In the past month we have come to love this country. One of the reasons we have such a heavy heart about leaving is that we have to say goodbye to our fellow Presbyterians at the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Odessa. The Ukrainian Presbyterians and American missionaries we've met here are just as fascinating as the history of the Reformed Christian faith in Ukraine, which dates back to the 16th century. It is a little known fact that the Protestant Reformation came this far eastward, but historical records show that approximately 100 Reformed Christian churches existed in Ukraine between 1570-1596. That came to a screeching halt with the Communist Revolution, but Presbyterianism is once again on the march in the land of the Rus.
This thriving congregation is one of 11 churches in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Ukraine. The largest is the 500 plus member
Holy Trinity Church of Kyiv. The denomination was established by the
Presbyterian Church in America's world missions organization, which also trains Ukrainian pastors and other church leaders at the
Evangelical Reformed Seminary of Ukraine.
Today was a special treat as 38 choir members and musicians from
Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia lifted their voices in glory to God. They will be performing in special concerts throughout the week.
Pastor Valera Bubuinin preaches a message of hope, which is translated into English.
Bob and Andrea Burnham have been PCA missionaries in Ukraine for 12 years. "Right now the Presbyterian Church of Ukraine is poised on the edge of exponential growth," says Bob. "Our goal is to have 44 churches in the denomination in the next 15 years." Read about their hope for Ukraine and
inspirational story here.
Darlene and Clay Quarterman have devoted their lives to foreign missions. Clay is president of the Seminary. They say a big hello to all their old friends in Hopewell, Virginia!
The Martin family has called Odessa home for nine years: (L to R) David, Jill, Ruth Anne, Shirley and Paul. We were befriended by this wonderful missionary family in our first week.
One of the greatest blessings is that this church is attracting young folks who are eager to share God's love with their friends. Every week we saw orphans, and kids who had "graduated" from the orphanage worshiping here.
The beautiful voices of the youth choir sing out with such joy and heart, it is guaranteed to leave you misty-eyed! There is nothing like hearing favorite hymns and praise songs in Russian. We can't wait to return to this special church to see what God is doing in the years to come.
In the past month we have come to love this country. One of the reasons we have such a heavy heart about leaving is that we have to say goodbye to our fellow Presbyterians at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Odessa. The Ukrainian Presbyterians and American missionaries we've met here are just as fascinating as the history of the Reformed Christian faith in Ukraine, which dates back to the 16th century. It is a little known fact that the Protestant Reformation came this far eastward, but historical records show that approximately 100 Reformed Christian churches existed in Ukraine between 1570-1596. That came to a screeching halt with the Communist Revolution, but Presbyterianism is once again on the march in the land of the Rus.
Pastor Valera Bubuinin preaches a message of hope, which is translated into English. 
Darlene and Clay Quarterman have devoted their lives to foreign missions. Clay is president of the Seminary. They say a big hello to all their old friends in Hopewell, Virginia!
The Martin family has called Odessa home for nine years: (L to R) David, Jill, Ruth Anne, Shirley and Paul. We were befriended by this wonderful missionary family in our first week.
One of the greatest blessings is that this church is attracting young folks who are eager to share God's love with their friends. Every week we saw orphans, and kids who had "graduated" from the orphanage worshiping here.
The beautiful voices of the youth choir sing out with such joy and heart, it is guaranteed to leave you misty-eyed! There is nothing like hearing favorite hymns and praise songs in Russian. We can't wait to return to this special church to see what God is doing in the years to come.
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