To: Robert Bristow
From: Slav Hirnyj
Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2002
 
Dear Robert,
 
You may still remember me, Slav Hirnyj, the UIC Ph.D. graduate from Ukraine. We met in 1999 in the copy shop (was it called Kinko's?). I returned to Ukraine and for these almost 3 years I have been walking always remembering our conversation regarding 1Jn3 (sinning, obeying and abiding). In Ukraine I joined a Baptist congregation and tried to communicate 1Jn3, obeying the 10 Commandments, keeping the Sabbath and Biblical feasts, explaining the meaning of unleavened bread, etc. These years were years of cleansing and growing and testing. My time was and still is, however, divided (1Cor7:32-34). Three kids and almost no means of survival in a 1 room apartment with heat, water, electricity often shut down (during the winter time), this teaches us much to rely upon the LORD, to pray without ceasing.
 
Sowing and watering GOD's words over these years has resulted in the heart change of my wife - she, grown in Ukrainian Catholic tradition, came to Christ and now has become a witness to her many relatives. But, Robert, I weep much for the lostness of my countrymen who fill the official Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant churches on Sunday morning and live heart-hardened lives. Ukraine needs a prophet like Jonah. I heard Jonathan Hansen on the radio warning America and felt that Ukraine also needs a warning like this.
 
I am writing to you from Dresden, Germany, as a result of the answered prayer - I asked the LORD for a job and He provided one for me. This is a research institute in the field of Materials Science. Here I have found two brothers in Christ and also an English speaking community led by a former Southern Baptist pastor. He asked me to preach on the Palm Sunday and I preached on 1Jn3 and related.
 
Today, I finally found your web-page and even an e-mail link. I was so happy I instantly wrote you this e-mail. If you have a chance - please drop me a word.
 
GOD bless you on your roads.
 
Sincerely yours, in Christ Jesus,
Slav