Discovery Bible Studies continue in Ukraine, thanks to ‘pesky’ apps

Like everyone else in the world, the CMF team in Ukraine has been scrambling and brainstorming to figure out how to work and minister while not being able to meet together, reports team leader Jonathan Powell.

“Previously,” he said, “I’m have been known to complain about ‘Yet Another Messaging App that I Now Need,’ for which I use the acronym YAAWN. Things such as Skype, FB Messenger, Telegram, Whatsapp, Viber, Facetime, and Google Hangouts. But now I’m so thankful for all those Yaawns I complained about!”

The main focus of Jonathan’s ministry is Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), where he meets with groups of four or fewer people in cafes, restaurants or homes to read and discuss the Bible using a series of simple questions.

“Certainly, it isn’t the same as face to face over a cup of coffee,” he said. “The online conversations are stilted at first, littered with ‘sorry!’ and ‘I didn’t hear that last part,’ but groups eventually find their groove,” he said.

“If it weren’t for all these ‘pesky’ apps, our meetings would not be happening,” he added. “These relationships would be suspended. Momentum would be lost. We can’t gather in coffee shops, but we can continue to meet and stay connected.

“For that, I am thankful!”