Ukrainian Seminary Professor Blesses MTS

Eduard (Edik) Borysov, Professor of New Testament Studies Kiev Theological Seminary, Ukraine

By Nicole J. Johnson
Submitted: August 5, 2009

You might expect a visiting seminary professor to teach a course in hermeneutics or theology, but as you will soon discover, seminary professors can wear many other hats as well.

This July, MTS had a special visit from Eduard Borysov, Professor of New Testament Studies at Kiev Theological Seminary (KTS) in the Ukraine. But, he didn’t come to teach New Testament Survey or Biblical Greek as he does back home. Instead, while visiting with MTS Board member Susan Nystrom and her husband Denny, Professor Borysov (who prefers to be called “Edik”) decided to pitch in and work on some building improvement projects at MTS.

The Nystroms befriended Edik when he served as their Russian interpreter on a mission trip to Kazakhstan back in 2006. Susan recalls that, in addition to his role as an interpreter, Edik volunteered to work among the 15 or so missionaries who built a playground at an apartment complex in Kazakhstan. “Not only was he the translator, but he was the carpenter, the welder….he joined in on everything,” said Susan.

So, when the Nystroms invited Edik to visit them here in Michigan, he agreed, but only if he could serve while he was here. “I couldn’t imagine coming for six weeks and doing nothing,” he said. After working on various home improvement projects in Traverse City (at the home of Susan’s sister), Edik came to stay with the Nystroms here in metro Detroit. Since Edik wanted to continue working, the Nystroms suggested that he work with MTS on some building improvements. Edik agreed and spent a week at MTS painting, washing windows, dusting, and installing new stairs over at the Clinic. “The change in activities is in itself a way of relaxing,” he said.

Edik holds a bachelor’s degree from KTS and a Th.M. from Evangelical Theological Faculty in Belgium. In addition to his teaching duties at KTS, he is assistant director for an extension program in partnership with Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology; leads a small group for youth at Hope Church in Kiev; and frequently travels with mission teams as an interpreter of Russian and Ukrainian.

“We love him like a son…he’s part of the family and we have been very blessed to get to know him,” said Susan. The faculty and staff at MTS concur and wish Edik well as he returns to teaching and ministry in Kiev!