A Langham Scholar, who studied for a PhD at the University of St Andrews, was recently inducted as head of a Bible college in his home country Ukraine.
Several people prayed for Oleksandr at his inauguration service at Odessa Theological Seminary, Ukraine.
This is an answer to many prayers. Oleksandr Geychenko now has the opportunity to shape future church leaders through his role at Odessa Theological Seminary.
The inauguration service was held on 11 December and many attended to show their support.
A great honour
These included students, colleagues, pastors of local churches, some members of the Board of Trustees as well as representatives of the Baptist Union.
Oleksandr’s three predecessors were also present and gave him a very warm welcome. He said:
Oleksandr with his wife Tanya and two daughters Olesia and Taia.
“It was a great honour for me. I also had a chance to voice out the basic principles around which I want to develop the seminary in the future.
Extremely grateful
“My family was present too. I was very delighted to have them there.”
Oleksandr is extremely grateful for Langham’s financial and prayer support.
He returned to St Andrews for his PhD Viva last month. He needs to make some minor corrections before the PhD can be completed. Oleksandr commented:
“The journey is not finished yet but the goal is behind the next turn. To God be the glory!”
Oleksandr Geychenko (pictured centre holding flowers) has been studying for a PhD at the University of St Andrews since 2014.
Difficult decision
His PhD is a critical assessment of the church structures of the Ukrainian Baptist Union. Oleksandr began his studies at St Andrews in 2014. He took the difficult decision to move alone without his wife and two daughters.
Two churches in Scotland “adopted” Oleksandr, providing him with accommodation, fellowship and support. Read the full story from October 2017.
Please continue to pray for Oleksandr, as he completes his PhD and in his new role in Ukraine with its challenges and responsibilities.