I first met Vladimir Khursin at Nazarene Theological Seminary, while he was their on a 2 week study trip. He was a thirtyish, black haired dark eyed handsome Ukranian man, friendly and easy company. I learned he was a pediatric surgeon working at the Kiev Children's Hospital, an obviously dedicated to the cases he worked with long term. Surprisingly being a surgeon doesn't pa so well in Ukraine so he supplemented his work with medical examinations for an insurance company to help the family budget. Being converted to the Lord and answering a call to ministry he became an assistant pastor at the Nazarene church in Kiev in addition to all his other duties - and was in the US studying towards ordination. As you might expect, he was a very bright man and learned easily.
He wrote me a couple of kind emails after we met sharing his delight at being a guest to a presidential prayer breakfast in the White House. His writing overflowed with real joy as he reported Condoleezza Rice sharing her testimony.
Vladimir died to us on Friday from a brain tumor, despite receiving excellent care in the US, paid for by generous donors.
He is safely home.
I thank God for the privilege of knowing him a little and being inspired by a life that was built on the Rock of Christ and displayed His love through every aspect of his life. In the final, eternal celebration at Christ's return, Vladimir will have a fine crown indeed, with every life he blessed a jewel that sparkles.