When God Works...

“Thank you. I think that is the best compliment that anyone has ever paid me.”

It was a Saturday evening after teaching for four hours and I was exhausted and yet exhilarated. I was in the middle of a workshop that God has been putting together for me over the past several years.

“Orban, you were a channel for God to work though tonight.” - that was the compliment. Could anyone ask for anything more?! Hallelujah! And Praise the LORD. He is the Worker! He is the Change Agent. He is the Truth that sets Christians free. I simply get to be the channel.

The concept of regeneration is somewhat of a mystery. Of course when we are truly honest with ourselves, all salvation is a mystery! However, regeneration is something that God doesn’t do for me. It isn’t something that God declares about me. It is something that He does to me. We are new creations! That is exactly what Paul said in 2 Cor. 5:17. I am new! I am his workmanship, his poetry. (Eph 2:10). That is the simple truth.

I have heard many explanations as to how the old person, old nature, sinful person, flesh, impostor (call it what you like) still interacts with the new me. All too often the emphasis is totally focused on what I used to be. The amazing truths about what God has changed us into are incredible and truly life-changing. When I begin to grasp the truths of who and what I am (and not only who and what I was) my entire Christian experience can change.

For 12 hours over two weekends, this was our focus. “Who I actually am as a Christian”, “How that is different than who I was (or who I think I am)”, and “The practical difference that makes in everyday life and actions” was explored. A total of 50-55 people attended throughout the 2 weekend (3 day) workshop with about 40 being there for at least two of the three days. It really was incredible to see God changing lives. It was indeed a powerful time of Biblical study and practical application.

"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32 NASB

Christians were set free and given new hope because of the amazing truth that is Jesus Christ and the work He does. He is the one who works in me, to me, for me, and through me for His glory and my benefit. Praise God that he speaks today with power and life changing love and grace!

More of you Jesus and less of me!

What's New?

I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated this blog. So much has changed in the past year and the stresses of it all has been astounding.
The transition from DBI (Dnepropetrovsk Bible Institute) to CCL (Centre of Christian Learning) has been an amazing process. It has been a true adventure with God as we left the familiar and "safe" format of a regular Bible School to begin a teaching ministry to the churches in general. Rather than being curriculum focused we are need focused. We no longer simply ask the churches to send us your youth and we will teach them what we think they need to know. Now we have the opportunity to partner with the churches, seeking out where their educational needs really lie and finding creative ways of helping them meet these needs. Out of the classroom and into the churches is really what we have done. Where there is a need for education, training, etc. in a church - that is where we want to be.

So far the response has been very positive as we offer ourselves as servants to God's church in Dnepropetrovsk. It has been great to see how we can walk alongside the churches here in Ukraine and offer them help along the way. Truly God's ideas in God's time produce God's results!