Dear UOO Family,

We are grateful for a year filled with excitement, opportunities abound and being allowed to be part of God’s Kingdom work by serving the least in Ukraine. Our hands-on, grassroots ministry will be starting our tenth year of caring for orphans. It has been a wonderful, faith-filled, unwavering journey as we look into new horizons setting our sites on creating fresh new ways for caring for the least. We are so thankful to our family of supporters (YOU!), whether it is through prayer, financial donations, clothing, toys, medical, etc., we would not be able to serve countless orphans in Ukraine. Thank you for believing in our mission!

Fundraising and stewardship are a vital part to be able to do the work we do. This year we changed it up a bit and had a “Boot Scoot’n Boogie” of a time at the UOO Barn Dance. Food, music and a silent auction were enjoyed with all our wonderful friends! June was busy preparing for our two-week mission trip with ten missionaries. Besides each team member fully funding their trips, this year’s team exceeded UOO’s expectations by fully funding the week-long camp for 50 aged-out orphans in the Carpathian Mountains in Western Ukraine. In addition, the UOO community rallied and supported UOO’s goal to bring fourteen large suitcases filled with donations, including 60 pairs of athletic shoes, socks, art supplies, sports equipment and medical supplies, plus more. Thank you to all who participated in our mission to serve! The summer mission trip was packed full of meeting new friends, loving on them and making lifelong connections, and supporting the emerging leaders that are paramount to the daily work in Ukraine. In addition to all the packed donations, with a collaboration effort of many, UOO donated 20 bicycles and gave them to the orphans living in the transitional homes. A huge shout out to Grace Place Vacation Bible School attendees who heard the need and answered the calling and collected close to $1,000 towards the purchase of the bikes! UOO has also partnered with Samaritan Ministries to provide food, clothing and relationship with a family, with three young children, living in poverty on the outskirts of Zhytomyr.

Thank You for the Shoes!

Ministry to those in poverty

Bicycles for orphans

As we close this year and reflect on the goodness mentioned above, we couldn’t forget about our friends in Ukraine who continue to face the harsh reality of war. We are called to do something and address the close to 1.5 million IDP’s (Internally Displaced Person) in the country, who have fled the war zone, leaving behind their homes, belongings and loved ones. The displaced face extreme obstacles and struggle to find permanent housing and jobs in Ukraine’s tanking economy. It is up to the International Church to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who are vulnerable and living in exile.