It's Not About Money for Vladimir

Vladimir works for a small business firm in Berdyansk, in the south of Ukraine. He has been a Christian for several years and now ministers on weekends at a country church, some miles from the city where he lives. Because of his church ministry, Vladimir came to understand that he needed serious Bible study to gain the knowledge he needed to be a pastor. It was then that his own pastor told him about the opportunity to study the Bible and to take Bible-related courses via computer. And so, he registered for his first course. The course was Stewardship. Vladimir “studied” by going to the church’s computer center in Berdyansk twice a week, in the evenings or on Saturdays. He worked through the lessons and chapters step by step. His computer skills increased. More importantly, his understanding of God’s principles regarding stewardship deepened.

Before taking the Stewardship course, Vladimir explained that he would simply place some money in the offering basket each week and not think any more about what he had done. Since taking the course, however, Vladimir realizes that stewardship is not only about money; rather, it’s a heart attitude toward God. Stewardship involves being alert to the needs of other people and helping them; God is helping Vladimir become more sensitive to the needs of others.

Vladimir completed the Stewardship course and went on to take the New Testament Survey course. The course involves completing assignments on computer, plus reading the entire New Testament at home, as well as reading Merrill Tenny’s book New Testament Survey. Vladimir found that one of his favorite assignments was reading an essay by another student, evaluating it and writing a letter in response. He realized that he appreciated that assignment because he’s learned that life is not just about money—it’s about people.