Still, the challenges for pastors are significant: limited education, meager financial resources, and enduring psychological issues from decades of arbitrary, exploitative Russian rule. Sincere, dedicated Christian leaders and pastors often struggle with feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, and fear still lingers amid corruption and uncertainty. 

 

Several of our students came secretly from Muslim countries in Central Asia and the Middle East. I don't dare name them, show their pictures, or list their cities. If the wrong people see that they were in my class, they or those with whom they work could be seriously harmed or imprisoned. Their underground, house-churches might be attacked or burned. The realty and risk of persecution are great.

UETS Founder and President, Anatole Glukhovskyy, with Tim in front of map of former USSR

 

The first breakthrough in the class came on Tuesday morning. Blank expressions and cautious questions gave way to serious, personal engagement. We were talking about discerning the will of God, and something shifted. I had just explained that there are no formulas to spiritual growth, and real relationships with God are full of spiritual quandaries. From that point on, our discussions ceased to be theoretical. Some students sat up straighter or leaned forward. Many began writing furiously. Everyone seemed to be listening and wanting to participate.  

 

 Tim teaching with Fyodor, Dean and translator   

 

As the week went on, we witnessed the Holy Spirit opening eyes and encouraging students and leaders in many different ways. The signs of transformation were everywhere, every day--in the warm smiles, the shoulders that began to relax, the joking, the pats on the back, and the glow that shone in more and more faces. He didn't say much, but at every break, Vladimir (body guard by night, theological student by day) grinned broadly and flashed the thumbs up sign that told me God was speaking to him through the teaching. 

 

One pastor began the week with his arms folded throughout every session. Each of his "questions" sounded more like challenges. But then the Spirit led us in a direction that wasn't planned, and gave me an answer to him that I had never given to anyone before. Something shifted. By Friday, the pastor who at first seemed unable to receive anything from me was now inviting me to return to Ukraine to speak to his whole congregation! 

 

Finally, at the end of the week, as if to confirm God's intention to exceed our imagination, the students spontaneously came forward to lay hands on me. I could hear people praying all around me, while Vladimir took the lead to pray loudly that God would significantly expand the reach of Faith, Hope and Love Global Ministries. Before and after this time of blessing, I heard repeatedly, the whole church needs to hear the Spirit-Led Leader material, both in Ukraine and throughout the former Soviet bloc countries.  

 

As God so leads, we're ready to go.