Months on the mountain

Mar 3

Dear friends,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and that the new year has started off on a positive note for you. We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our studies at Summit International School of Ministry.

Thanks to your generosity, encouragement, and prayers, we have been able to pursue our passion for ministry and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to serve our community and make a positive impact on the world. Without you, this would have been more difficult, and we are truly grateful for everything you have done for us.

Over the six months, we have been privileged to study under some of the most knowledgeable and experienced instructors in the field of ministry. We have learned so much about the Bible, theology, leadership, counseling, and other essential topics that are critical to effective ministry. We have also had the opportunity to rest and refresh in His presence and in fellowship with many godly men and women.

Apart from the knowledge we’ve gained in classes, the Lord has been doing deep work in our hearts and characters. He’s challenged us to pursue Him wholeheartedly, to soak into His presence so that His love would overflow through us on the people around us… He’s asked us to continue surrendering all that we are, all of our dreams, and all of our future under His perfect will. Only then will we truly be satisfied.

At the end of April, Patrick graduates and we will be moving back to NJ. We are having a hard time believing that this is true, that time has passed so quickly. We are excited about what the future holds for us, and we know that we will be better prepared to face whatever challenges come our way thanks to the education and training we have received at Summit International School of Ministry. We are confident, by the grace of God, that we will make a positive impact on the world, and we want you to know that you have played a vital role in making this possible.

This month, we would like to ask you to pray for our return to NJ so that the Lord would provide a place for us to call home. With the inflation & the current market, it seems impossible but we know the Lord won’t leave us halfway. He will provide a place for our family. We trust His promises. We so appreciate your prayers on this.

Thank you again for your unwavering support, encouragement, and prayers. We are honored to have you as our friends and partners in ministry, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we complete our time here.

With sincere gratitude,

Petro & Tanya Levchyk

Here’s a little recap of the last three months.

STUDIES:

New Testament Review :

Started this year reading through NT. This time it made a big significance and new view on the gospel and letters as we learned about interpreting the NT. Interpretation requires humility: we are reading as foreigners not sharing the original context. The NT's own context should determine its meaning. We study NT in antiquity because NT emerged from the context. By reading NT we must keep in mind these 3 categories which will help us understand the context and tone why certain things Jesus or apostles said during their time: 1. Knowing the Land. 2. Knowing the History. 3. Knowing the Culture

Theology / New Testament

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not just evidenced in evangelism, boldness, or healing… but also in the church’s willingness and ability to live for the good of one another. You need the same power to love your neighbor as for healing or deliverance. Holy Spirit empowers His people to preach, work miracles and love one another. He compels us to love.

Leadership

Leadership is Influence (John Maxwell)

Influence can be good or evil. We’re Not just leaders, we're spiritual leaders, leading/influencing people on to God's agenda. Don’t focus on influence, focus on impact and influence will follow up.

Reflecting on the Last Three Months: A Collection of Cherished Memories