Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary Update November 2024
You are not alone. We still remember you.
I was delighted to have a brief conversation with Dr. Ivan Rusyn, president of Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS), recently. He was happy for the call, and the small reminder of our great friendship.
Word from Ukraine is difficult. We have had several sleepless nights in a row. Ivan looked more tired than I had seen him in a while. With our attention focused on elections, Russia, with help from North Korean troops, has been pummeling Ukraine daily. For weeks the situation has worsened in many cities, even Kyiv. I have learned to become more understanding with staff who suddenly become less effective. Ivan was speaking about a young married woman who had been doing well until recently. Her husband and father are on the front lines, and for several days, she has not heard from her brother. This war is taking a deep toll on the people, and the number of refugees has increased greatly as winter approaches.
The winter promises to be harsh and conditions further east are already freezing and snow is falling. Thank you for helping with the fuel. Ivan was remembering our conversation in August when we agreed to provide funds to purchase diesel fuel for the two large generators that will keep the seminary operating through the winter. Please thank your donors. Thank you!
The ministry at UETS continues, even as the conditions of war are tearing at them.
UETS’s support of military chaplains remains strong. They held a fall training event for about 50 military chaplains. Helping chaplains work with troops in their experience of trauma is important for troop morale. Also, UETS participated in the October 12 national day of recognizing army chaplains. Today, more than 300 chaplains from 13 religious organizations serve the Ukrainian military. Protestants form approximately 100 of these. Their motto has become “We are there for you.” UETS has sent over 50 graduates to serve as military chaplains, and many have paid the ultimate price. Chaplains use their own vehicles for their work and must pay for their own repairs.
UETS graduate and new military chaplain, Kostiantyn Nekrasa with his family
From Kostiantyn, a recent graduate, we hear an incredible story. “I am moved by the story of a particular soldier, a leader named Ivan who was a tank driver. As a result of his trauma, he had fallen into severe alcoholism. He was unable to perform his duties. After we began visiting and speaking with him, he underwent a great transformation. He regained his motivation, stopped drinking, and returned to his leadership role. Ivan now sets an example for others, and he often jokes, ‘My tank is a temple; no one may drink or swear inside.’ Whenever I visit the front lines, we study the Word and pray together.”
The UETS Program in Counseling received state licensure! Twenty-five students are now enrolled in this new degree program. This was a significant development toward UETS’s dream of becoming Ukraine’s only Protestant national seminary providing training for counselors nationwide. Their goal is to equip men and women with the best available psychological tools and to coach them to use these tools from their Christian perspective. Counseling care is the number one identified healing need in Ukraine, and UETS is serving the country well by producing graduates who are qualified to receive state licenses.
Yes, we are holding a spring retreat in Kyiv! The Outreach Foundation will again partner with UETS to hold another 3-day retreat for military chaplains and spouses near Kyiv. The 2024 event was an incredible gift to the couples, and many more have asked for this experience. The 3-day retreat focuses on helping chaplains understand their roles better, giving them practical skills to help active-duty soldiers who face PTSD and trauma while continuing in their jobs. It is a unique opportunity that our donors have to stand with these brave chaplains who serve sacrificially in challenging spaces.
-Rev. Dr. Tom Boone
Associate Director for Mission
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Ukraine Evangelical Theological Seminary. All gifts of any size are needed to help UETS with chaplain support and to provide scholarships for chaplain couples to attend the spring retreat in Kyiv (the cost is $600 per couple for the three days). You may make by sending a check to The Outreach Foundation or you may use the online giving link below.
