After serving with MTW for 21 years, Clay has decided to go back to school, working half-time on a Ph.D. while continuing to serve in Ukraine. Maturing churches around the world have growing needs for expertise in theological education, and this degree will enhance Clay’s capabilities for further service. He will be traveling to Scotland to study at Highland Theological College, which has close ties to Reformed Theological Seminary.

Clay will continue to serve as president and professor of Evangelical Reformed Seminary in Ukraine. Rod Gorter will be taking Clay’s place in the Odessa, Ismail, and Belgorod churches. Paul Alexander will serve as Ukraine Country Coordinator, and Bob and Andrea Burnham will be the Odessa Team Leaders.

In 1999 the historic Reformed Church building in the center of Odessa was deeded back to the growing congregation of the MTW church planting team. After two years of reconstruction funded by the PCA, the building was dedicated in July 2001. Originally dedicated in 1900, the building served only 14 years before the outbreak of World War I when the religious community was dispersed under the Communists. It is wonderful to have the building returned to its original use as a house of worship. The historic roots of the building give credibility to this young congregation.

Praises

The building dedication was a great event. Although the building was not yet totally restored, the celebration commemorated to the glory of God that the church was able to return to the building, worshiping there weekly in the house built for that purpose. This is indeed glorious!

Pray for Their Ministry

Please pray for adequate financial support for the seminary and its students. Pray for the Odessa church as they continue the building restoration work. Although the project goals of the Odessa church restoration were met, there is still much beautification to be done. The congregation has been having weekly work details to finish the job themselves. They hope there will soon be funds for the steeple, the exterior work, church offices, and choir loft. Pray for the three new families that have joined the MTW Ukraine team.

Pray for Those They Serve

As the Odessa church “comes of age,” the emerging leaders do more of the work. The MTW team continues to stand alongside them, but they take control. Please pray for wisdom for Senior Pastor Giorgi Kadyan as he orients the church in their new setting.

Pray for Them

Please pray for Darlene’s health. She continues to have undiagnosed pains in her side. Please pray for the Quartermans as they adjust to the recent changes and Clay’s additional travel. Pray for Nate as he attends Belhaven College. It is Nate’s freshman year; and he will greatly miss his friends back in Ukraine. Pray for Matt as he is now married and living in Jackson, MS, working in a Christian bookstore and writing