Odessa Oblast

Svetlana lives in the center of Odessa, Ukraine with her daughter and grandson. She teaches English in a private school near her home as well as doing private tutoring in her home.

     Her father was a professor at a university in western Ukraine and was imprisoned for many years by the Communist during Stalin's purges.
Click here for his story

     Svetlana's dear old babushka (grandmother) defied the authorities by continuing to teach her about Christ and eternal issues. Raised on the best of the teachings of the Russian Orthodox Church, the fabric of her life was strengthened by her faith.

     In 1991 when the borders opened to foreign missions and she began to interpret for the pastors and workers. This type interpretation actually means that she must preach the message in a way that is meaningful to the people.  This requires much more ability than simply translating the words directly as they are spoken. Svetlana recognized that to do this effectively, she must fully understand the Gospel from the Protestant Evangelistic view point.

     She interpreted for me in the summer of 1997 and we corresponded several times prior to the 1998 campaign. Then in July of 1998, about 3 days into our preaching schedule she told me that she wanted to repent. Repent is the term used in Ukraine for trusting Christ as personal Savior.

     I had the privilege of Baptizing Svetlana in the beautiful Black Sea the following Saturday, along with about 25 other converts.

     With a intuitive understanding of her people and culture, Svetlana is invaluable to the work and ministry there. By email she translates two or three letters daily in addition to her work of coordinating and distributing the resources among the pastors and workers as the needs arise.( And as the resources become available.)
    
     In her spare time she has translated one complete book from English to Russian this past year. All of this is in addition to teaching full time teaching and tutoring classes.

     One of the benefits of her being so well respected in Odessa by the school officials, is that she is able to use much of my sermon and teaching presentations in her, "English" class. As a result many of her students are hearing the Word of God, in a non-threatening forum and responding.

Please pray for Svetlana as God causes you to remember her.