One year ago, we said our goodbyes and began our adventure to Ukraine. It is hard to believe that it has already been a year. By God’s grace, we have met and come through various adventures and challenges. By God’s grace, we have experienced a wealth of blessings for which we are so thankful for. We are so humbled that God has called us here for this time in our lives. It truly is a privilege to serve Him. 
Right now we are thankful to be hosting the EEMN English Language camp team here in Ukraine. Their purpose is to teach English, plant seeds of the Gospel, make friendships, and support the Youth Center’s local ministry. By God’s grace, this will happen over the course of their two weeks of camp. Please pray for all the students that come, that God’s Word would penetrate and make alive. Please pray also for the American team. Pray for strength as they will face jet lag, culture shock, spiritual warfare, and other issues that could prevent their work. For updates on the camps, click here.
I (Andy) am excited to share a number of ministry updates. Things are progressing very well for the Bible School. In a recent conversation with my co-worker Ole Magnus, he said with a knowing smile, “It’s almost as if God is in this.” And He is. We really believe this because doors are opening that only He could open. I mentioned before that in June, all the Bishops of the Lutheran Churches from the former ELCROS (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and other States) met in Odessa. There were about 10 Bishops in attendance representing their country, or region of Russia. We hosted them at the Youth Center for a presentation and meal. It was a wonderful time and they were very interested in the project. The day after the council ended, Pastor Alexander Gross told me the news: 1)The Bishops’ council decided to close their Seminary in St. Petersburg (though this will not be official until the General Synod meets in September); 2) All future seminary students will attend our Bible School in Odessa as a prerequisite for the new correspondence-based seminary course. This will open the door for us to receive students from all parts of the Russian-speaking world. As you can imagine, this is a big open door for our school and give us an opportunity to ground future leaders in the Word of God. Praise God for his guidance and open door.
We continue to prepare for the start of the school this fall. Right now there are potentially 8 students. However, only a few of them have officially completed the registration process. Please pray that these young men and women would press on, and accept the challenge and opportunity to study the Bible for this year.
It has become increasingly obvious to us that our time to move out to Petrodolina will be sooner rather than later. Our team is there. Our work is there. Please pray for housing for us. We are hoping to find a house nearby the Youth Center property. This would be a blessing for our family, and we hope for our ministry as well.
Thank you for your prayers for us and this ministry. You are a vital part of this mission!
In Jesus' Love,
Andy and Monica, Moriah, Isaiah and Josiah
To read the rest of the Coyle’s newsletter, click here.
