September 14, 1998
From September 10-14th Ivan Yurishko, a Ukrainian Sabbatarian from Khust, Ukraine visited with the Kubik's in Indianapolis and participated in Bible Studies and Church services in Lafayette and Terre Haute.
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On Sunday, September 13th he spoke for five hours with Guy Swenson about the Ukrainian economy and business climate. They discussed methods proposed by Guy Swenson about how economic conditions could be improved with the right kind of help. A tentative plan was discussed which included forming a partnership of business people in western Ukraine who would then oversee small business ventures mostly involving animal husbandry and small manufacturing.
While with Ivan, we talked about the printing of United Church of God's Russian literature for distribution in Ukraine. We discussed a plan to publish the 24 articles mostly from the Good News magazine. We discussed what kind of format would be most effective.
We also talked at length about preparing for our medical/dental/optical mission to Ukraine in late January 1999. Ivan will be helping to coordinate the support needed on the Ukrainian end. This included interfacing with clinics, doctors and mayors of the villages where we will carry out our mission activities. A support staff of volunteers will help to facilitate the treatment of hundreds of patients while we are there.
On Monday, September 14th Ivan Yurishko continued his journey to Portland, Oregon and on to Sacramento, California where he will meet with family relations and friends.
The following was written by Joan Osborn, wife of elder Jeff Osborn of the Terre Haute church about her impressions of Ivan Yurishko's visit to our area.
September 13, 1998
This weekend members of the Terre Haute and Lafayette Indiana churches had the pleasure of meeting and enjoying fellowship with one of the Sabbatarians from the Ukraine. Ivan Yurishko, from the city of Khust made his first trip to the United States. Ivan owns a print shop and is a lay leader in the congregation in Khust. He was hosted by Victor and Beverly Kubik in their home in Indianapolis.
Our first contact with Ivan came on Friday evening in the home of Jim and Sarah Osborn. Terre Haute members in the eastern part of our church area were holding their first pocket bible study. A pitch-in meal began at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m. 18 of us sat down in the Osborn’s living room.
After the prayer, Mr. Kubik showed us a booklet Sunset to Sunset that Ivan had printed in his print shop. He also showed us the Sabbatarian newspaper, which they print every 2 months. Ivan gave some opening remarks and greetings from the Sabbatarians in Khust. [Mr. Kubik translated for all of us] Our subject for the evening was "What is a Christian?" Because we had so many questions for Ivan, that particular question was never explored fully, but we did learn what it was like to be a Christian in the Ukraine.
Many people asked questions about the Tajikistan Sabbath keepers who had emigrated into the Ukraine because of Moslem persecution. Ivan said they are settled, have gardens and are doing as well as could be expected. There are few jobs for anyone in Ukraine and those who have them do not often get paid regularly. He also said that many Ukrainians are like the ancient Israelites. They remember the "good things" they had under communism but are forgetting that they were not free. The Sabbatarians rejoice in the fact that they can freely and openly practice their religion without persecution.
The things that impressed me and others was the sincerity that Ivan displayed. He was very comfortable with talking about God and what God could and would do for Christians. In answer to a question about evangelism, he stated that the best way to do this was by personal example. By doing good works people would see who and what you are. Ivan quoted many scriptures to support his ideas. It was obvious to all that he had a deep faith and lived it.
On the Sabbath the Kubiks visited Lafayette in the morning and Terre Haute in the afternoon. Mr. Yurishko spoke for a few minutes in a sermonette type message. After Mr. Kubik’s sermon, he very kindly answered questions from the brethren for almost an hour. Several members had the opportunity to have dinner together after services. We were able to eat and fellowship despite the language barrier. Ivan expressed that he felt somewhat cut off and wished he could converse with us in English. This sparked a discussion about the ‘pure language’ God will introduce in the kingdom. We parted warmly after the meal.
Hearing about the Sabbatarians in the Ukraine is one thing. Being able to see, hear, and touch one is something else. Suddenly what almost seemed unreal has become real for many of us in Terre Haute. God is calling his people from all over the world just as he promised.