xрещення 28 червня 2011

On the 28th of April 7 people from our church made a covenant with God by means of water baptism.


On the 28th of April 7 people from our church made a covenant with God by means of water baptism. Alexander Skrypak a Pastor of “Almaz” church started this joyful event with a sermon on the 6th Chapter from the Epistle to the Romans. In this way he reminded to those who came to be baptized and to everyone else of the meaning of water baptism which is the symbol of our immersion into Jesus Christ.

There were also some unbeliever relatives of those who got to be baptized. The baptism ceremony was led by another “Almaz” church Pastor – Nikolay Skopych. The next day all 7 of those who got baptized were announced as new church members on a Sunday service. There were announced also 3 other people who decided to become “Almaz” church members that joined them.

It never fails to amaze as our Lord again and again adds to the church those that were saved. It’s very moving to see as people that just recently lived in rebellion against God now confess their faith in Jesus Christ, show total commitment to Him and a desire to follow Him till the rest of their lives. Be the Glory to Him for all of it!

сессии ЦБШ"А"

Almaz Church Bible School

Our Goal....

To display the majestic glory of God through perfection of God’s children into mature and joyful servants.
Every session, every home assignment, work of the students on their home assignments, practice of students’ serving, teachers and student mentors’ serving – all directed at reaching the above goal.

Our Curriculum...

The School has 2 levels of training.

Level 1 “Foundations of Faith” – Length of study: 2 years

1.Doctrine of the Bible
2.Hermeneutics
3.Doctrine of God
4.Doctrine of Man
5.Doctrine of Sin
6.Doctrine of Salvation
7.Doctrine of Christ
8.Doctrine of Holy Spirit
9.Doctrine of the End Tames

Level 1 “Practical Ministry” – Length of study: 1 year

1.Doctrine of the Church
2.Personal Spiritual Life: Imparting the Word of God to One’s Heart
3.Discipleship: Imparting the Word of God to a Disciple
4.Small Groups: Imparting the Word of God in the Context of Home Groups
5.Leadership: Specifics of Biblical Leadership
6.Preaching: Imparting the Word of God to Great Audiences
7.Christian Counseling: Imparting the Word of God to Troubled Hearts
8.Evangelism: Imparting the Word of God to the Lost

Length of a session day
Teaching time: 6 hours. Total time: 9 hours.

Average level of participation
65 persons. We make exceptions only when holding sessions in the form of conference. In this case, the sessions participation is around 300 persons. We turn to this form of training when we want to teach a topic to as many people as possible. In these cases beside students our other close friends can attend the conference.
Every session includes lecturing and working on home assignments.


Our Staff

Nickolay Skopych,
Teaching Pastor, one of the founders and teaching pastor of the Christian Evangelical Church “Almaz” in Kyiv, graduate of the Ukrainian Bible Seminary, Master of Theology.

Nickolay Bibikov,
Student Mentor, Level 1 ”Foundations of Faith”

Liliya Litvin,
Student Mentor, Level 2 “Practical Ministry”




February-April 2011 Sessions

In February-April 2011, the Course “Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)” was taught at Almaz Church Bible School. The Course was taught during two sessions.

In February 2011, we held the Conference “Holy Spirit, His Essence and Actions.” It gathered 280 participants from various cities of Ukraine. This was a record number of participants as compared to the previous Almaz Church conferences. We believe it is a testimony to many Christians’ interest in the Biblical teaching of the Holy Spirit and, on the other hand, to their hunger for the Word of God and the study of Truth. This is, no doubt, a cause of joy.

During the Conference “Holy Spirit, His Essence and Actions” for one day the teaching on the person and deity of the Holy Spirit, His actions and manifestations during the Old Testament and New Testament times was presented. Taking into account the number of serious mistakes in understanding this topic in the modern day we spent a considerable time dealing with the details of baptism with the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, Holy Spirit’s role in a person’s spiritual re-birth. It was pointed out that the rights understanding of the third Person of the Trinity and His actions is extremely important for every Christian and the Church as a whole. At the same time, deviations from the right understanding of the truth of the Scripture may lead Christians to failure in their spiritual life.

