UPF Special Edition Newsletter

April 2020

A Message from the UPF Board of Directors At this time of unprecedented disruption in our lives, we want our Ukraine Partnership Foundation (UPF) friends and supporters to know that we are praying for the health, safety, and well-being of you and your family. In the midst of a Coronavirus pandemic that has stunned us all with its rapid spread, we pray you are continually sustained and encouraged by the Easter message of hope and new life. We also are mindful of the students, faculty, and staff at Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary (UBTS) who are facing similar health and economic challenges. The UBTS mission – to develop and equip servant leaders to help local churches grow through baptisms and discipleship – is more important than ever. People everywhere are searching for hope and meaning as they struggle to adjust to a new way of life. No matter how long this pandemic lasts, it appears likely we all will experience a “new normal” on the other side of the crisis. As Christians, we can rejoice that God is sovereign and remains unchanging in His love and mercy towards us, even as life changes. As you know, UBTS has been growing in exciting ways to fulfill its mission. Surging enrollment, new degree and certificate programs, and the need for an expanded classroom building are clear signs that students from throughout Ukraine are embracing the Seminary’s unique education and mentoring programs. They are living the UBTS biblical, missional, and accountable core values within their own churches and communities. We cannot let the global crisis derail this effective ministry – or undermine the gospel-centered vision that drives it. In this special edition of the UPF newsletter, the first of three we plan to send, you can read about how UBTS has adapted its teaching and mentoring programs in response to global and local quarantine measures. UBTS President Slavik Pyzh also offers insightful perspectives about the impact of COVID-19 in two brief videos. As a Board, we are committed to apply our shared faith and collective experience in business, finance, legal, and global security areas to help UBTS navigate this uncertain time. UPF will continue to provide critical financial support for operations and programs so that UBTS students can emerge from this time strong and well-prepared to expand God’s Kingdom in Ukraine and beyond. We deeply appreciate your support for UPF and your generous gifts that advance the mission of UBTS. Please know that your gifts truly have an impact. You are helping transform communities and are making an eternal difference for the Ukrainian people who come to know the love of Jesus Christ through the ministry of UBTS students and graduates. With gratitude, UPF Board of Directors

Joe Privott, President Retired President and CEO, Novus International Inc. Cliff Eason Retired President and CEO, Southwestern Bell Division, ATT; Chair of Board, Reinsurance Group of America  Bob Fasani, CPA Founder and Managing Partner, Hauk Fasani Ramsey & Company, PC Tom McCarthy Managing Partner, McMahon Berger, PC

Scott Reed Retired Chief Financial Officer, BB&T Corporation John Smith  Retired Vice President, Southwestern Bell Division, ATT Tony Vermillion Vice President for Global Security, Emerson John White Retired President, Kairos Private Equity Fund; Retired President, CEO and Chair, Haemonetics Corporation

UBTS Perspectives: President Slavik Pyzh

In these videos, UBTS President Slavik Pyzh describes the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Lviv, Ukraine and shares four principles that have guided UBTS during this time. Please click on each video thumbnail to view .   COVID-19 IMPACT in Lviv FOUR PRINCIPLES GUIDING UBTS

COVID-19 Restrictions in Ukraine

As of this writing, Ukraine has recorded more than 7,100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders, including nearly 200 deaths. Testing in the nation of over 40 million people is not widespread, so it is likely the numbers of infected persons is higher. Any surge in infections will create a significant strain on the nation’s under-resourced health care system. The Ukrainian people are living under the following quarantine rules: People age 60+ (except essential workers) and those with confirmed or suspected virus symptoms are confined to home. All schools are closed and the use of playgrounds and sports grounds is prohibited. All non-essential services are closed except grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations. Subways are closed; buses are limited to 10 passengers, domestic rail service is suspended, and no city-to-city public transportation is allowed. Gatherings of 10 or more people – including cultural, entertainment, sports, social, religious, advertising, and sporting events – are banned. For additional details, visit the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine website through this link. As in the rest of the world, the economic impact of the pandemic is severe and the long-term outlook for recovery is uncertain.

How UBTS has Adapted its Teaching and Mentoring Programs

UBTS faculty and staff have been creative in developing new approaches to distance learning and mentoring for students. All students are learning and being mentored at their homes using UBTS online resources. Mentors have daily personal meetings with their students, where they discuss personal challenges associated with serving their churches and communities during quarantine. UBTS Program leaders conduct online group meetings with their students for mutual support, discuss the pros and cons of the online format, and share ideas for making the new format more engaging and effective. Slavik Pyzh shares a word from the Scriptures and encourages students in a weekly address. The UBTS leadership team holds weekly meetings to discuss training effectiveness, lessons learned, and contingency plans as the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 unfold in Ukraine. Three new online courses – Leadership, Mentoring, and Healthy Church - have been developed The Women’s Ministry has reorganized its Ladies 24/7 Conference – originally scheduled for a facility that could seat 500 women – to an online event on May 14-15. Read the latest news from the ministry team in this copy of the newsletter. Guest faculty expected from the United States cannot come and teach, due to travel restrictions. This absence of on-site adjunct faculty has created a need to develop more online courses.

How You Can Help

Pray for the people of Ukraine – that the impact of COVID-19 might cause many to turn to the Lord for hope and strength. Pray for church leaders in Ukraine – many who are UBTS students and graduates – that they may serve and lead with wisdom, creativity, and compassion that demonstrates Christ’s love for all people. Pray for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of UBTS students who are adapting to online learning in the midst of economic turmoil and family hardship. Pray for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the faculty and staff at UBTS as they continue to teach, serve, and remain faithful to their vision. Forward this newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues who may share your heart for the people of Ukraine. Make a gift to UPF that will help us provide critical support to UBTS. The current UBTS Operating Budget did not anticipate the total life disruption caused by the pandemic, nor the need to adapt all teaching and mentoring programs to online format for the foreseeable future, or that many more students will need tuition assistance. It also is essential that the renovation and construction of the new building continue so that UBTS can accommodate students in September or whenever classroom teaching can be reconvened in Lviv.  To make a secure online donation via PayPal, please click the button below.

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To send a gift by check, please make it payable to Ukraine Partnership Foundation and mail to:  Ukraine Partnership Foundation 14027 Willow Breeze Court Chesterfield, MO 63017

Thank You

Thank you for caring so deeply about the Ukrainian people and the students, faculty, and staff at UBTS. Your prayers and gifts reveal a missional heart that extends beyond Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria – to the ends of the earth. We are honored to partner with you in a shared mission to raise up and equip Christian leaders in Ukraine. We recognize that many worthy organizations are seeking support at this time, even as many of us also face financial challenges. We know that any gift you make is both strategic and sacrificial and we are profoundly grateful for your continuing support. Look for another UPF special edition update in June.

Who We Are Ukraine Partnership Foundation (UPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that solicits donations to support the work o f raising dynamic Christian leaders in Ukraine. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID number: 27-4595107.

Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary. (UBTS) was founded in 2000 to train and develop Ukrainian church leaders who are committed to growing churches and transforming their communities. Students and faculty share a commitment to express Biblical, Missional, and Accountable core values in all that they do.

Ukraine Partnership Foundation www.upfmissions.org