I had a wonderful time in Kiev in March. I arrived on my
birthday to a decorated apartment (thanks Serge and Lera) and a wonderful meal
with Kostya and Olga Farkovets and family. The Young Adults met at our
apartment on Sunday and Wednesday evenings for times of fellowship, study, and
sharing meals together. The Teens met on Friday evenings. With these groups I
studied the stories of Jesus raising people from the dead, the meaning of Jesus’
death, and how the resurrection is part of God’s plan to redeem and restore
creation to God’s original intent for his world.
At Borys Grinchenko Kiev University I taught thirty-three
classes. I gave away 150 copies of “40 Days with Jesus” a booklet about
preparing for Easter and walking with Jesus through the Lenten season. I also
distributed New Testaments to one group of students (because I was out of the
other booklet). The students are very diverse at the university, some are engaged
Christians while others had never even heard the story of Adam and Eve in the
garden! With one group of students we celebrated an “Easter Party” at their
request (this is the same group that had the Christmas Party – I think we have
started a tradition!). Several students posted on Instagram about our classes. It
is an amazing experience to be able to interact with these students and teach
them about Jesus and the life of faith.
Thanks to our ministry partners who make it possible for me
to work in Kiev, sowing seeds, encouraging faith, and helping disciples grow in
the image of Jesus.
- Kenny Payne, D.Min.
Director, Cross Culture, Inc.