Ukraine Trip 2017

We are so excited to announce that we will be going back to Ukraine NEXT MONTH! When we went last year, God really confirmed and refined His plan for us to serve there long-term. 

Since then, we have attended the 2016 & 2017 Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) Summit, which has equipped us to better love and care for orphans and vulnerable children. We are also so thankful for the countless people who have come alongside us as mentors and teachers and helped us get to where we are now. We've gotten so much done while on the ground in the U.S., but this next trip is crucial in setting a firm foundation and partnership with Ukrainian ministries and organizations. 

Here is what's on our agenda for this next trip!

CrossPoint Medical Trip: 

For the first two weeks of our stay in Uzhhorod, we will be serving alongside the medical mission team through CrossPoint Church to serve the Roma community, as well as an orphanage in the region for children/adults with severe medical needs. We visited with both groups during our last trip, and we are so excited to return with our dear friends and medical experts. 

Travel to Kyiv: 

We feel so blessed to further connect with Ukraine Without Orphans: a movement of Christians, churches, and organizations who are working together in unity with a common goal to reach every orphan with genuine Christian care, provide an opportunity for every child to live in a loving family, and prevent the abandonment of children in Ukraine. It is so important that we partner with what UWO and the government are already establishing: to work toward family preservation and orphan prevention. Their insight will play a crucial role in setting the foundation of New Song International.

Visit Wide Awake: 

We have the wonderful opportunity to visit with the founders of Wide Awake International- Jed and Kim Johnson- at their beautiful home in Zhytomyr. On their website, they say: "We aren't super special people. We're just two people who fell in love with Jesus and decided to say yes to the next thing He presented to us." In our opinion, they are absolutely amazing examples of what it means to say yes to a big need and obediently jump into the unknown. We see why God has placed them in our lives. They have so beautifully held their hands wide open to us, sharing their story and experience in caring for vulnerable people in Ukraine.  

Lawyer in Lviv: 

Recently we contacted a law firm in Lviv to inquire about some legal matters in setting up our foundation in Ukraine. To our pleasant surprise, this lawyer replied offering to help us out as a nonprofit. As we continue to learn and grow, we see God's favor as the people of Ukraine have come alongside us to partner with what He is doing there. 

Visit the Ministry of Social Policy: 

Conveniently enough, Uzhhorod is the administrative center of the Zakarpattya region, meaning that the Ministry of Social Policy is right outside our door. They are the Ukrainian government department responsible for instituting labor relations, family and children, immigration and trafficking, women's rights, children's rights, and humanitarian aid. We hope to discuss with them what is required for us to work with the Ukrainian government in the future. 

That being said, we've got some work to do! When we aren't traveling across the country by train, we will be spending time in Uzhhorod, connecting with the local churches, speaking at the English school to advocate for orphans, and building relationships with those who have already tremendously helped us along this journey. Thank you so much for your prayers and support for this trip and everything we are working towards!