MEET DIMA
by Debbie
Twelve-year-old Dima has lived in an orphanage in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, for several years. About the best thing in his life is going to the eLearning Center (eLC) at Home of the Gospel Baptist Church each week. Here, he’s learned of God’s love from Bogdan and Kostya, two of the five members of the church who organize classes and outreaches at the eLC. The center is open each day with regular classes for adults and children. Covering basic computer skills such as typing, Microsoft Word, and email, the classes also have a definite spiritual component. For instance, each orphan in the computer class is asked to type out his favorite Bible verse and explain why it is his favorite. Through this time of discussion, the eLC team members have opportunity to share God’s truth and love with those attending the classes. Since the center opened last fall, 15 adults have prayed to receive Christ as Savior as a direct result of the new ministry at the computer center.
Begun in 1996, Home of the Gospel Baptist Church in Vinnytsia is strategically located 150 miles from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. In October 2007, it was decided that one of eDOT’s eLCs would be installed there as the church was eager for opportunities to reach out to unbelievers as well as help its own members with computer training. In addition to the daily classes, the center is used in a variety of ways. Several older members of the church have used the eLC as a way to keep in touch with their relatives who have emigrated to the West. In addition, the center will also be used by students of a local Bible institute that will be moving into the building where the eLC is located this fall.
Several years ago, Christians in North America contributed to Project Equip, eDOT’s endeavor to install eLCs in areas of Ukraine both for online learning as well as for computer outreach. Perhaps you contributed to this project. If so, undoubtedly Dima would want to say “Thank you!” to you. Without your gift, he might never have heard of God’s love.
