The ODC was launched in January 2016, when Dr. Peter Penner shared a request from the Eurasian Accrediting Association (EAAA), that comprises 56 theological schools in the Former Soviet Union, to create an opportunity for intensive, independent study for PhD students, away from everyday worries, under the leadership of qualified mentors in the research library of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek. ~Since then, we have organised ODC twice, in the Summers of 2016 and 2017. And we plan to continue! Interested? Do contact the ODC program coordinator, Julijana Tesija (julijana.tesija@evtos.hr)
Personal testimonies: “from Iran, Soviet Mennonites, Vukovar which helped me understand God`s glory and His care of us.”
Church service: “Being part of the service in the local Pentecostal church for the first time in my life… Now I know how religion is complex and important phenomenon for every human being.”
Time with the ODC mentors: “When I met the mentors who were paying attention to my research and my troubles.”
Time in prayer: “The moment when one Ukrainian was praying for his Russian fellow. That was so special and powerful….”
Discussions: “Stimulating academic discussions between colleagues and with the mentors that were so open”
Community building: “I really loved time we spend together, talking, crying and laughing…”