The photo report on the conference can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw81gW8_dUM.
In April 2011, the one but last Level 1 “Foundations of Faith” session of the Almaz Church Bible School for the students of the first admission took place. We studied issues connected to the actions of the Holy Spirit in lives of Christians. In this session, we presented diplomas for the previous courses taken.

Future Planning

On May 29th, 2011, we plan to have a ceremonial presentation of diplomas to the students successfully completing the program of the “Deep Foundations of Faith” Level of the School. We plan to invite special guest and congratulate the graduates.
In September 2011, the School will enroll the second group of students for the Level 1 “Deep Foundations of Faith.” At the same time, we are starting courses of Level 2 “Practical Ministry” where we enroll the graduates of Level 1.
Viktoriya Demchuk, student, 25

“During the session, I kept wondering at the greatness of God and His kindness to sinful people, His boundless love for us. I was also struck by the humility of Jesus and His faithfulness to His Father. I understood better that my sins are real, that they have eternal consequences, and that the sacrifice of Christ covered them. It is hard for me to realize just how great was the mission of Christ that now allows me to live a life of joy at the feet of Him, Who also gives me strength to live a pure holy life. He is my Lord!

Understanding of Who Jesus is helps me praise Him more in my prayers. When I know more about Christ’s Person, it helps me follow in His footsteps in every sphere of life: His obedience to the will of His Father helps me seek God’s will and fulfill it in my ministry, His humility teaches me to be as humble in team work or in simple relationships with friends. The last session of the School, the Doctrine of Christ, made me once again think of Who Christ is and how important His role is in my life.”

Children in my Heart!

This is the time of year when I first went to Ukraine...May of 2009. We were already a large family of 9, but God was pulling us to adopt 3 more little children with Down Syndrome from Vorzel Ukraine. It brings a smile to my face to think of the orphanage and all the children who were at Vorzel when we first visited, and who are now with their own special families. It still amazes me, though I know it shouldn't how God works things in your life. We think we are in control most times, but God is when you let Him. God is very capable and all knowing.

When we got to Ukraine...we rushed to our appointments with our facilitator...After that we would go first to Baby House #3 and see our little Masha, who is still tiny and darling as ever. There I would also see Ivanna, Vladik & Timothy and some other regulars through out my 2 months in Ukraine. These children touched my heart and life like nothing else...

After 30 minutes or so we would rush down to Baby house #5 and see Milena & Luda..who lived together. They both have been such a joy and are also so darling and along with Masha & make me laugh & smile everyday. When I spend time with them I often think of their little life in Vorzel and all the other children who were there with them. There are many families we have contact with still who have taken the leap of faith and obeyed God's calling in their lives...for this I am grateful. All children deserve a family to love them unconditionally..and every family deserves the blessings of a child with Down Syndrome...

Many times we miss God's calling because of our own agenda. We think we are in control of our own lives. In some aspects of course we are, ...but in the stillness is when we can hear God's calling the best. During prayer & quiet times. I am grateful today for my salvation and God picking me...why me? Why my husband? why anyone? Well we are all called to come to know Jesus as Saviour...but not all hear. Some are deaf to God's call. This is very sad for Christians...knowing others who will not answer when God knocks at the door of their hearts. Maybe today you will ask Jesus into your heart and admit you are a sinner and need a Saviour. There is no other way to heaven..not by your works which alone are worthless to God..

I am so happy we listened to God's call of Adoption. He placed adoption on our hearts when we were 1 st married in 1993. We saw a special television documentary on orphans and adoption and this stirred our concern. I soon after got pregnant and was told to wait until our own child was 6 months old. By that time I was pregnant again with our 2 nd child and our adoption plan was put on hold. Years later we were reminded again at our church when a couple adopted twins from Korea and so we searched the website at last! By this time we had 6 children, our 5 th daughter having Down Syndrome. It all made sense then when we were drawn to this little girl in a crib looking up with eyes saying "Take me!" Oh my Lord, we are so happy and grateful we answered the call. This is when we went to Vladimir Russia to adopt Yulia who also had Down Syndrome. She has been sunshine in our lives for over 5 years now. A wonderful experience we will cherish & never forget! My older girls call her the live baby doll..we recently brought home our 13 year old son and he fits in like he was always here...our blog is torresfamilyadoption.blogspot.com

For questions or advice on adoption, please email us at rubenandjoann@msn.com

Adoption is an awesome calling...if you think you are being led to adopt a child with special needs, there are many places to go.. the place we found our children were Rainbowkids.com and Reecesrainbow.org theworldswaitingchildren.

