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Rev. David Melin talking with Michael and Olga Drezhan.

The Rev. David Melin has been at the Baptist church in Rush City for 19 years. When he took the position, one thing the church asked him was, What do you like to do in addition to being a pastor? He said, I like to teach. Rush City Baptist Church has a sister church, Rakovka, in Ukraine. In 2002, the church asked Melin if hed like to teach at the seminary there, and he accepted. My first goal was to teach in Ukraine, and I wasnt that interested in a sister church, he said. But they did have a young pastor meet me, and he and I have actually become best friends. Even though they spoke a different language, I immediately felt at home the first time I stepped in their church. Melin has been going to Ukraine for 16 years and currently makes the trip twice a year. He teaches courses he has developed about the Bible. He has also established friendships with the people, and he feels like it is his second home. Going to Ukraine was really good for me because it allowed me to do some things I think I am gifted at, like teaching, and allowed me to help more than one church, he said. There are not many Biblical resources in Ukraine that are translated into Russian. Five years ago, Melin started a writing project and wrote a two-page commentary on every one of the 150 Psalms from the Bible. His translator, Bogdan Pais, translated these into Russian so the people would be able to read them. Now Im going to turn it into a book, and publishers are going to buy the first 500 copies and distribute it throughout Ukraine, Melin said. I jokingly say that Ive accomplished a goal in life that I will have my own book on my shelf that I cant read. Melin has estimated that he has taught some 400 students throughout the years in Ukraine, and he believes their churches will have a well-educated pastor. Ive really enjoyed providing these pastors with skills when it comes to understanding the Bible, using the Bible and how to preach in a way thats not boring, but interesting, Melin said. Little traditions have developed between Melin and the people of the sister church throughout the years. One is when the people get married, he treats them and their extended family to his favorite Ukrainian restaurant. He gives them a card (translated into Russian), and gives them a brand new $100 bill. Also, he brings them candy. Even though my students are adults, I bring them large bags of American candy. I have gotten the reputation of thats how I buy their affection, he quipped. The Rev. Stas Chernyayev and his wife, Natalia, from the sister church in Ukraine, are making a visit to Rush City June 8-19. Melin, a lover of classical music, has season tickets to the Minnesota Orchestra. Every time they visit, I take them to the Minnesota Orchestra, and they just love it, Melin said. One of the questions the people in Ukraine ask Melin all the time is, Why do you keep coming back? His answer is simple: The reason I come back is because I like you.

Originally posted here:
Rush City reverend calls Ukraine second home - ECM Post Review