UPF December 2020 Opportunity & Impact Report

UPF Opportunity & Impact Report

December 2020

Thank You from the UPF Board of Directors

As 2020 draws to a close, we at Ukraine Partnership Foundation (UPF) have much to be grateful for. Chief among our blessings is the faithful support that you have provided to the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary (UBTS) in an unprecedented academic year.

The restrictions on travel and gathering in Ukraine that resulted from the global pandemic, were challenging, to say the least. But the majority of UBTS students still opted to come to L’viv to study on-campus. Total enrollment continued growing in 2020, led by the largest ever freshman class in the Fall semester. What a testimony to the commitment and courage of UBTS students and faculty, who clearly demonstrate how they believe and practice the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

In God’s Providence, two floors in the new academic building were available for use. This new space, combined with the creative use of other available areas, allowed UBTS to continue to teach and mentor 560 students in person, while following all safety protocols.

In another act of Providence, UBTS had been planning to introduce online courses even before the onset of the pandemic. As a result of this planning, Seminary leaders were able to quickly pivot to online learning for students unable to travel to the L’viv campus. Fifty students pursued their studies fully online in the Fall semester, including some with physical disabilities who otherwise would not have been able to enroll.

And even in the midst of adhering to an entirely new model of teaching, UBTS introduced three exciting new programs in Leadership, Mentoring and Coaching, and Christian Counseling – all designed to strengthen local churches.

This nimble and effective response – which has enabled UBTS to remain focused on its essential mission – would not have been possible without your support for the building project and for COVID-19 expenses. Please read on to see where your gifts made the difference.

We are profoundly thankful for your continuing support and praise God for your generosity and commitment to advancing His Kingdom in Ukraine.

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

Adapting and Thriving: A Thank You from the UBTS President

UBTS was challenged to implement a new model of teaching and learning in response to COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. But faculty and staff remained focused on the mission – to train and develop leaders for the local church. It’s clear that the mission resonates with emerging Christian leaders from throughout Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Total enrollment for the 2020 Fall semester grew to 800 students, from 676 students in Fall 2019. That growth was fueled by 398 first-year students – the largest incoming class to date. Seventy percent of students chose to attend in-person classes in L’viv, with the remaining 30 percent engaged in online education.

In this video, UBTS President Slavik Pyzh reflects on the year’s challenges and accomplishments, with gratitude for all God has enabled UBTS to accomplish.

A mission-minded church and individuals made gifts totaling $12,050 to help defray COVID-19-related expenses in the Fall semester. To safely sponsor the Spring semester, UBTS needs to raise an estimated $15,000 more.

You can make a gift for this purpose by using this secure, online form and selecting “COVID-19 Contingency Funding” in the dropdown menu.

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New Classrooms Were Ready – Just in Time!

It would have been nearly impossible for UBTS to meet the social distancing requirements for in-person classes if the new Academic Building had not been available. Praise God for His perfect timing!

UBTS first envisioned expanding its academic facilities in 2016. God led them to the current location for a new campus and inspired a fresh vision for growth and impact. Then God moved faithful donors to generously provide the $2.4 million to begin the building project. Thank you!

The two floors and classrooms in the new Academic Building created by phase one renovations were critically important to manage safe operations in the Fall 2020 Semester. These new spaces, combined with the creative use of other available areas, allowed UBTS to continue to teach and mentor hundreds of students in-person in L’viv, while following all COVID-19 protocols.

It’s now essential to complete the renovations that will fully equip UBTS to achieve the vison! With growing enrollment expected in 2021, construction must continue without delay.

Take a tour of the new facility in the video below and see the dramatic progress that has been made towards transforming an old, unoccupied building into a thriving academic hub. Envision with us additional classrooms, kitchen and dining facilities, a library, and chapel – spacious, inviting places where UBTS students will be educated, equipped, and inspired! Imagine the Kingdom impact that students using this unique building will bring to churches and communities throughout Ukraine and beyond!

In the immediate term, completing construction in the unfinished areas pointed out in the video will reduce COVID-19 rental costs, streamline operations, and provide greater opportunities for fellowship and connection among UBTS students, faculty, and staff. And when pandemic restrictions are lifted, UBTS also will be poised for an exciting new season of growth and impact.

Will you partner with us to make this happen? We need $1.2M to complete the critical next phase of construction and renovation. Your gift will make a difference today and for many years to come! You can make a gift for this purpose by using a secure, online form below and selecting “Building Fund” in the dropdown menu.

DONATE NOW

Learning and Fellowship: UBTS Students’ Report

For the Spring 2020 semester, all UBTS students attended classes online. No in-person instruction was allowed. While this format allowed more time for virtual mentoring, the loss of personal contact with the UBTS faculty, mentors, classmates and friends was acutely felt.

With the return of in-person classes in the Fall semester – conducted in “bubble” cohorts with social distancing and other safety measures – students reaped many benefits. In this video, two students describe why they value in-person learning and fellowship and the impact of their studies on them personally and in their churches.

Thank you for your interest in UPF and your support of UBTS.

Best wishes for a blessed Christmas season!

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.