We met Pastor Sasha & his family while in Vorzel Orphanage..We are so glad we met him and his team working at the orphanage. Through our adoption many people have gotten to know The Skripak family and their church. They are an awesome testimony and you will be happy you met them and became a part of their missions team. Please think about saving the life of an orphan through adoption or through Almaz Church orphan Outreach Ministry.

Getting Closer to the Goal!

Over $2000 raised so far for the van for the Skripak Family & their Ministry to the orphans!
The chip in is still on but no donations yet there..you can also send a check...email Pastor Sasha at above email Address for details...The first week at Vorzel will be starting soon and the church is in need of this van to transport people from the airport to Vorzel and other orphanages.

Thank You to all those who have made the sacrifice to help out the Almaz Church!

Summer Missions in Vorzel Ukraine

Ready to make a step in faith? Come to Ukraine and work with the Almaz Church Outreach Team this summer. Spaces are still available for June 2011. Also we can set your group up for next spring/summer. Contact Pastor Sasha at the above email. It will change your life....to help the children and care workers at the orphanage in Vorzel Ukraine.

Interview with Sasha Furmanchuk who began her service to the orphans and is still on this way


- Sasha why out of such a big variety of ministries or ways of spending your time did you choose to go to the children's home and serve orphans?

- My ministry to orphans started just recently - a bit more than half a year ago. But during this short period of time the Lord helped me realize much I have: my family and those near and dear. Why did I choose this very ministry to the orphans? Because for these children in their situation it is important to realize that God is the only One Who can change their lives. He can become their loving Father. This is why the aim of out team's trips was to bring them the Gospel and love of our Almighty God.

The testimony of Kareena, the administrator of building #5 of the orphanage in Vorzel
"In our orphanage we have several buildings. Some of them regularly get help from Christians and other donors. For some reason we never got any major help in our building. In 2008 representatives of Almaz church came in and offered to remodel the building and help the staff and orphans. We did not expect much because we do not trust promises.
In 2008 and 2009 Almaz church and their partners from USA have done so much work that we still cannot get over it. Most important for me was to see that people who love God not only talk about Him but show their love practically. These people are so faithful! And it proves to me that God is not leaving us alone in our needs and He is here with us caring for the lives of the orphans."

A testimony of a changed life
I am Dima. I am 16. When I was 6 my family abandoned me and did not want to care for me any longer. I did not know what I will do with my life. I know how to play chess and I win local competitions. Last summer believers from Almaz church came to our orphanage. They spent a lot of time with me and explained to me who I am, who God is and what future I will have with God. I have a vision now. I know my life will have sense.

Serve with Humility...Join our team in Ukraine to minister to orphans...

John the Baptist was born with a single purpose; "to make ready a people prepared to receive the Lord" (Luke 1:17). He was chosen for service before he was conceived and was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth" (Luke 1:15). John was so obedient to his calling that Jesus said, "Among those born of women, there is no one greater than John" (Luke 7:28). But John also knew his position within God's Kingdom...he had come to serve.

John 1:26-27
"'I baptize with water,' John replied, 'but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.'"

John had been given his assignment and was empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish his tasks. He was a servant preparing the way for the King. John was the greatest man ever born; and yet, in his humility, he felt unworthy to even untie the sandals of Christ.

True humility is not simply defined by a low self-image. It is the natural condition of our spirit when we begin to understand who we really are...and Who God really is! John felt unworthy because he had been given a glimpse of the unfathomable greatness and holiness of his Lord. As he stood in the presence of Perfection, there was only one response; "He must become greater, I must become less" (John 3:30).

