Ministry To Kids With DisabilitiesPastor Sergey pastors a small church in Rbya Village, southwest of LOR. The church is registered as a church and as a non-profit humanitarian aid organization. This helps the church do humanitarian aid work with the children. Their purpose is to serve disabled children and have been operating for 8 years. Their program is called Bartimaus. They help with physical needs and live out their motto, "All life is important." Disabled kids in Ukraine are looked down on so one challenge is to help children realize their worth. These three things are promoted: 1. Quality of life. 2. Value to God. 3. Honesty, transparency on all issues. We are hoping to be able to raise $12,000 in order to help support this ministry.
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Personal Support For OksanaDean and I met Oksana 2-3 years ago in Kiev. She also has a burden to care for disabled children and works with an organization involved in adoptions, coordinating with a man in the government who is the "Children's Rights" department head. Dean and I met him last year. Their goal is also to improve the care of disabled, special needs kids in orphanages. At present small children with special needs never leave the orphanages and most do not even get into public schools. Oksana recently found a new apartment, which has space for 6 children.
All of these children have come out of orphanages. She has one volunteer working with 2 children. The goal is to teach them basic life skills, and if possible, help them mature mentally to the point that they can be mainstreamed into the public school system. One little boy is 7-8 and can't read his name. She has been opened 4 weeks now and already the boy recognizes his name on his cup in the bathroom. The condition of these needy children touches the heart and is a worthy project. We are hoping to raise $6,000 in order to help support Oksana's ministry to the children of Kiev. |
Brother SashaDMI provides full salary for Brother Sasha for the year. This amount includes his travel expenses each month. Sasha travels over 1,000 miles a week, sometimes nearly 2,000 as he visits the various ministries to see how they are doing and to encourage and strengthen them. We are asking for $36,000 in support for this year.
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New Ministry VanThe new van is necessary for Sasha’s travels each week. There was a new ministry which started this past year and they need a van to carry on their work. He gave them his van and has been using his own personal car for travel. A van is so necessary for him as he carries supplies to the refugees in winter help to the poor. Expected costs for this expense are approximately $25,000.
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Rehabilitation MinistryOur good friend Pastor Maxim currently oversees 6 rehabilitation centers for those who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. His ministry often leads some of these individuals towards a life of ministry. We hope to raise $6,000 to support him in his work.
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Ministry In The East
This project is meant to help support 5 pastors who are located in the "grey zone" of Ukraine. The goal for this year is to raise $24,000 for these pastors in order for them to be able to continue ministering effectively to those in need in Eastern Ukraine. Below are some brief ministry reports regarding these pastors & their ministries.
Pastor Vasiliy Kovalev
Pastor Vasiliy Kovalev, his wife Larisa, & son Stas.
The Kovalevs have three children - the daughters Elvira (22 years old) and Diana (19 years old), and the son Stas (17 years old). Children still live with their parents, all of them are students. The family lives in the city of Mirnograd, Donetsk region.
Vasiliy serves as a pastor in the local church in their city. Until 2014, it was a measured ministry in a small church in a provincial mining city. Everything changed with the outbreak of war. Mirnograd was filled with refugees, there were thousands of them. Some stayed in the city for several days, and then moved on, inland. Some settled there for a long time, having received the official status of IDPs.
The church immediately got involved in serving people fleeing from the war. They distributed grocery bags, clothes, medicines, and helped with the search for housing. Even to this day, care for the hundreds of refugees who live in Mirnograd continues. Vasiliy is directly involved in this ministry - both in word and deed.
Along with taking care of refugees, Vasiliy and other brothers began to travel to villages that were on the line of fire, in the vicinity of Donetsk Airport. It was a terrible time, winter of 2015. The villages had neither light, nor water or heating. No food was delivered there, no medical assistance was provided there. People were hiding from shelling in the basements. The brothers began to deliver bread, water, food, and candles there. They supported people spiritually, prayed for them.
After the end of the hot phase of the war, they did not stop visiting front-line villages. Now it is more the spiritual care of people. In some villages were formed groups of people who wanted to explore the Word of God. These groups are gradually turning into full-fledged churches. There are not enough ministers; Vasiliy oversees all these new groups.
To support all the ministries, Vasiliy and other brothers try to develop a subsidiary farming. Recently they launched a mini-bakery, and plan to start a farm. For now, the subsidiary farming brings no profit, the funds are only invested. The Kovalev family, serving many people, found itself in financial difficulties. The support would be an urgent and timely help for Vasiliy and his family.
