Country Profile: Ukraine

Ukraine has a population of 46 million people and is Europe's second largest country by land mass. It was once considered the “bread basket” of the Soviet Union. Since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine has struggled with economic problems and political corruption. On a spiritual level, however, more evangelical believers live in Ukraine than in any other European country – about 10% are evangelical Christians.

OM teams in Rivne, Vinnitsa and Odessa are reaching out to the Ukrainian people and experiencing many joys since they began ministry in 1994.

Purpose: OM Ukraine seeks to encourage the local church to reach the next generation of Ukraine as well to reach out to the whole world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sports

Ukraine has one of OM’s most experienced Sports ministries, there are opportunities to receive training as well as be involved in training others. We have team members involved in rugby, football, basketball and adventure sports, training coaches and leading Bible studies with children and youth. A large number of churches and seminaries cry out for more training, not only in Ukraine, but also throughout the former Soviet republics.

Children’s Work and Orphanages

Young people work in teams led by OM to host summer camps for village children. Throughout the school year, the group returns regularly to the village with Bible programmes and games. Local believers are identified and trained to lead Sunday school classes. The team also uses creative puppet ministry to reach village children and orphans with the joy and love of Jesus.

The orphanage ministry team is reaching out to over 30 orphanages in the Vinnitsa region, distributing gifts to the children and doing children’s programmes with the help of puppets. Along with the gifts, interested children receive a post box Bible correspondence course, which they complete via regular post, becoming pen pals with local Christians in nearby cities.  The ministry has the potential to expand into other regions of Ukraine.

Media Ministry

The media team believes that one of the best methods to reach young people is through the mass media – newspapers, radio, magazines and television. Mass media provides an avenue into peoples’ lives, to expand peoples’ hearts and to reach those who would otherwise not enter a church building. The team currently has a one-hour, weekly radio programme of Christian music and ‘hot topics’. The team desires to expand and train others as God allows.

Mobilising Ukrainians

Ukraine has more evangelical believers than any other country in Europe. Why aren’t more Ukrainians taking part in fulfilling the Great Commission? There are several obstacles, including small churches with little administrative personnel or lack of vision, but the main reason is the lack of finances – both in church and in individual lives.

OM Ukraine offers possibilities for Ukrainians to take part in short-term outreaches within and outside of the country. We share our vision with the local churches and assist Ukrainians that want to get involved in missions around the world.

Support Team

The office team in the Rivne provides logistical support for the teams in administration, IT, personnel, finance, communication and organisation of short-term events.

For more information, visit our website at www.ua.om.org or write us at Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla