Today (July, 9, 2014), according to an article on the Russian language website, ideas4god.com, armed men wearing the identification marks of the separatist organization “Donetsk People’s Republic” entered the grounds of Donetsk Christian University. The rebels seem to be falling back after losing ground to the Ukrainian army and are looking for a place to quarter their soldiers and store their weapons. (Center photo: Pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk)

Several Americans, including myself, have taught at DCU. Although I understand that fighting the rebels in Donetsk is an important part of reclaiming the region from terrorists, I am saddened by these developments.

DCU is a non-denominational school that has been training pastors and missionaries for several decades. The sign on the left (above) is simply DCU’s, but the sign on the right (seen on DCU’s website) is more political. It says, “Donetsk Ukraine” and strongly implies DCU’s opposition to those who claim Donetsk is now part of Russia. This defiance may have made them a target.

Please pray that God’s people will be safe and that these facilities might be preserved and remain available to train ministers and missionaries for years to come.

Rich Strahm