Vasiliy serves as a pastor in the local church in their city. Until 2014, it was a measured ministry in a small church in a provincial mining city. Everything changed with the outbreak of war. Mirnograd was filled with refugees, there were thousands of them. Some stayed in the city for several days, and then moved on, inland. Some settled there for a long time, having received the official status of IDPs.
The church immediately got involved in serving people fleeing from the war. They distributed grocery bags, clothes, medicines, and helped with the search for housing. Even to this day, care for the hundreds of refugees who live in Mirnograd continues. Vasiliy is directly involved in this ministry - both in word and deed.
Along with taking care of refugees, Vasiliy and other brothers began to travel to villages that were on the line of fire, in the vicinity of Donetsk Airport. It was a terrible time, winter of 2015. The villages had neither light, nor water or heating. No food was delivered there, no medical assistance was provided there. People were hiding from shelling in the basements. The brothers began to deliver bread, water, food, and candles there. They supported people spiritually, prayed for them.
After the end of the hot phase of the war, they did not stop visiting front-line villages. Now it is more the spiritual care of people. In some villages were formed groups of people who wanted to explore the Word of God. These groups are gradually turning into full-fledged churches. There are not enough ministers; Vasiliy oversees all these new groups.
To support all the ministries, Vasiliy and other brothers try to develop a subsidiary farming. Recently they launched a mini-bakery, and plan to start a farm. For now, the subsidiary farming brings no profit, the funds are only invested. The Kovalev family, serving many people, found itself in financial difficulties. The support would be an urgent and timely help for Vasiliy and his family.
Pastor Alexander Radin
Pastor Alexander Radin
Pastor Alexander Radin is a Refugee from Makeevka. He now lives in Mirnograd, which is a front-line city. Alexander has a family, together with his wife Inessa they raise 4 children. Their eldest son is 21 years old, he is independent already. Their youngest son is 7 years old.
Since 2015, Alexander is been serving people who happened to be living directly in the active combat zone - villagers in the area of Donetsk Airport. During the most intensive phase of the war, he delivered bread, food and basic necessities there. All this was accompanied by sharing the Gospel. As a result, in some villages were formed groups of people who wanted to study the Bible. Now Sasha takes care of two of such groups - in the villages of Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. These groups are gradually turning into full-fledged churches: there are already people who have been baptized by faith, there are not only Bible study classes, but also full-fledged services - with singing, preaching, and common prayers. Inessa conducts classes for children and adolescents.
To help in the ministry, Radins try to engage youth from their mother church in Mirnograd. Whenever possible, brothers from Mirnograd also participate in the ministry. In addition to spiritual work, Sasha has to solve many organizational issues. So, in Umanskoye recently was purchased a building for the church. The building needs serious repairs - the roof is leaking, there are no windows, there is no heating. Sasha has to deal with all that as well. In Tonenkoye, the situation is better - the church there has a building in a better condition. But they need to build up a room for classes with children.
The ministry of the Radins is done on big distances – it is about 50 km from Mirnograd to Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. They have to come there more than once a week. It should be kept in mind that these are military roads - broken, not cleared of snow in winter. In addition, they have to cross several check-points. Transport is an urgent need of Alexander. His main transport is an old bread delivery van with only 2 seats.
Since 2015, Alexander is been serving people who happened to be living directly in the active combat zone - villagers in the area of Donetsk Airport. During the most intensive phase of the war, he delivered bread, food and basic necessities there. All this was accompanied by sharing the Gospel. As a result, in some villages were formed groups of people who wanted to study the Bible. Now Sasha takes care of two of such groups - in the villages of Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. These groups are gradually turning into full-fledged churches: there are already people who have been baptized by faith, there are not only Bible study classes, but also full-fledged services - with singing, preaching, and common prayers. Inessa conducts classes for children and adolescents.
To help in the ministry, Radins try to engage youth from their mother church in Mirnograd. Whenever possible, brothers from Mirnograd also participate in the ministry. In addition to spiritual work, Sasha has to solve many organizational issues. So, in Umanskoye recently was purchased a building for the church. The building needs serious repairs - the roof is leaking, there are no windows, there is no heating. Sasha has to deal with all that as well. In Tonenkoye, the situation is better - the church there has a building in a better condition. But they need to build up a room for classes with children.
The ministry of the Radins is done on big distances – it is about 50 km from Mirnograd to Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. They have to come there more than once a week. It should be kept in mind that these are military roads - broken, not cleared of snow in winter. In addition, they have to cross several check-points. Transport is an urgent need of Alexander. His main transport is an old bread delivery van with only 2 seats.