When we know that Jesus is on the throne, "at God's right hand" (1 Peter 3:22), and that He will reign for all eternity, we begin to see our life in the proper perspective. He is infinitely perfect and worthy of infinite love, worship, and service. We live and breathe purely by His grace; we are but "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14).

Yes, we are a "mist," but we are a mist with a purpose. We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit with the necessary tools to victoriously serve. Though our offering will always be imperfect, and far less than He deserves, it will be pleasing and acceptable if we give Him our ALL, give Him our best, and give from the innermost part of our heart.

Our God is truly above ALL, and He loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son so we could be with Him for all eternity. He calls us to believe in His gift and then serve Him for all the rest of our days. Let's continue to love Him with all our heart, give Him our absolute very best, and daily walk down the path He lays before us. Let's serve obediently, boldly, and victoriously...but let's also lift the Name of Jesus higher and higher and serve with humility.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

"True freedom is when you loose the need to impress people. If you are driven by applause, then you are bound by the feelings and emotions of other people."
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Детская площадка 2010-Монитор

“Every child has a right to play”
Construction tour around the orphanages
in Ukraine 2010-2015

This video will show the beginning of a 5-year tour in 2010. This is a tour around Ukrainian orphanages with the goal to replace old Soviet playgrounds with new modern ones.

Action plan:

Step 1

Find a large investor who would be willing to donate $9.000 – 15.000 into a new playground. We want to become hands of this person so that they could work through us in Ukraine from a distance.

step 2.

Negotiate with the orphanage administration the demolishing of an old and nonfunctional playground (unaccesable for special needs children).

Step 3.

Clean the territory from the old equipment and from the trees that may put the lives of the children in danger.

Step 4.

Lay a special foundation that can live through cold Ukrainian winters. We want the foundation to be nice and even and surrounded by the fence so that kids could play withough nurses controlling them constantly.

Step 5.

Cover the foundation with a rubber layer that will protect children from injuries and will allow them to move independantly. It is especially important for special needs children.

Install playground equipment that will allow children to move around and work out. Special needs children have to have an easy access to these equippment.

This video will show you how the tour was started in summer of 2010. You will see the first 4 steps we have accomplished.

Plans for 2011:

1. To finish the construction of the playground #1 by covering the foundation with the rubber layr and installing the necessery equippment.

We have 50% (which is $3.500) of the neceserry funds to finish the playground #1. We still are looking for another $3.500.

2. To build a playground #2 in the orphanage building where 100% of the children have special needs.

We have 60% of the necessery funds and we still are looking for $4.800.

3. If we have any additional donations and funds we are ready and willing to build 2-3 playgrounds in 2011.

Please, pray for us:

- for the team;

- for all the necessery means for the ministry for the next 5 years so that we could give children a chance to get out of the building walls where they spend every day of their lives;

- for children to use our playgrounds and develop their skills and physical abilities;

- for children to be better developed and more attractive to potential adopting families in Ukraine.

Preaching about the great God in Western Ukraine, where thousands of religious people live who do not know a real relationship with the living God.

The Conference “Great is Our God” was held on 8-9 April 2011 in one of the greatest cities of Ukraine, Lviv, that is situated in the Western Ukraine and has a population of nearly 800,000 people. It is about 70 km. away from the Polish border.


The main religious confessions in the region are the Greek Catholic Church, the Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and Judaism. That is why it is not surprising to see in the streets and inside the houses statues and pictures of Virgin Mary and other saints, who are considered by the majority of local Christians to be mediators between God and men, which is a reflection of their views of God…


The main speaker at the conference was Nikolay Skopych, Pastor of Almaz Church in Kyiv. Nikolay came here by way of invitation from the pastor of one of Lviv churches. For the previous 3 years, Nikolay has been undertaking such trips all over Ukraine in the framework of the Almaz Church’s Ministry for Dissemination of God’s Word. People of Lviv City and region could hear his sermons on marriage and family and wise usage of money on three occasions during those years and together with the speaker research the Scriptures that have so much to say about these vital topics.

