GORLUVKA, Ukraine (BNc) — A Bible training building doubling as a worship location was taken over by armed insurgents this morning (US time) during worship, Howell Ferguson, Stateside Coordinator of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, said on Facebook.
Howell quotes eyewitness Olga Paziura, who described what happened.
“During the morning worship service in Gorlovka (the church I attend), armed men (they called themselves the troops of the Russian Federation) came in and demanded we leave as they were seizing control of the building for their own purposes. After much negotiation, we were given two hours to remove the contents from the building that we wanted and the rest would be destroyed. And they also told us that this building now belongs to Russian Federation. While we were taking out stuff they watched us standing there with the guns. We were not able to take out the everything. The TV, washing machines, fridges were left there. We all together started to take everything out. It took about three hours to carry most of the stuff out. Then it took another three hours to load two trucks. So it was just very shocking and stressful. Some girls lost counsciousness and started crying. It is good that they didn’t take us hostage because it could be possible in fact. Anyway now it passed and I’m at home but I still cannot believe in what happened.”
Howell preaches with the North Jackson church of Christ in Jackson, Tenn., and works with the extension program of BVBID.
The building is used for the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine and for Christian worship and activities of the Central church of Christ in Gorluvka.
BVBIU and Central church of Christ facility
They were given only hours hours to remove personal property.
“I have had no contact with anyone this weekend as graduation was Saturday. Please keep our brethren including staff and students in your prayers,” he wrote.
In his April report published online May 5, Howell mentioned that he did not travel this year to Ukraine for the graduation ceremonies because of the unrest in the country.
Seven students were to have been graduated yesterday, Howell said.
2014-05-25 at 10:46 am
Prayers. Keep the info coming
2014-05-25 at 11:47 am
Thank you, brother Matheny, for this and all the information you often send out.
2014-05-25 at 1:23 pm
This is getting bad around our world. I pray all goes well in that part of the world and God is glorified in this.
2014-05-25 at 2:56 pm
God be with the men and women who know the trails of life firsthand.
2014-05-25 at 4:03 pm
I’m praying for the safety and well being of all my sisters and brothers in the Ukraine!
2014-05-25 at 4:14 pm
Praying for our brethren. Thank you
2014-05-25 at 4:28 pm
My prayers are coming. Does this mean everyone is ok, or just forced to move out of the building?
2014-05-25 at 4:50 pm
It looks like elections were being held in Ukraine but the school is in the particular eastern region of the country that’s supported by the Russian separatist who side with joining Russia. Donetsk and Luhansk cities, according to news reports, were hardly participating in the national election because the Russian separatists are controlling this region with fear. Apparently the same ones who are hindering voting are behind the take over of the church of Christ building. This is my understanding of the situation. This shows why our faith must remain strong.
.http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/high-voter-turnout-propel-poroshenko-to-presidency-349290.html
2014-05-25 at 8:54 pm
Stopping to pray for all involved…
2014-05-25 at 9:37 pm
Praying for you, brethren!
2014-05-26 at 9:56 am
Praying
2014-05-26 at 9:56 am
The church and work in Ukraine remain in my prayers daily. God is in control.
2014-05-26 at 12:32 pm
Praying for those who were taken by hostage & for a change in heart for the “armed insurgents”
2014-05-26 at 6:46 pm
Sad to hear. Prayers for strength and providence.
2014-05-27 at 9:23 pm
In times like these we have to stand firm and offer up ardent prayers and praise. God is able!
2014-05-28 at 1:48 pm
I received this comment from a Russian Christian in St. Petersburg.
D’Anne,
“they called themselves the troops of the Russian Federation”-it sounds very silly.
Just imagine… you arrived to Russia with the poster in hands “I am the
American spy”.
Something wrong about this news.
Larisa
2014-05-29 at 3:06 pm
I can’t imagine the stress you all experienced, but thanks for the update. The Colbert church of Christ in Spokane WA. Will be praying. God Bless