To help in the ministry, Radins try to engage youth from their mother church in Mirnograd. Whenever possible, brothers from Mirnograd also participate in the ministry. In addition to spiritual work, Sasha has to solve many organizational issues. So, in Umanskoye recently was purchased a building for the church. The building needs serious repairs - the roof is leaking, there are no windows, there is no heating. Sasha has to deal with all that as well. In Tonenkoye, the situation is better - the church there has a building in a better condition. But they need to build up a room for classes with children.
The ministry of the Radins is done on big distances – it is about 50 km from Mirnograd to Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. They have to come there more than once a week. It should be kept in mind that these are military roads - broken, not cleared of snow in winter. In addition, they have to cross several check-points. Transport is an urgent need of Alexander. His main transport is an old bread delivery van with only 2 seats.
The ministry of the Radins is done on big distances – it is about 50 km from Mirnograd to Tonenkoye and Umanskoye. They have to come there more than once a week. It should be kept in mind that these are military roads - broken, not cleared of snow in winter. In addition, they have to cross several check-points. Transport is an urgent need of Alexander. His main transport is an old bread delivery van with only 2 seats.
Pastor Eduard Domnich
Pastor Eduard (Center) with several members of his family
Together with his wife Lyudmila, they raise 6 children. Their eldest daughter, Eugenia, who is 27 years old, went to work in Russia. Their youngest son, Mark, is 7 years old, and this year he started school. The family has an adopted child.
The Domnich family lives in Ukrainsk, it is a front-line city.Eduard is a miner. Unfortunately, hard work is not adequately paid. Salary is greatly delayed, for now, the last money he received was paid in August.Lyudmila does not have a permanent job, in their city it is very difficult to find Lyudmila does not have a permanent job, in their city it is very difficult to find a job.
For two years already Eduard is been serving in a small church in the village of Galitsinovka, which is located about 20 km away from the front line. Eduard received the church in a dying state: services have not been held for several years, the pastor was from Donetsk and due to his age, and also due to the fact that Donetsk and Galitsinovka happened to be on the opposite sides of the demarcation line, he was no longer able to come to serve at the church. Only two members of the church remained in the village - the rest either left or died. It was impossible to get to the church building as the yard was overgrown with shrubs and weeds. So the first thing they did was clear the way to the church. And people started coming. Now the church has about 10 members. There are children - Lyudmila leads a Sunday school. Relationships with parents began to develop. Basically, these are dysfunctional families. Eduard and Lyudmila began to feed children, and then they realized that adults also often come hungry. Therefore, every Sunday they prepare lunch for all people attending. They serve lunch for up to 30 people. It is also an opportunity to get acquainted and fellowship with people.
Eduard and Lyudmila are dedicated and sacrificial people. But financial support would be of great help to their family. Also, a great need for their ministry is transportation. Eduard has an old Zhiguli (a soviet time car). Every week he drives up to 100 km for ministry matters. A serious workload for an old car. Again, even the family can hardly fit in the car, and they also need to bring grandmothers to the church service and take them back home.
The Domnich family lives in Ukrainsk, it is a front-line city.Eduard is a miner. Unfortunately, hard work is not adequately paid. Salary is greatly delayed, for now, the last money he received was paid in August.Lyudmila does not have a permanent job, in their city it is very difficult to find Lyudmila does not have a permanent job, in their city it is very difficult to find a job.
For two years already Eduard is been serving in a small church in the village of Galitsinovka, which is located about 20 km away from the front line. Eduard received the church in a dying state: services have not been held for several years, the pastor was from Donetsk and due to his age, and also due to the fact that Donetsk and Galitsinovka happened to be on the opposite sides of the demarcation line, he was no longer able to come to serve at the church. Only two members of the church remained in the village - the rest either left or died. It was impossible to get to the church building as the yard was overgrown with shrubs and weeds. So the first thing they did was clear the way to the church. And people started coming. Now the church has about 10 members. There are children - Lyudmila leads a Sunday school. Relationships with parents began to develop. Basically, these are dysfunctional families. Eduard and Lyudmila began to feed children, and then they realized that adults also often come hungry. Therefore, every Sunday they prepare lunch for all people attending. They serve lunch for up to 30 people. It is also an opportunity to get acquainted and fellowship with people.
