Ukraine (MNN) – Tragedy, hate, violence. These things seem to be everywhere in today’s world. But what these terrible things fail to overcome is God’s love, grace, and faithfulness. An example of this: Odessa Theological Seminary.
(Photo courtesy Slavic Gospel Association) Odessa Theological Seminary in Ukraine.
Slavic Gospel Association President, Robert Provost says, “I was here for the twenty-fifth anniversary of a wonderful seminary called Odessa Theological Seminary. It begun in February of 1991 and now has 1,700 graduates that have literally been changing Ukraine for the glory of Christ.”
Originally the school began with only 57 students. Years ago, President Provost, along with others, had made a game plan for courses and teachers to make the seminary a reality. But this dream was going to need some financial backing. All of them were praying for God’s provision.
And God answered. During a radio broadcast, Provost was sharing the dream of Odessa Theological Seminary when God moved in the hearts of a couple of listeners.
“We were praying for sponsors, so I was sharing on a radio call very much like this, and there were two business men and when these men heard about this great opportunity to train men to be church planters in Ukraine, they both called and said that they felt the Lord wanted them to help. And they became faithful sponsors for the first six years and launched this great seminary,” Provost explains.
Now, looking back to when it all began, Provost says it’s incredible to see how far God has brought the school. From what began with just a few dozen students to a graduating class of nearly 1,600 people, God has surely been faithful.
Image courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association
These graduates work in a variety of settings including as senior pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, and more. Some are even Bible teachers in Ukraine’s public schools and others are volunteer Bible teachers.
As it turns out, the Ukrainian government asked the Baptist church in Ukraine to provide Bible teachers for its schools, but to teach, these adults need to first be qualified with training and a degree. Thanks to the Odessa Theological Seminary, this training is a possibility.
Pray for God to continue moving in peoples’ hearts to sponsor SGA, Odessa Theological Seminary, and the men and women attend these places with the goal to serve.
Want to support SGA, Odessa Theological Seminary, or a graduate? Click here!
Lord, I pray that provide the people with power and giving them the hearts to sponsor SGA< Odessa Theological Seminary and the men and women attend these places with the goal to serve. amen
Please keep me informed about the seminary.