THE STORY OF “ARTHUR” (Part One)

Arthur* is a modern-day Hudson Taylor.   Instead of British, he is Ukrainian, but his heart holds an amazing love for China and he is one of the first Ukrainians to serve as a missionary there.  Arthur’s story is one of faith and courage.  But if you were to sit and talk with him, you’d be surprised

at how unassuming he appears, how humble and quiet.

Just 24 years of age, Arthur has lived in China–not once, but twice.  His goal is to return as a career missionary, and in preparation for this he has been studying at Kiev Theological Seminary (KTS) since 2009. Arthur will earn a degree next May as the first-ever graduate of our World Missions Department.

He was born at the very end of the Soviet Union era, in eastern Ukraine.  At that time, Ukraine was changing rapidly, surging toward independence (which it gained in 1991), and Arthur’s life reflected the upheaval taking place.  Churches began to flourish with the new freedom of the 90’s, and one particular, Bible-believing church in his city reached out to Arthur and his mother, a single parent.  By God’s perfect planning a Bible study was started in their home, and later both mother and son began attending church services.

Arthur’s first response to the Gospel was rejection.  “I was told,” he says, “that if I was the only person on earth, Jesus Christ would have died just for me. I couldn’t believe I was that bad of a sinner!  I had always been known as a good kid – obedient to my mom, diligent at school, respectful to my neighbors.  I thought I didn’t need a Savior.”

But the Gospel story intrigued him, and for six months he prayed, asking God to convince him of his sin.  One day God opened his eyes, allowing him to believe in Christ and repent of his sin.  At the age of 16, Arthur was baptized and became a member of the church.

During this time, Arthur began searching for a purpose in life, a goal which would challenge and motivate him.  He enrolled at a nearby college (higher education begins earlier in Ukraine), but felt unfulfilled in his studies.  He thought about going west – to Europe, or even America – to find his place in the world.  Then one day he heard about an exchange program seeking students willing to study in China for seven months.  “I was interested,” he says, “but knew I could never afford to go.”  God once again intervened in Arthur’s life: the church offered to help finance his trip.  “I saw God’s hand in this, and knew He was directing me.  I had thought of going west, but God was sending me east!”

(read about Arthur’s first adventure in China next week, on this website)

Cheri Strahm, Equippers Network international

*Arthur’s surname is withheld for his protection as a missionary in a restricted-access nation