Ukraine - Recover, Restore, Rebuild
Regardless of who finally “wins” in Ukraine, the country and its people have lost and will be on the losing side for years and years to come.
Emotionally and Physically, there is not a citizen that has not gone through trauma. Generations has to fight their way back to stability while trying to work out how to take care of their families and themselves.
Old business doesn’t exist anymore, Infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed and for the foreseeable future, the return of a barter economy is almost guaranteed in the smaller communities, towns and cities. In the meantime, the families that can turn to entrepreneurial ventures are likely to be the ones to lead in the establishment of stability in a region.
Western Christians were caught off-guard by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the relaxation of communist policies, and many opportunities were missed. The really only started getting traction 5 to 7 years after the fact were we getting mobilised (The first time we went to Ukraine in the mid-nineties), while capitalist business were already entrenched.
The result still affect and influence modern day Russia and the old Soviet States to this day.
Christians cannot miss the opportunity again!
Our Plans...
We have moved into a preparation phase to return to the ministry in Ukraine.
With the situation as it stands, we have decided to base ourselves in the small port town of Reni, Izmail region of the Odesa oblast – Western Ukraine. Right on the border with Moldova and Romania.
About Reni
Reni is a small port town (about 45sq km), with about 38,000 citizens in the region (of which about half, live in the town)
The border with Romania is the Danube River and only a few kilometers away is the border with Moldova.
Why Reni?
Reni is home to a well-established ministry, started by Ockert & Michele Potgieter approximately the same time we went to Simferopol, Crimea the first time.
Except for the Church they started and the many ministry opportunities they established, they now also have a fair influx of refugees, still have to manage the kids in their Creche, and have to function with many of their leadership and teams either out of the country or called up to the war.
We believe we have some skills to assist in the short term and invest in the long term.
...but why go at all??
We believe that the coming years will be even more challenging for the community of Reni, both spiritually and commercially. We are both drawn back to Ukraine and have skills to help to assist the community to rebuild lives, livelihoods and relationships. Recover, Restore, Rebuild. Walk next to, encourage, help and guide by hand…
God willing, we will attempt to grow with the ministry for as long as He provides and requires us to be present.
But it all starts with Prayer!
Projects:
Light of the World Church (Свет Миру)
Support Michele Potgieter and her local leadership team in the church (Свет Миру – Light of the World) in any way we have the ability skills to stand and assist, including:
- Church systems
- Youth Camps
- Raduga Children’s Care Center
- The Ark
- Love Reni Project
- etc. etc.
Development Projects: Care Groups
Counseling Centre and Counseling Teams
There is an amazing culture of care that has been established by Michele and her team. We would like to:
- Develop more councilors
- Assist current team members to expand their skills
- Ensure strength in Trauma Counseling
- Children’s recovery spaces (Playgrounds)
LONG TERM: Develop and expand the Care Centre
Mens Groups
Godly care of Men by Men of God:
- Growing in God’s Image towards God’s Calling
- Father Focussed: Re-establishing their place in their households
- Finding their place in Society
LONG TERM: Develop multiple care groups focussed on men.
Development Projects: Training
Leadership Training
Assisting in the training of Godly Leaders for Church, Ministry and the World:
- Church Leadership
- Managing Teams
- Project Management
- Leadership Skills
- Discipleship and Mentorship
LONG TERM: Develop courses presented by visiting trainers and specialists in the field.
Worship Leader Development
Assisting in the development of true Worship Leaders. Those that can lead others to a place of worship:
- What is Worship?
- What is Praise?
- When to use Music
- Life as Worship
- Work as Worship
LONG TERM: Develop courses presented by visiting skilled and Spirit-Filled Worship Leaders.
Entrepreneur School
Assisting in the development of Entrepreneurs and teaching how to become activators for others in the community:
- Creative Ways to generate income
- Creating Business
- Assisting to build up sustainable business
- Planting Seeds for Future Generations
LONG TERM: Develop businesses and Identify opportunities which to present to International Angel Investors.
Provision
Provide a Place to Stay
Provide a Place to Eat
Provide a Place to Learn
Incubator
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
If anything you saw on this page stirred your heart, get involved! There are so many opportunities!
For Instance, You Can…
- Commit to become an Intercessor and Prayer Warrior.
- Volunteer to help for a short term (or long term!)
- Volunteer to come over and teach some of the courses (in a field which you are skilled and proficient in)
- Assist us in resource gathering (products, people, International networks, etc)
- Share out our news
- Support a specific project financially (Angel invest into a bakery, or “adopt” the care of a child, etc)
- Financially support us as a family
