World Gospel Mission in Ukraine
In 1998, Ukraine was officially accepted as a field
of ministry for WGM and two couples, Ernie and Anna Smith and
Bill and
Betsy Tarr, were sent to begin the Lord's work. They arrived in Ukraine
in 1999 to begin their ministries. The ministry team has expanded with
the addition of Bill Brower in 2005 and
Frank and Chris Dewey in 2008.
In the decade that WGM has
been in Ukraine, we have witnessed many times over the power of the Holy
Spirit working in the lives and through the lives of so many people.
We invite you to explore our website. Learn about
our outreach ministries and the work of the Ukrainian churches we
support. Meet the people who are serving the Lord in Ukraine as
missionaries or as volunteers on work teams or task forces. Discover how
you can help to support the Ukrainian mission field through your
prayers, gifts, and time.
Latest News
(Last Updated 8 June 2008)
(A pdf
version is available for download.)
Ministry Blessing
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Mark Landerholm from Ohio arrived in March and will be with us until July
17th. What a blessing Mark has been as he helps in various capacities.
Mark took a year off to serve in missions (time in Kenya, Uganda, and
Ukraine) prior to heading to Asbury Seminary. Pray for Mark as he labors
for Christ in Ukraine.
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Ernie
was invited to assist in a wedding in Ireland. Mark Starrett (four work
team trips to Ukraine) and Kelly (one work team trip to Ukraine) were
married on April 28th. Anna and Ernie then spent six days of R&R in
Northern Ireland. Praise the Lord for a wonderful holiday and this young
couple. Pray for them as they seek God’s direction in their lives.
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In May we hosted an Ohio Christian University Task Force (four people) and
Mark L. had two friends (Adam and Joel) visit him (Asbury College
friends). What a great time of ministry, work and fellowship! We enjoyed
these great young people. Pray for Gary, Kerry, Leah, Angela, Adam and
Joel – that they would continue to be open to God’s leading and that He
would confirm His direction in their lives.
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April and May have been great months of God working in our churches.
During almost every service, people are seeking God for salvation,
forgiveness of sins, and/or wanting a deeper walk with God. Some of the
seekers that Ernie prayed with:
Pray for these and others – that God will
continue to work in their lives and strengthen them in their Christian
walk.
Urgent
Prayer Requests
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Bill and Oksana Brower are desperately needed for the youth outreach
programs in Ukraine. They needapproximately $3,000.00 in monthly support.
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Frank and Chris Dewey, will be setting up our Lay Training Institute in
Berdyansk, and are needing $2,000.00 in monthly support. We really need to
open the Institute this September.
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Bill and Betsy Tarr need just over $500.00 in monthly support are
scheduled to teach at Wesley Bible College in September.
If you would like to partner with one or more of these couples, please
send your gifts or monthly support to: WGM, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952
and be sure to mark which couple you want to support. WGM will notify them
and that couple will contact you.
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One to two-year Volunteers (VIAs and MVPs) or Missionary Disciples are
needed for teaching English as a Second Language, orphanage outreach, and
youth ministries. Programs start in September and we have no one available
to meet these needs at this time.
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Construction costs have drastically increased over the last six months,
and construction/renovation of buildings are at an all time high.
Bricklayers and cement workers are in limited supply and requesting almost
400% more than last Fall’s prices. We need bricklayers and cement workers
but we cannot compete with tourist building construction which is
well-funded. Pray for this need.
2009 Youth Camp
Christian Youth Camp will be June 20th – June 30th. This is one of our
most important summer ministries. From our churches, we are planning on
reaching over 120 youth for Christ. For some this will be their first
Christian Camp and perhaps the first time that they hear the Good News
about Jesus. Here are a few pictures from last year’s camp:
We are hoping to sponsor 50 children at full scholarship of $80.00 (just
$8.00 per day!) and 50 children at half scholarship of $40.00 ($4.00 per
day). For this camp to happen, we need $6,000.00. If you or your church,
Bible Study, and/or youth group would like to sponsor a child for 10 days
of camp, please send your gift to WGM, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 and be
sure to mark #21486 “Ukraine Youth Camp” On
behalf of these youth, Thank you.
Home Ministry Assignment (HMA)
We will be returning to the USA in August
2009 (adjusted date) for our HMA
travels and meetings.
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If you would like for us to visit you
or your church, please contact us and give us your preferred dates.
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If your church has a mission conference
or mission weekend and would like us to attend, we need to know soon to
help set up our schedule (in order to keep travel costs down).
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Tentatively, our schedule:
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September 1-19, 2009 Indiana around
HQ
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September 20th – October 26th west
coast area
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November 1st – December 15 in IN / OH
/ KY / PA area
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January – March 2010 in the Southwest
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April and beyond not set yet.
Home of Hope Ministry Center Dedication – August 9, 2008
YOU ARE INVITED:
If you are coming to the Dedication of the Home of Hope Ministry
Center. You need to Arrive Kiev on August 6th (If you are coming from USA,
you would depart USA on August 5th). Depart Kiev on the 12th in the
afternoon or morning of 13th . If you are planning on coming, please
notify us.
With the rising cost of construction and
supplies, we are in desperate need of funds to finish this building
project. If you would like to help with a financial gift to finish the
Home of Hope, please send your gift to: WGM, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952
and mark it “Home of Hope” (245-31475) and then please email us so that we
will know what project or part of a project is pledged or paid for.
Thanks, and may God bless you richly!
After much delay on delivery of metal,
roofing and other construction materials, the blue roof is finally being
installed. We will only be able to install 80% of the roof because we are
waiting for the bricklayers to finish the front wall of the new Sanctuary
– then we can complete the roof.
Thank you for partnering with us in
reaching Ukrainians for Christ.
Serving Christ in Ukraine,
Ernie and Anna Smith
