When Roger and Diane McMurrin and their son Matthew arrived in Kiev for the first time in 1992, they were unaware that God would call them to sell everything and move there to begin Music Mission Kiev, which would reach thousands of people through music and the Good News of Jesus Christ. That was seventeen years ago.

This month Roger turned 70 years old. He feels it is the right time to begin a transition for the new generation. Matthew has accepted a call from the board of Music Mission Kiev to become Vice-President of MMK and principal conductor of the Kyiv Symhony Orchestra and Chorus, after a year of transition serving with his father, who will remain President for that time.

Though only 31 years of age, Matthew comes to this position with experiences uncommon to a man of his age. Matthew lived in Kiev from 1993-1995, at the foundation building of the ministry, and he learned the Russian language fluently. He also began a youth group at the church and taught sports and Bible to young people. In 1995 he returned to America to finish high school and graduated from Montreat College in North Carolina with a music degree in vocal performance.

Returning to Kiev in 2000, Matthew formed the Kyiv Youth Orchestra and Chorus (KYOC), which gave concerts in Kiev and also completed two American tours of the eastern States. His fundraising for the group was quite successful, and both tours brought a profit to the Mission.

In 2001, he married Tricia Sissine, his college sweetheart, in Kiev, and they lived in Ukraine while he continued his work with the KYOC, and his studies in conducting with Mr. Vlasenko, of the Kyiv Conservatory and the National Opera Theater.

In 2004, Matt and Tricia, with their daugther Callie, moved to Midlothian, Virginia, (near Richmond), and Matthew became Director of Music at Sycamore Presbyterian Church. “I felt I had taken the Kyiv Youth Orchestra and Chorus to a point of completion,” says Matthew. “Some of the musicians were moving on, and I was ready for a new challenge.”

While at Sycamore, Matt conducted the Chancel Choir, and founded a youth choir, boy choir, children’s choir, and handbell group. He also conducted members of the Richmond Symphony with his choir for a community Fourth of July celebration. Matthew made several trips back to Kiev to participate in English camps sponsored by his church. His last visit was the summer of 2008 with Tricia, and he realized that many musicians he had conducted were now members of the KSOC under Roger.

Roger took the KSOC to the Western States in September of 2008. It was a fabulous tour, but when it ended, Roger came to a realization. “I knew that I needed to retire some of my older singers that had been with me for years,” says Roger. “Then I saw that I was their age. I love conducting. I love everything I do, but I knew that if I want this mission to continue beyond me, I needed to give it over to younger leadership.”

Roger and Diane prayed about the decision of Roger’s stepping aside. When they talked to Matthew, he felt that he was ready for the challenge to lead MMK to the next step. Matthew understands the musical, spiritual, and educational goals of the mission. He is fluent in the language, and has a direct influence on our younger musicians who are now the centerpiece of the KSOC. Matthew will be attending the Kyiv Conservatory with many of them for the next three years, to earn a higher degree. The Kyiv Conservatory has a world-wide reputation as one of the finest musical institutions. At the same time, Matthew can be a “spiritual light” in an institution that needs his presence.

Matthew and Tricia will live in Apartment #12, next door to the MMK office, with their three children — Callie, 6: Elias, 2: and Jacob (3 months). The apartment is going through remodeling now to prepare for their arrival. They want to entertain many from the church, the KSOC, and the families of the mission. When they lived in their small apartment in Kiev in 2002, Tricia was always cooking for Matthew’s musical friends, their church friends, and their weekly Bible study. Their home was always known for hospitality.

Matt and Tricia plan to home-school Callie for the first year. Private schools are very expensive, and there are enough changes for everyone as they begin family life in Kiev. However, the young McMurrin family is excited about coming to lead the mission. They have sold their house in Midlothian, and packed a container to bring their belongings to make a home in a new culture.

Pray for them as they make many adjustments, and camp out in a rather empty apartment for six weeks until their things arrive. The Ukrainians are so excited to welcome Matt, Tricia, and the children. Musicians, orphans, office staff, widows, and members of the church are anticipating this joyful event on August 21, 2009.

Roger and Diane are continuing their work with the mission. Diane is working with widows, writing the Gazetta and the TWINK, and communicating with contributors. Roger is teaching, preaching, conducting, and visiting contributors during this transition time. His role as advisor is very valuable to the continuity of Music Mission Kiev.