Thank you to each and every one of you who made our time in the States so special. We feel so blessed to have such an amazing team of people behind us that makes our ministry in Ukraine possible.
While we were home, we got the chance to share with many of you ministry updates and future plans. We wanted to share some of that same information here for those we weren’t able to see in person.
We have been serving in Ukraine for 10 1/2 years as full time missionaries. Over the past 10+ years, we have worked with orphans, women in crisis pregnancies, women who are now widowed because of the war, and served in other women’s ministries. Looking back over the years and analyzing our work, we see that we have a common theme. Our hearts have always been for girls and women who are in crisis.
After many years serving under Operation Mobilization and Mission to Ukraine, we decided to open our own non profit- Redwoods Global Missions.
The Redwood trees grow up to 300+ ft tall but their root system is only about 5-6ft deep. They are able to stand because they grow in families, their roots intertwine, and they prosper together. As we opened Redwoods, our goal and desire is to create and build families that live life together, build each other up in Christ, and prosper as we “one another one another”.
Since the war started over 2 years ago, we have been heavily involved in humanitarian aid relief efforts. We receive aid from international and local sources and distribute it to people most heavily affected by the war. We personally deliver to a city called Kherson, it is only miles away from the front lines.
The past year, we have switched our focus to not only meet material needs, but also to meet spiritual needs. We are working alongside of Noah’s Ark Missions and have helped with camps for family members of fallen soldiers and women’s retreats.
We have also helped with projects for soldiers, wounded soldiers, chaplains, refugees, and their families. All of our outreaches and ministries are of course done for one purpose, to show Christs love and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We pray and hope this war ends soon. Unfortunately, even when it does end, there will be a lot of work to do. The next 1-2 years we plan to keep doing most of the same work we have done the past 2 years; give physical and spiritual support to a hurting country. That is accomplished through some of the events mentioned above.
We created a video of the events from 2023, please take the time to watch as I think it will give you a much better visual of what is happening in Ukraine.
Prayer requests:
• Redwoods Global Missions is still in the very beginning stages. We would appreciate your prayers as we develop and grow this ministry. We have many hopes and dreams for Redwood’s, ultimately pray for God’s guidance as we desire to glorify Him every step of the way.
• April 12-14 we are taking part in a volunteer retreat for those that helped with outreaches last year. It will be a time to reflect on last year’s ministries, encourage one another, and plan for the summer ahead.
• Summer camps: We have two camps that we are committed to serving in. Our first one is planned for the first week of July for family members of fallen soldiers. We are also planning a women’s camp for the first week of August. Please pray for God to provide a team, the finances, and for Him to work greatly in the hearts of all who will attend.
• Praise! When we were home, we shared with many of you the need for a house. The day before flying back to Ukraine, our pastors wife from Ukraine contacted us about a house someone from church was renting out. It was a great price, about the same price we were paying for our apartment. Within a week of getting back to Ukraine, we moved into a house! What a blessing. We have already had many guests over, so many that our well went dry! Oops. The family is planning to come back to Ukraine in about a year but we know that God will provide something else when the time comes. Thank you for praying.
