will adapt quickly and become part of our student community.
At the moment, 7 students are actively enrolled.
Despite the war and instability, the Institute’s work is slowly stabilizing, and we are grateful for every student who continues learning under such difficult conditions.
Reports from Churches
We receive encouraging reports from different regions:
• Poltava continues to bring joyful news—several new baptisms took place recently.
• In other cities we also see similar blessings.
• In Zaporizhzhia, where one of our students serves, 6 people were baptized at once.
We are thankful for our preachers, graduates, and all those serving faithfully in the ministry.
We express sincere gratitude for your support, your prayers, and your help for Ukraine during this time of war.
Your partnership allows us to continue teaching, supporting students, and preparing ministers for the church.
If you have questions or would like to explore ways to assist the Institute further, please contact Terry Harmon.
May the Lord bless you with peace.
Thank you once again for your care and support.
With respect,
Denys Sopelnyk
Director, BVBible Institute of Ukraine