"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefor,e I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

   My name is Sergei Kharchenko and I live and study in Kherson. God has come into my life very unexpectedly. After my first attending the church Bible study group my eyes opened, and I understood who I was and what I was living for. I understood my responsibility before the Creator. It wasn't easy for me to leave my previous life, but Jesus showed me the advantages of living with Him. And He became my best friend.
   I am an athlete. I understand Paul's words about runners in a race who try to win and get a prize. Although my study in the university and sports take a lot of my time now, I still try to find opportunities to share the Gospel with my friends and other athletes. Usually after training, we get together in one of the rooms and read the Bible. Oleg is one of the boys who gives me so much joy. He is literally following me asking lots of questions about God and the Bible. I am constantly praying for my friends, and my greatest desire is for them to get to know Christ.