Grad Orphan Picnic
Roger and Diane had a group of 25 young people to their home in the village for a reunion. Many of the kids we hadn’t seen in some time. Some have gotten married, had babies, or have new work. They know that we are still here to be their compass when life overwhelms them.
Odessa Trip
Matt and Tricia went to southern Ukraine with the Director of Orphanage #22 and selected a site for the orphan camp for this summer. It will be in Sevastopol from July 10-24. MMK will participate in the leadership of the camp along with teachers from the orphanage.
Helping Hands Trip
Seven Americans led by Ronnie Santeusanio from our Orlando office spent ten days in Kiev, helping widows in their homes, and landscaping an area of the orphanage yard. Said one of the orphans, “Do all Americans work this hard?”
Trip to Cherkassey
Roger and Matthew went to Cherkassey, Ukraine, about four hours from Kiev to investigate how we can cooperate again with the Grad Orphan X-treme Camp.
St. Paul’s receives new members
In May we received these new Ukrainian members into church; four came to faith in Christ in their interview, two joined by transfer of letter, and there were two adult baptisms administered.
Roger Receives Honorary Doctorate
The Baptist Union of the Ukrainian Baptist Church conferred upon Roger an Honorary Doctoral Degree at their national convention in Kiev. Unfortunately, Roger was sick with the stomach flu and could not attend, but Sergey Basarab received it on his behalf. It was for spiritual leadership in Ukraine and humanitarian work.
Orphanage #22 Graduation Ceremony
Matt and Tricia McMurrin attended the graduation ceremony at Orphanage #22 and were honored to receive an award there from the orphanage. Afterwards, the graduates were transported by bus to the MMK office apartment, where we hosted a party for the children, and Tricia presented each one with a gift.
Children’s Music Camp
Music camp began for the children of St. Paul’s church and other invited friends this past Monday, June 7th, and lasts for one week. On Sunday June 13th after the worship service, Roger and Diane will host a picnic at their home in Gorenichi for the children and their parents.
The New Dog
Roger and Diane are now the owners of an 8-month-old Bernese mountain dog female puppy, named Chanel. Nicknamed “Shanya,” this puppy weighs 70 pounds and is happy running around the large fenced-in yard with the smaller dog Sharick, 35 pounds, who has become her playmate and her boss.
Haydn’s Creation
Wes Janzen conducted this wonderful concert on May 17th. Wes and his family have returned to Vancouver, Canada, after six months of service to Music Mission Kiev. We are grateful for the wonderful contribution they have made.