We hope and pray that you will join us! Not necessarily move to Odessa, but you can join our ministry in many different ways. First, you can pray for us. This is a spiritual battle, so we need prayer. Second, you can help us raise financial support. Third, you can join us in Ukraine for 2 weeks! Consider a short term mission trip , International Messenger's specialty. We would love to spend a week or two serving with you in Eastern Europe either discipling new believers or sharing the Gospel with the lost.  

We need $4,000 - $5,000 per month to support our family and our many ministries in Ukraine. Because of the poverty in Ukraine, (average annual income is $1,020), we have to provide money for almost any ministry we do. So, about half of that $4,000-$5,000 per month will actually be ministry expenses. That is a lot of money! We would love to have a meeting on the phone or on the Internet with you, your church's mission board, pastor or whomever. Let us know if you are interested.

International Messengers
Find out more about our mission agency, International Messenger here: www.internationalmessengers.org

Short Term Camp Ministry

Join us in Ukraine for 2 weeks! Consider a short term mission trip , International Messenger's specialty. We would love to spend a week or two serving with you in Eastern Europe either discipling new believers or sharing the Gospel with the lost. International Messenger's will help you get ready and we will help you serve. We could sure use your help!  

Find out more about short term opportunities at this link:
http://www.internationalmessengers.org/Pages/europe.html

Tips for short-term team members in Ukraine

Ukrainian and US cultures differ substantially. It is important to keep in mind that the members of every culture consider their own circumstances normal. As Ukrainians encounter Americans and Americans encounter Ukrainians, either may be easily offended by what the other considers normal. It is important for you to come with an attitude that is conducive for ministry. It is important that no culture be thought of as superior to another. An attitude of superiority is an immediate barrier between you and the ones you would like to communicate with.

Here are a few culturally related tips for you to keep in mind.

1. In Ukraine, there is a deep sense of gender centeredness. For example, unlike Western Europe and the US, men would never shake hands with women. Nor would a woman ever shake hands with a man. Men do not generally publically accept advice or correction from a woman. Instead, they would be horribly offended. In the home, however, women often take the primary leadership role.

2. Tap water in Ukraine is not safe for drinking. However, bottled water is available for purchase outside the camp facilities. You will have to specify if you prefer non-carbonated water as most drinking water is carbonated.

3. Never tell the local campers that you don't like the meal. Better to first try one spoon and enjoy the experience of trying new tastes.

4. Think ahead when you give an illustration or story and check to make sure that it will be understood. For example, many team members will refer to football to make a spiritual illustration. This type of illustration never fails to "hit home" in the US. But in Ukraine, few people even know of this sport, or would in any way be able to relate it to their lives.

5. It is easy to make many promises at camp. Especially on the last day when you want to communicate how precious your new friendships are with the campers. It is very easy to promise to email, send packages etc. But the harder part is keeping your word once you return to your daily routine at home. However, broken promises are very hurtful. In US culture we often say, "We have to meet for lunch" or "let's definitely keep in touch" as a gesture of caring - but no one is generally offended when these good ideas don't actually happen. But in Ukraine, there is no understanding of this practice. Also, if you say, I will try to email - it is interpreted as a promise that - I will email. Remember, it is much better to make no promises than to make promises and then break them. Keep your word.

6. Don't be offended if you hear words of shocking bluntness from the campers. They may tell you their opinion in a way that is much more blunt than you are used to. Also, don't be shocked when you are asked questions that seem very personal. In Ukraine it isn't considered rude to ask you how much something cost, how old you are, or how you voted. Though they may ask, they don't necessarily expect a direct answer.

7. One reminder when you are working with a translator is that due to the nature of Russian grammar, it is necessary for you to communicate complete thoughts before pausing for translation.

8. Though it is natural to be critical of your own culture when you are exposed to another, please refrain from voluntarily offering comparisons or criticisms of your own culture. It isn't generally conducive for attention to be drawn to the pitfalls of the church or government of the US. Though be aware that an often asked question is: "which do you like better - the US or Ukraine?"

9. Here are some suggested items to bring.

Summer Camps
Sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellent, sun hat, sun gasses, fly swatter, medication in case of diarrhea or stomach aches, dried fruit to prevent constipation, pain reliever, and a hand held fan.

Winter Camps
The camp premises are commonly not warm enough and when you travel in the city, often you will be walking or using public transportation. It is absolutely necessary for you to have warm clothing with you such as: wool sweaters, wool scarf, wool hat which covers the ears, long underwear, very warm socks, warm pajamas (the bedrooms can be very cold), sore throat medication, vitamin C tablets, and an antibiotic in case of ear/throat infections.

Documents for Camps

Pictures from Past Camps