Make a difference in Ukraine


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Introducing Ukraine

In Eastern Europe, Ukraine is still learning to deal with independence, since the 1991 dissolution of the USSR. Within the last 70 years the state has lost 7 to 8 million dead in famines and World War II, shifted its national boundaries westwards, and has struggled with the legacy of state control and corruption that has stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and expanding civil liberties. Ukraine also endured a peaceful mass protest "Orange Revolution" in 2004. Even today the Ukrainian population shows the effects of World War II with a glance at any gathering or festival: there are many women and very few men older than 65 years

 

Most of Ukraine consists of rich “black earth” fertile plains, but with the Carpathian mountains in the west, and a mountainous region in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme south. It has a temperate continental climate, with a Mediterranean region on the southern Crimean coast, and is watered by the Dnieper and Dniester rivers.

 

Kiev, the capital, is an ancient city full of the unique onion-shaped domes of the Orthodox church. Unfortunately, today Ukraine is best known for the 1987 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.


Geography:
(Operation World 2001)
Area: 603,700 sq km
Population: 48 million
Capital: Kiev
Population: 3.35 million

Language:
Ukrainian and Russian


Website:
Kyiv Post


Spiritual Climate

Perhaps more than anywhere in the rest of Europe, God is reaping a tremendous harvest in Ukraine. Churches are growing fast and church planting is clearly on the agenda. Since independence evangelical churches have nearly doubled, although there are restrictions, and the environment is not always easy.

All forms of religion have experienced growth including the cults. However with increasing prosperity, exposure to European markets and improved work levels, the fascination of things spiritual is on the wane. Still, Christians have a desire to reach their own people with passion and a determination seen in few European countries.

Religion:

(Operation World 2001)

Orthodox          63%

Catholic             12%

Protestant            3%

Unaffiliated         9% 

Non-Religious   11%

Jewish                 1%

 

Bible Schools
Biblical Education by Extension (BEE Ukraine)
Donetsk Christian University
Odessa Seminary
Kyiv Theological Seminary
Kyiv Christian University
Baptist Theological Seminary.


ECM in Ukraine

ECM has had missionaries in Ukraine since 1993 however currently we have none serving in Ukraine. The door stands open. Will you come? One possibility is to continue the work begun in 1990 teaching Biblical Education by Extension (BEE). The purpose of this ministry is to equip laymen to become pastors and church leaders, and to plant new churches. Rather than Christians having to go away to stationary Bible schools, colleges and seminaries, the opportunity is offered in discipleship groups to people right where they live.

 

The ministry started in 1990 with a western missionary discipling twelve dedicated Christians. For a number of years the missionary taught BEE courses to the leaders who then taught others (II Timothy 2:2). Most of all, the work has been done by Ukrainians. Since 1996 the ministry has been led by Ukrainian leadership, which now serves approximately 15,000 students, including specific ministry to women.

Another ministry opportunity is to serve with a church plant team led by Ukrainians. This facilitates cultural relevance and succession of national leadership while enabling strategic input from missionaries.

Ministry Opportunities

Long term

Career missionaries.  Men and women who can commit themselves to church planting in interdenominational teams There is a special need for those able to teach and disciple emerging church leaders in needy areas.

Primarily we are looking for people with a «heart after God», people who are:

 

Committed 100% to following the lord's leading in their lives and are decided on being flexible to the Lord's will.

Willing to learn by mistakes.

Willing to submit to the team leadership, team-culture and national Ukrainian church leadership.

Willing to commit to learning Ukranian over their first two years. Most people will know zero Ukrainian at the beginning. However, language is the number one «enabling factor» in effective missionary service.

People who with God's help want to make a difference and help in the Lord's harvest-field.

Bible College is most helpful to provide a basic ability to minister.

Musical ability is always welcomed, though not required.



Contact

  

Please send us an email with your name, country of origin, and interest to one of the emails on the right. Be sure to include Ukraine on the subject line.

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Prayer



  • More workers for the harvest! There is an ongoing need for missionaries who will work through the BEE structure and help carry on the work already begun.
  • That Ukrainian believers would:
    • Have increasing maturity and acceptance of ownership for development of churches in Ukraine.
    • Have an increasing missionary vision beyond Ukraine's borders into Slavic regions.
    • Have a genuine, sacrificial desire for outreach Gospel ministry.
    • Make themselves available for ministry in spite of the longer work weeks due to economic progress
  • Develop creative, relevant vision and a heart for individuals.    


                      

For many additional prayer points, click on these links:

Operation World – Ukraine

24-7 Prayer



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