A New Beginning for TCI's Library: From Devastation to Restoration
Lincoln Christian University donates 25,000 books to TCI. More books to come from TBN and other partners
When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine destroyed the TCI library, the loss was deeply felt by our staff and students. Russian soldiers occupied the Kherson campus, dragging TCI’s books outside, burning them, and bulldozing the remains. However, a story of hope and resilience emerged by God’s grace and the help of our American partners amid this devastation. Let me tell you some more…
Theology of Nations conference participants, Ivano-Frankivsk, April 28-29, 2023
Through our partners’ persistence, commitment, and generosity, LCU’s Jessie C. Eury Library, with a history spanning over 80 years, was “transplanted” to TCI to help rebuild what was lost in the war.
In the last week of March, nearly 100 volunteers gathered at LCU to pack 30,000 books for TCI. The task was monumental, requiring extensive logistical planning, a call for volunteers, a pallet jack, and exactly 781 boxes. Volunteers worked tirelessly, carrying books from shelves, sorting them by size, scanning them into the computer system, and packing them tightly into boxes. Each box was labeled with a list of its contents for customs inspection.
The boxes were stacked onto pallets, wrapped in plastic, and prepared for shipping. After three days, the 781st box was sealed, and the packed pallets lined the walls of LCU’s Administration Building. A shipping container arrived at the end of the week, and as the loading neared completion, a short prayer service was held to bless the books on their journey.
The container was shipped to Grand Rapids, where Theological Books Network (TBN), will add more pallets of new books.
TCI plans to move this collection to a new campus in Kyiv once funding allows. This donation will not only rebuild TCI’s library but also help meet the requirements for TCI to be recognized as Ukraine’s State-licensed Christian University. Leslie Starasta, LCU’s Director of Library Services, expressed her excitement about the books’ new home:
“I’m so excited our books are able to train Kingdom leaders in a place that’s under-resourced. They are going to make a difference.”
Graduates of the Pastor Training Program in Ivano-Frankivsk
The journey of these books is more than just a logistical feat. It showed the power of the Christian community and support. The new library at TCI will once again be a place of learning and hope.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Scott Weber, who initiated this incredible project, and Leslie Starasta, who passionately advocated for it at LCU. We also thank Scott Bird and the Central Valley Baptist Association for their generous funding and expertise in books.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to the leadership of LCU and Ozark Christian College for their openness to our need, and of course, to the dozens of volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to the hard work of sorting and packing these books.
Dear Friends, your collective support has been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for your contributions.