Eduard and Lyudmila are dedicated and sacrificial people. But financial support would be of great help to their family. Also, a great need for their ministry is transportation. Eduard has an old Zhiguli (a soviet time car). Every week he drives up to 100 km for ministry matters. A serious workload for an old car. Again, even the family can hardly fit in the car, and they also need to bring grandmothers to the church service and take them back home.
Pastor Mikhail Semenov
Pastor Mikahil & his wife Olga
Pastor Mikhail and His wife Olga live in Mirnograd. Mikhail is been a deacon of the local church for 25 years. The Mirnograd Church took under the wing the front-line churches, which for various reasons were left without ministers. Maryinka is a town in the immediate vicinity of Donetsk. It turned out to be one of the hottest military points. There are a lot of demolitions in the city. The pastor of the local church died, and there was nobody to replace him as most of the brothers left the city. The church was on the verge of extinction.
Since 2015, Mikhail is been doing pastoral ministry there. Every Saturday, he covers 75 km to conduct a service in Maryinka. He conducts services there on Saturdays, because on Sundays he needs to be at the service in his native church. He goes there not empty-handed - usually the car is loaded with groceries, clothes. The church came to life - during church services there are practically no empty seats. We must honestly admit that some people come for material things. But there are many of those who sincerely seek the Word of God and Christian fellowship. Mikhail is considering the need to expand the church building, to build an extension. And this is at a time when all construction in the city is practically stopped! Concerning his life plans, Mikhail says the following: "To work while God grants me strength and health."
The support is very relevant for Mikhail, especially considering the transportation costs. Often, he makes two trips to Maryinka per week. And this is 300 km. It turns out to be 1,500 - 2,000 km per month.
Since 2015, Mikhail is been doing pastoral ministry there. Every Saturday, he covers 75 km to conduct a service in Maryinka. He conducts services there on Saturdays, because on Sundays he needs to be at the service in his native church. He goes there not empty-handed - usually the car is loaded with groceries, clothes. The church came to life - during church services there are practically no empty seats. We must honestly admit that some people come for material things. But there are many of those who sincerely seek the Word of God and Christian fellowship. Mikhail is considering the need to expand the church building, to build an extension. And this is at a time when all construction in the city is practically stopped! Concerning his life plans, Mikhail says the following: "To work while God grants me strength and health."
The support is very relevant for Mikhail, especially considering the transportation costs. Often, he makes two trips to Maryinka per week. And this is 300 km. It turns out to be 1,500 - 2,000 km per month.
Pastor Roman Solotkovskiy
Pastor Roman
Pastor Roman has a wife Elena, and a son Yan, who is 9 years old. Next year their family will grow bigger. The family lives in Mirnograd. Roman and Elena are members of the local church.
Roman is a part of a team of ministers who are involved in starting a new church in the neighboring city of Pokrovsk. The church is focused on refugees, who are many in the city. Roman ministers with the Word, and when necessary, responds to the daily needs of people such as food and clothing. Often Roman visits new churches in front-line villages. He does not come by himself but he takes youth with him. Young people participate in services by singing and sharing a testimony. Roman preaches. Such visits encourage small churches. It is also important that young people learn to serve. It seems that Roman’s ministry isn’t the most noticeable one, it’s more “second-guessed,” but he has become an important part of the team starting new churches. Moreover, he gained enough experience to accept and do a more responsible ministry — possibly being a pastor in one of the new churches. And the need for ministers in the frontline zone is very huge.
We believe that support would be a timely resource for Roman and his family, and would help Roman to take the next step towards more responsible ministry.
Roman is a part of a team of ministers who are involved in starting a new church in the neighboring city of Pokrovsk. The church is focused on refugees, who are many in the city. Roman ministers with the Word, and when necessary, responds to the daily needs of people such as food and clothing. Often Roman visits new churches in front-line villages. He does not come by himself but he takes youth with him. Young people participate in services by singing and sharing a testimony. Roman preaches. Such visits encourage small churches. It is also important that young people learn to serve. It seems that Roman’s ministry isn’t the most noticeable one, it’s more “second-guessed,” but he has become an important part of the team starting new churches. Moreover, he gained enough experience to accept and do a more responsible ministry — possibly being a pastor in one of the new churches. And the need for ministers in the frontline zone is very huge.
We believe that support would be a timely resource for Roman and his family, and would help Roman to take the next step towards more responsible ministry.
If you are interested in helping DMI support any of these ministries please consider making a donation today.
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Send contributions to:
DMI
P.O. Box 69
Culloden, GA 31016
Send contributions to:
DMI
P.O. Box 69
Culloden, GA 31016