ODESSA, UKRAINE
Odessa, located on the Black Sea, is Ukraine’s third largest city, a regional vacation destination, and a hub for shipping and education. When the MTW Odessa team first arrived here in the 90s, people were hungry for spiritual truth. But as western culture has gained influence during the last decade, the Ukrainian people are increasingly less open to the gospel. Yet, comparatively, Ukraine is still far more open than the rest of Europe. We still have a window of opportunity to reach this generation.
The Odessa team works with Ukrainian churches to develop leaders and help congregations, mostly comprised of first-generation believers, to mature. We also aim to reach future leaders through our English and university outreaches, and to help train the next generation of American missionaries who will help work with Ukrainian believers to advance the Church and the gospel throughout the former Soviet Union.
MEET THE TEAM
Burnham, Bob & Andrea
The Burnhams assist Ukrainian believers in organizing congregations that honor God in both word and deed.
MEET THE TEAM
Martin, David & Jill
David and Jill operate the MTW Anchor School where they strive to meet the unique educational needs of the children of missionaries.
MEET THE TEAM
Price, Robin
Robin’s growing love for the members of Covenant of Grace Church in Odessa led her to pursue living and ministering there full time.
MEET THE TEAM
Thornton, Jamie & Julia
The Thorntons serve in Ukraine and are a part of the Odessa church-planting team.
MEET THE TEAM
Warren, Randy & Debra
The Warrens will be assisting MTW in sharing the gospel of Christ with the people of Ukraine.
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Spontaneous Love: Ukrainian Church Plant Reaches Out to Refugees
When disabled and elderly refugees from eastern Ukraine were forced to flee, a local Presbyterian church embraced them like family.
SEE MOREThey All Have First Names
As refugees flood into European countries where we minister, we are learning how to love them as Christ does.
SEE MOREFinding Jesus in Ukraine: My Journey from Atheist to Missionary
I grew up in a typical Soviet atheist family, not thinking about God and faith. Then one summer I met real Christians for the first time.
SEE MOREGoliath Must Fall: Two Gospel Stories
In a hard-to-reach, largely atheistic European city, these stories declare the gospel to be "the power of God unto salvation."
SEE MOREForced to Flee: Refugees in Ukraine
More than a million people have been displaced by the fighting, mostly from east Ukraine, and many of them have come to the Odessa region.
SEE MOREThe Crisis in Ukraine
The political situation unfolding across Ukraine is impacting the lives of missionaries and could have implications for future ministry.
SEE MOREWhen Loneliness Hits
It was a tough month for me—the hardest I've had since I arrived in Ukraine. They say that all missionaries "hit a wall" somewhere...
SEE MOREThe Remarkable Influence of Believers in Ukraine
With much thanksgiving, I write to confirm that God is answering prayers for Ukraine in marvelous ways.
SEE MOREOn the Road to Faith
“I think most people here don’t believe I’m a Christian. What do you think?” asked Kostya, a young man attending summer English camp.
SEE MORELooking After Souls
Robin teared up as she shared her frustrations. Alyona reached out her hand and said, "But you have talent. You look after souls."
SEE MORESeeking Positive Role Models in Ukraine
Coming from a broken home and an abusive father, Vasilisa is terrified she’ll fall into the same situation with whomever she marries.
SEE MOREPray for Ukrainian refugees who are being welcomed by the church in Belgorod to be drawn to Christ.
Pray for MTW's ministry to refugees in Greece, Germany, Ukraine, Uganda, Panama, and the U.S.
Pray for teams teaching English (ESL) as a part of their ministry and for the students who attend English classes/camp.
Thank God for bringing Ukrainians to faith in Him and giving them the vision to reach their own country for Christ. Pray for many more to be transformed.
Pray for two women, Monika and Andrea, who have recently come to faith against the odds in a hard-to-reach, largely atheistic European city.
Pray for Monika, that God would continue to heal her, give her a new purpose, and protect her life from physical harm, and for Andrea, that she would grow deep roots of faith and be a witness to those like her—unlikely subjects—of the reality of the grace of God.
Pray for Ukraine refugees who have had to abandon their homes due to the fighting. Pray for God to use their displacement to draw them to Himself.
Pray for the safety of believers in Ukraine. Pray for God to use the crisis to strengthen their faith and bring more Ukrainians to Christ.
Pray for believers in Ukraine during a time of political uncertainty.
Pray for missionaries on the field who struggle with loneliness.
Give thanks to God for believers in Ukraine who are standing strong and joining together across denominations for prayer.
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P.O. Box 744165
Atlanta, GA 30374-4165