On April 16, a fire broke out at the Ukraine Baptist Training Center. Although the fire department arrived within 20 minutes, the 2nd and 3rd floors were completely destroyed. This building contained the dorms, the large meeting room and classrooms. The shell (brick walls) of the 2nd and 3rd floors must be completely torn down and rebuilt. The adjoining 2 story building that contained the original kitchen, dining area and office was spared from damage. At the time, there were 5 students staying at the center but thankfully, everyone was attending a wedding and no one was hurt.

On May 3-8, Tim Bender, representing SBCD and the Kentucky Baptist Convention, and Tex Winsome*, the International Mission Board missionary responsible for mission work in Russia and Ukraine, visited the center to see the damage, and see how Southern Baptists can help. Tim and Tex spent a week with Oleg Stralkovski (Deaf), the Director of the Center. They gathered information, took pictures and began to develop a plan to help rebuild the center. It will cost approximately $150,000 to rebuild the center.

Already, Deaf from Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic have collected about $2000 to help rebuild. The Deaf from these countries are extremely poor, but they love the Lord and feel very strongly that this center is vital to Deaf work in this part of the world. This reminds me of the churches in Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5--even though they were very poor, they begged Paul to accept their offerings to help other Christians.

During the next year, we will need donations and volunteer construction teams. To find out how you or your church can help, contact Tim Bender at tllsbender@aol.com, or Tex Winsome* at TexWinsome@gmail.com. Please continue to pray. Pray that local authorities will give all the permits required to start the rebuilding. Pray for one neighbor who doesn't like the tall building being so close to her house--pray that God would soften her heart and that the believers can be a witness of God's love to her. Pray for Oleg as he must work full time at his secular job to support his family and also oversee the rebuilding of the center. Pray for the local believers as they have been coming together to help clean up and clear off the damaged center.

To see photos of the center visit Facebook: Ukraine Deaf Christian Training Center

*Name changed for security purposes.