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Privyet! (Hello!)
Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
God's sovereignty has rarely been felt more obviously than it did in Odessa. It is difficult to comprehend fully and even more difficult to describe all that happened leading up to and during the 5th International Conference for Young Medical Professionals last month.
The local organizing committee (LOC) was one of the best ever, building upon the lessons learned from past committees and then initiating some improvements. I always give thanks to God for the talent and energy He has given these students. Realizing that these students are foreigners adapting to a culture and language not their own, that the country of Ukraine has been functioning in a state of undeclared war, and that they are working with severe financial constraints, what they accomplished in Odessa was nothing short of miraculous.
Initially planning for only 150 participants, the numbers increased to over 350, largely due to the promotion through a website developed by Steve Sparks, a former missionary in Ukraine. (You can view the website here.)
The increased number of participants created challenges with transportation, venue location and accommodations. But the greatest challenge came two days before the opening when the Odessa National Medical Institute withdrew their permission to hold the conference at their facilities. The LOC was counting on the use of this free venue to stay within budget. The students through registration fees cover half the cost of each conference with the remainder supplied by sponsors. Many thanks to the individuals, churches and organizations for their generosity.
With the speakers already arriving, and the participants expected within two days, the body of Christ went to work. Many prayers and phone calls were made: Calls to local churches, mission organizations, theaters and hotels. We needed one large hall and 13 classrooms for master classes. Feasible affordable options were hard to find: Too small, busy, not enough small rooms, too expensive, too far away from the hostels.
Meanwhile, the students in Odessa raised $600 to help offset any additional cost. The speakers were touched by the students' sacrifice and commitment, and they agreed to make up the difference. What a blessing! One HUGE burden lifted, but still we had no venue.
We eventually found a location that looked promising, but they needed a contract signed by the renting organization with an official stamp showing the group registered in Ukraine. UMO has a stamp but no official registration in Ukraine. It was now late morning on the day of the conference. Again, praying all the while, we were connected to a registered non-profit group who was willing to rent a facility for us to use. With only an hour to go before the opening, the contract was drawn up, signed, and stamped and the conference opened on time. The LOC did not miss a beat. All their hard work and preparation allowed them to proceed as if nothing had happened.
Speakers arrived from 9 countries representing 9 major Christian organizations, CMA of Ukraine, ICMDA, NCFI, CMDA of Sweden, PRIME, MTW Medical Ministry, CMDA of USA, CMF UK and UMO. Participants came from all over Ukraine plus a contingency from Moldova, representing 30 countries including 80 Muslim students primarily from Iraq. What an opportunity God gave us to present a Christian worldview, how it relates to medicine and answer questions!!!
As the conference opened we became aware that one of our keynote speakers lost her passport on her way from Frankfurt to Kyiv. Without a passport she was not allowed into Ukraine. Another speaker had a family situation and had to cancel. One of the other speakers kindly agreed to turn her master class on Ebola virus into a keynote address. She beautifully weaved the Gospel into her presentation.
Our Bible leader Andzej Turkanik, executive director of the Quo Vadis Institute, challenged students to think about how our worldview shapes how we practice our profession as he led us through a study in Genesis over the three days. Other speakers used their master classes to teach practical skills and critical thinking in addition to how their faith overlaps with their profession. All fit well into the conference theme: Competence, A Platform for Faith.
There were many opportunities to have group and private discussions. Saturday night was reserved for an International Night, and all were requested to wear traditional clothes from their home countries. What fun! How colorful! Such an opportunity to break down barriers and develop relationships with people from quite varied backgrounds.
Pictures taken throughout the conference can be viewed here.
Though an openly Christian conference several Muslim students said, “Be sure to let us know when the next conference will take place.”
The leader from Moldova said, “This conference exceeded all of our expectations. How can we do this in Moldova?”
Andzej Turkanik wrote, “I was impressed by the quality of the participants and their immense hunger to be fed.”
Rick Paul, Eurasian Regional Secretary of ICMDA, said, “The fields are white, the harvest plenty…Let’s train harvesters.”
Simon Ramsbotham, PRIME, wrote, “This was a great conference and a great spiritual battleground. Many left with a lot to think about.”
Olena Pokryska, Professor of Microbiology at Ternopil Medical Institute, wrote, “Students from my university told me the conference was like an open window for them.”
Marina Calac, Developmental Pediatrician in Moldova wrote, “I was deeply impressed by some of the students, their ambition, knowledge, purpose and difficulties they face in becoming doctors.”
As a result of this conference the local fellowships are growing. We see a need to help develop leaders to continue the ministry throughout the year at their institutes. Jim has already been contacted to help with follow-up in several of the fellowships and in Moldova.
Our prayer before the conference was to prepare the hearts of the participants to receive the message of the speakers. Our prayer now is for the seeds planted to take root and grow into mighty oaks of faith.
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
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