Ukraine Humanitarian Programs
The Focus
We work in 4 areas in Ukraine that focus on relief and development:
– Care for seniors with “Golden Years” Project
– Care for previously orphaned women and their children
– War Relief
– Assist Displaced Ukrainian Families that arrive to the Fraser Valley
We currently provide food, clothes , hygienic items, and medication for people who have fled the war effected areas. We continue to provide support on a spiritual, emotional and financial level for people who decided to stay.
"Golden Years" Project
This ministry as well as war relief is run by Andriy and Lyudmila Zolotaryov, our longest-standing missionaries.
The main goal of the “Golden Years” project is to help local churches to restore and develop the potential that God has put in every senior by reactivating their potential (abilities, spiritual gifts, and life experience). The desire is to motivate church members and the local community to better understand the needs of seniors and better respond to those needs. this way could receive both joy and glorify God. Together with several other organizations, 17 local churches, more than 40 volunteers, this project reaches 500+ seniors. Every year there are more churches that want to start the project in their church.
What does this ministry look like in practice? It means taking care of seniors on three levels: spiritual, emotional, and physical. Spiritual care is provided through phone calls, visits, one-on-one and group scripture study, Caring for seniors in their spiritual needs is a top priority. The emotional needs of seniors are met through intentional relationships. A variety of programs are provided such as crafts, knitting, cooking, sewing, painting, and Nordic walking. These activities provide a deeper sense of both community and personal value. Physical care is administered through meals, exercise and education about proper nutrition. In addition, food packages and essential needs are also provided for the seniors.
The Family Table
Declaring good News of Jesus Christ and bringing hope with a focus on widows and marginalized women and their children in Kyiv through means of Bible study, home care, home care and humanitarian assistance.
Our national missionary in Kyiv, Nelli, provides regular counseling, mentorship, and friendship through personal meetings during the week. Weekly Bible Studies and foundational Family Table Dinners are available for women and their children at Nelli’s church.
The Family Table also provides help with leading a Golden Year project at a local church. Together with a team from the church, every two weeks Nelli runs seniors programs to encourage them and shares the Word of God. The seniors are so thankful for the opportunity to meet together.
Ukraine Humanitarian in BC
Andriy & Lyudmila Zolotaryov fully assist and support displaced Ukrainian families who have arrived in the Fraser Valley. Spiritual care and spiritual counseling are a big part of their ministry now. Upon arrival in the Fraser Valley, Ukrainians are provided with furnished housing, assistance with paperwork and documents, and employment opportunities. They are also assisted in social welfare options for families with disabled members or with many children. Additionally, Ukrainian individuals and families are supported through emotional support, individual, and family counseling. Ukrainians have had the best results in the adjustment process in the Fraser Valley thanks to extensive collaboration with local devout Christians, churches, local charities, and municipalities.
Ukrainian Bible Church
The Zolotaryov’s started the Ukrainian Bible Church with dedicated Ukrainian newcomers in Abbotsford, BC. Andriy Zolotaryov is the head pastor of the Ukrainian Bible Church in Abbotsford.
With only a few Slavic churches in BC, there is only one Ukrainian church now in the region which is the Ukrainian Bible Church. In eight months of formation and development, the Ukrainian Bible church united more than 100 new Ukrainian newcomers, hosted a short-term children’s camp, and began a youth, young adults, and children’s ministry. In addition, couples meet to support each other, starting with three weekly Bible studies and care group meetings. In the near future, there is a group of young people who are preparing to be baptized.
