UPF Opportunity & Impact Report
August 2020
A Message from the UPF Board of Directors

We hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and well. It has been an extraordinary time of challenge and change around the globe. Like many colleges and universities, UBTS had to cancel on-site classes in June and postponed graduation ceremonies due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. However, the UBTS leadership team, led by President Slavik Pyzh, quickly adapted by moving to on-line classes and mentoring to complete the school year.

We were excited and encouraged to learn that 85% of current of UBTS students and 90% of entering freshmen want to return for in-person classes and mentoring in L’viv. UBTS has continued to work diligently to develop a plan for in-person classes, with online classes and mentoring available for students who are unable to return to the campus. The plan also allows for a quick pivot to online learning and mentoring if necessary. More details on the plan are included in the story and video below.

We’re also excited to share significant progress in renovations to the building UBTS purchased in 2017 and is transforming into a new academic center. Construction activity has continued and rooms on the first two floors of the new building are ready – just in time – for returning students. You can take a virtual tour of the building through the video included in this newsletter and rejoice with us as we imagine the future growth and Kingdom impact UBTS can achieve with this outstanding facility as a resource!

The mission of UBTS has never been more important and your support has never been more essential. Faculty are committed to educating and equipping a new generation of Christian leaders for Ukraine and beyond. Students are eager to learn and serve their churches and communities. And thanks to the prayers and gifts of many friends and supporters – like you – UBTS’ mission will continue to advance.

Thank you for your faithful and generous support! May God receive all of the glory!


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


Walter Polowczak
Co-founder and former President of Nebo Systems, Inc.


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 Prepares for In-Person Classes
The Ukrainian government has instituted a Color-Code Program for cities and regions to indicate specific protocols for Covid-19 prevention. Codes vary from Red (most restrictive), to Orange, Yellow, and Green (least restrictive). The government monitors infection rates and implements more restrictive measures if the infection rate rises in a specific city or region.

Approximately 70% of UBTS students live within 4-5 hours drive time from L’viv, with about 30% traveling to the Seminary by train or bus. While the government is now allowing public transportation throughout the country, busses or trains cannot stop to take on or drop off passengers in a Code Red area.

Color codes are either left as-is or reassigned each Monday. L’viv is currently listed as Code Orange, which will enable UBTS to operate as described here, with specified precautions (i.e. wearing masks, sanitizing, etc.). If the Color Code for L’viv changed to Red, in-person classes at UBTS would not be allowed and all classes would be offered online. 

UBTS has developed protocols that both meet and exceed government requirements. Returning students are assigned to one of four cohort groups; each stable group will meet, dine, and sleep in separate locations.

  • There will be no interactions between students in different stable groups.
  • Faculty members will undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
  • Students will be monitored daily for temperature and other flu-like symptoms.
  • Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be asked to return home.
  • If an ill student cannot return home, care will be provided at a hospital in L’viv.

In the video above, UBTS President Slavik Pyzh shares a message of hope and encouragement as he reflects on how the new school year will begin.
Progress on the New Academic Building Continues
The Original Building
Beginning of Phase Two construction
Amazing!! That’s the word UBTS supporters are using to describe the progress that’s been made in recent months on the new academic building. Improvements to date include:

  • Addition of two floors and a full basement to the original two-story building
  • Restored and expanded interior rooms
  • Utility upgrades
  • Replacement of all windows and doors
  • Refacing the exterior for a clean, modern look

The first two floors of the building will be available for use in September for student instruction. With these improvements complete, the excavation and foundation work for Phase Two of the building project has begun.

This incredible progress in the face of the pandemic would not have been possible without God’s protection and His provision through significant gifts from many generous UPF supporters. Thank you for your timely investment in the move of God in Ukraine!
Tour the new Academic Building by watching this video.
How You Can Help
Your prayers will encourage the UBTS community and make a difference! Please lift up the following needs as you pray alone or with family and friends:

  • UBTS students – for health, safety, and economic stability as they travel to L’viv, resume classes, and seek to serve their churches and communities.
  • UBTS faculty – for health, safety, and well-being as they resume teaching and mentoring.
  • UBTS leadership – for Godly wisdom to guide their decisions and keep UBTS faithful to its mission.
  • For the churches of Ukraine – for a renewed commitment to be light and salt in their nation.
  • For the people of Ukraine – for economic relief and hearts that are open to the Gospel message.

The expenses related to a return to in-person classes at UBTS in a pandemic environment total $75,000. These include costs for renting and equipping new living and learning spaces, providing pre-packaged meals, creating extra cleaning routines and sanitizing stations, and conducting infection testing. UBTS needs to employ additional in-country faculty, as adjunct professors from the United States and elsewhere have been advised not to travel to Ukraine this semester. Funds also will be used to assist students and faculty who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Please consider a gift today to help UBTS meet these urgent expenses. Every gift – of any size – is welcome and deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Use the button below to make a secure, online gift.
 To send a gift by mail, please make checks payable to Ukraine Partnership Foundation and send to:

Ukraine Partnership Foundation
14027 Willow Breeze Court
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Who We Are

Ukraine Partnership Foundation (UPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that solicits donations to support the work of 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.