Updates from BVBI Ukraine
Report on the Ministry of the BV Bible Institute
March–April 2026
Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are thankful to God for His continued faithfulness and for your prayers and support for the ministry of the BV Bible Institute in Ukraine.
Continued Bible Training During Wartime
One of the greatest blessings during the past two months has been the continued stability of our online Bible training program. Despite the ongoing war and many uncertainties in the country, students from different regions of Ukraine have been able to continue their studies faithfully. At the present time, six students are enrolled in the Institute, while several others continue studying through an extension format.
This semester our schedule has been very active. Brother Vladimir Praziy taught the Book of Daniel, and Brother Dmitriy Galyuk taught the Gospel of Luke. I have been teaching the books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah, including Lamentations. Classes will continue throughout May, after which we will have a summer break. In the coming weeks, Jim Sherman is also expected to teach the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John.
Encouraging Church Growth in Ukraine
Another encouragement has been the continued spiritual growth in local churches across Ukraine. In Poltava, another baptism service took place around March 25, and we continue to hear positive reports of church growth and active ministry in different regions of the country. We thank God for the faithful labor of pastors, evangelists, and church workers who continue serving under difficult wartime conditions.
We do not expect a graduation ceremony this year. One of our students who was preparing to graduate was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is currently serving in the military. Looking ahead, however, we are encouraged that three prospective students have already contacted us and submitted applications for the next academic year. If the Lord wills, we hope to receive several new students into the program.
Ongoing Challenges and Prayer Needs
Because of the full-scale war in Ukraine, all instruction continues online. While this is not the ideal format for theological education, we believe it is currently the safest and most practical solution. We continue praying for the day when regular in-person classes can resume.
At the same time, the war continues to bring much suffering to Ukraine. Civilian and military casualties continue daily, and the situation remains very difficult. Mobilization efforts have intensified throughout the country, creating additional stress and uncertainty for many families. We ask you to continue praying for peace in Ukraine and for God’s mercy upon our people.
Please also pray for Kostya Kiselenko, our primary translator for both the bachelor’s and master’s programs, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. We ask for prayer for his health and strength during this difficult time.
Ministry Encouragements and Fellowship
We were also blessed by the recent visit of Terry and Marina Harmon, who spent approximately two weeks ministering in Ukraine. During his trip they visited Uzhhorod, Brovary, Kyiv, and Bila Tserkva, encouraging preachers, graduates, teachers, and church members. We are very thankful for his missionary spirit and practical support for believers in Ukraine.
In addition, a women’s seminar was successfully organized by the church in Uzhhorod. Brother Oleg Fofanov, his wife, and other local believers invested much effort into preparing and conducting this event, which became a real encouragement to many participants.
We are deeply grateful for all of the teachers and supporters from both Ukraine and the United States who continue serving and helping the ministry of the Institute. Your prayers, encouragement, and partnership are a great blessing to us.
Thank you for standing with us in this ministry.
With respect and gratitude,
Denis Sopelnik
Director, BV Bible Institute