After the dissolution of the godless Soviet regime in 1991, the people of Ukraine began to openly reveal a long suppressed interest in and a longing for God. Historically Ukrainians have always been a very religious society. More than 99% of Ukraine’s population over the age of 15 can read and write. Together the historical religious culture, a very high literacy rate, and a longing for God, provides our LEs with a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel.

Today, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine has more than 60,000 members. In 2007 the church experienced a significant increase in the number of church members engaged in literature evangelism—an increase of 218 people! Praise God! This is the result of a great vision. On the recommendation of our brother, GC Publishing Director Howard F. Faigao, the LE Seminary in Ukraine opened its doors four years ago. Today there are there are 905 LEs!

At the Second All-Ukrainian LE Congress, held February, 22-25, 2008, more than 215 delegates, guests, and visitors from throughout Ukraine and other ESD Unions enjoyed a time of spiritual fellowship, learning, and dedication unto God. The motto for the Congress was Acts 18:9, 10 “be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have many people in this city”.

Hundreds of wonderful testimonies and experiences were shared at the Congress. Many of the experiences were video presentations describing the work being accomplished throughout the conference and mission publishing departments. The atmosphere at our Congress was one of brotherly dialogue, hearts full of warmth, mutual understanding and support for each LE.

We enjoyed meeting representatives from Russia, Belarus, Moldova, and the Caucasusian republics who attended the Congress. Also, the visit of our brother, Pastor Wilmar Hirle, who now serves as the Associate Director for Publishing at the General Conference, was a special blessing.

During the Congress publishing leaders discussed new strategies to get the gospel message out to the Ukrainian people. Already there are several unique ministries for our student LEs. One program canvasses the sea shores of the Black and Azov seas via kayaks! This ministry was so successful that two more river routes are now being used to visit people who might never otherwise hear the good news of the gospel. All along these routes the local churches actively support the student’s work. The tremendous support and enthusiasm for this ministry lead to the development of a new ministry: bicycle literature evangelism.

Dzhulay Vasily Grigorjevic
UCC, Publishing Director
Euro-Asia Division