This time, nearly 200 people from Lviv and nearby towns and villages came to hear about our great God and His attributes.

Nikolay taught a lot about the sad situation with knowing God. When dwelling on it, the main stress was made on the thought that “without knowing the grand majestic God it is impossible to burn with love for Him, impossible to truly follow His commandments or carry out fruitful ministry.”

We also studies what the Bible says about importance of getting to know God, learned about the ways to do it and obstacles to be overcome. And, of course, the lion’s share of time was devoted to the study of God’s nature and His attributes. In other words, for a day and a half we searched the Scripture to see what He is like, out Great God.

Closer to the end of the conference we had questions and answer time.

And, the closing accord of the conference was made in prayer and worship time.

After the night on a train, on the next morning Nikolay preached at his church in Kyiv….

Report on the Conference

The Conference “Great is Our God” was held on 8-9 April 2011 in one of the greatest cities of Ukraine, Lviv, that is situated in the Western Ukraine and has a population of nearly 800,000 people. It is about 70 km. away from the Polish border.

The main religious confessions in the region are the Greek Catholic Church, the Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church, and Judaism. That is why it is not surprising to see in the streets and inside the houses statues and pictures of Virgin Mary and other saints, who are considered by the majority of local Christians to be mediators between God and men, which is a reflection of their views of God…

The main speaker at the conference was Nikolay Skopych, Pastor of Almaz Church in Kyiv. Nikolay came here by way of invitation from the pastor of one of Lviv churches. For the previous 3 years, Nikolay has been undertaking such trips all over Ukraine in the framework of the Almaz Church’s Ministry for Dissemination of God’s Word. People of Lviv City and region could hear his sermons on marriage and family and wise usage of money on three occasions during those years and together with the speaker research the Scriptures that have so much to say about these vital topics.

This time, nearly 200 people from Lviv and nearby towns and villages came to hear about our great God and His attributes.

Nikolay taught a lot about the sad situation with knowing God. When dwelling on it, the main stress was made on the thought that “without knowing the grand majestic God it is impossible to burn with love for Him, impossible to truly follow His commandments or carry out fruitful ministry.

We also studied what the Bible says about importance of getting to know God, learned about the ways to do it and obstacles to be overcome. And, of course, the lion’s share of time was devoted to the study of God’s nature and His attributes. In other words, for a day and a half we searched the Scripture to see what He is like, out Great God.

Closer to the end of the conference we had questions and answer time.

And, the closing accord of the conference was made in prayer and worship time.

After the night on a train, on the next morning Nikolay preached at his church in Kyiv….

This is something wonderful that happened last year...

An amazing testimony of the administration of the orphanage.
Today we had a unique conversation with the representative of the orphanage administration in Vorzel. This person said that the last year was very important for the orphanage and there was certain struggle going on. They said that the government was going to shut down the orphanage because the old facilities were dangerous for children and personnel. But in reality the reason is somewhat different. The land in Vorzel is very expensive. Today the land of the orphanage costs $5-7 mln. There are people in the government who really want to get this land and the bad state of the facilities was just an excuse to shut down the orphanage. It this case 200 people would lose their job and more that 100 orphans would be sent to other remote orphanages where facilities are even worse.

The representative of the orphanage administration informed that in the beginning of 2010 a governmental committee checked the orphanage and they saw all the transformations including new doors, windows, new flooring and the most important the remodeling of the heating system because it was mostly dangerous. So they are losing reasons to shut down the orphanage.

The representative of the orphanage was so grateful and exited about the construction and remodeling in 2008, 2009 and 2010. They believe that because of this remodeling the orphanage has a future.

Today began our church men's weekend. Attended by more than 30 men. Please pray for all of us, that God did what He thought of us to be attentive to his word!

Pause music at below to listen to videos...

"Here I am to Worship" - Russian Youth Choir

Beautiful!

Russian Christian Music

Russian Christian Song - "Свят,Свят, Свят Господь ++ "