I remember many things about my friend, Aleksei, when he was a student. He was among the first students we met in Kiev at Kiev Polytech University. He was a new Christian but he was eager to learn. I remember Alesksei played guitar and helped me lead the praise and worship during many student campus meetings. He was always gracious and patient with me as I was still learning Russian and trying to lead singing. (I didn’t always get the stress on the right syllables). He would make me laugh when he would sometimes show up 5 minutes before a meeting and need to tune his guitar.
I was very proud of him, the first time he lead worship at a student conference as a new staff person. But I almost died laughing when he told me that I wouldn’t believe that some of the guys (who were playing with him) would show up at the last minute . . .

He is pictured here – The tall guy in the top row. This was our first summer project group (summer 1993). Aleksei wanted us to come to his home town to share the gospel.
Today, He and his wife, Madeliene are back in Ukraine with their two children. He recently completed seminary studies in the U.S. and is now responsible for the theological training of all of the Ukrainian Campus Crusade staff members. I couldn’t be more proud of him. I count it a privilege to have worked with him during our time in Kiev.
If you would like to partner with them in their ministry, click here.






How exciting to see FRUIT!!! Praise God.
Who’s the waif in the Japan t-shirt?
Interesting to see Mark Watson and Scott Stemple, a bit younger themselves.
If only more people would read this.