Report #11 | 2024 Spring Trip

Featured Photo: And here is our team! Left to Right: Gif, Jared, student, Whitney, and Avery!

One of the more anticipated events in our mission trip are the visits and classes that are conducted in the various schools. We had anticipated such excitement and planning on our October trip but things were not arranged. But on this trip Gif has set things up very well. In fact, there are several schools that would have loved to had us come but we were already reserved. The Ugorniky schools were left out of the plans this trip because we were quickly scheduled by Oleg as he “seized” our group for his school. The issue we are having at this point is finding translators with whom we have worked and have confidence in their partnership. Without the translators our teaching is in vain. It was because of this hobbling factor that some wanted to come but we had to ask them to postpone their trip for a later time.

Each morning our team leaves for the school and spends the day with students. The team enjoys eating the same lunch meal that the students do and the constant communication. Each team member has a number of different stories that comes from the student interaction.

Reports from the school administrators, teachers, students and parents are complimentary to the Church and to our folks! Here are a few notes from Jared and Avery on the daily activities.

Keep the team in your prayers that many good and effectual doors for the gospel will be opened!

From Jared

Today we got to go back to the school, and meet new students. We spent our day with 10th grade students in Oleg’s class. Oleg always has such a positive attitude and is the life of the party! One of the first questions we got from one of the students today in class was about the border crisis in America. We were all impressed that a Ukrainian High school student knew so much about American political issues. We had great discussions with the class, and we told them that every night this week we would meet at the school and play games and have lessons.

Later tonight our group split up and Sasha and I went back to the school and to our surprise around 50 students showed up! We weren’t expecting so many for our first meeting so hopefully we can keep up the attendance. The students enjoyed our youth group games (see in the slideshow below), and most had never played them before, then we had some great one on one conversation with some students. We spoke in English and were able to talk about a variety of topics, but I was able to bring up faith issues and talk about spiritual practices I do to help me in my everyday life. It was a great and productive day!

From Avery

Today we met at the local school and taught classes for 9th and 10th graders. The kids were so happy and excited to learn! After teaching at the school I went and taught an evening class on 1 Corinthians at the local congregation. We covered chapters 1-3 and Lord willing we will continue our study tonight and cover chapters 4-6. I am very encouraged by everyone’s eagerness to learn!