Music Mission Kiev

Darrell Booher
Andy and Betsy Brock
Carter Clark
Helen Harrison
Richard Jaynes
Ben and Lynda McCarty
Charles and Ruth Ann McChesney
Matthew McMurrin
Roger and Diane McMurrin
Nancy McNeal
Bob and Kitty Neil
Robert (Bob) & Frances Neill
Eileen Nyholm
Mary Olson
Dr. Paul Palma
Dennie and Pat Pritchard
Ria Springer
Rosemarie Voyles

Darrell Booher (2002)
Darrell was born and grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, and has an Accounting degree. He was drafted into the army for 2 years and while there he toured Western Europe. After that time, he spent 4 years working for the Internal Auditing Department at Penn State University before moving to Arlington, VA where we worked for the Federal Government in the Department of Treasury, until his retirement in 1991. Currently, Darrell works in real estate sales, and attends 4th Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. He and his wife Darlene met and were married at 4th Pres. They have two married children, Brett and Heidi and a granddaughter, Faith.

Darrell first heard of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus four years ago when they came to his church. The experience left a lasting impression because of the quality of music and the enthusiasm of the musicians. Since Darrell had studied classical piano for many years, this was a mission that had great interest to him. This interest continued to grow as he learned more about the various ministries of Music Mission Kiev, how they minister and help the Ukrainian people. Being apart of this mission has been a great blessing to him.

Andy and Betsy Brock (2004)
Andy has an engineering degree and is currently a Sales Engineer with Texas Air Systems, Inc., a Commercial Air Conditioning Manufacturers Representative Firm located in Irving, Texas. Betsy has an electrical engineering degree and previously worked as a software engineer. She is currently a stay at home mother and is home schooling their three children - Irina, Anna and Peter. Andy and Betsy developed a heart for reaching the people of Eastern Europe through their involvement with international student ministries at Highland Park Presbyterian Church and trips to Moldova and Russia. Andy was elected Chairman of the Board and Vice President for Music Mission Kiev at the February, 2010 Board meeting.

Their association and involvement with MMK began through KSOC concerts at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. They reside just outside of Dallas in Coppell, Texas and are members of Coppell Bible Fellowship.

Helen Harrison (2000)
Helen is a graduate of Duke University with a degree in Computer Science, and has spent her career in various computer support roles in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina. She is presently an IT Manager at SAS Institute in Cary, NC. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband, Tom Truscott and young son, Harrison Truscott. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham where Helen and Tom sing in the chancel choir, she has participated in many church volunteer projects, has served as a Deacon and is a member of the WPC Global Missions committee . She has also been on the board of local non-profits including The Community Shelter for HOPE and Urban Ministries of Durham.

Helen first met the McMurrins when they came to Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX in the 70's where Helen grew up. Helen sang in Roger's youth choir and participated in choir tours in the US, Europe and Asia. Helen renewed her friendship with the McMurrins at a 20 year reunion of the choir tour to Europe. After hearing about the wonderful work that the McMurrins were doing in Kiev, Helen agreed to lead the project to bring the KSOC to Durham in 1998 and then again in 2000. She has been a member of the MMK Board of Directors since 1999. Helen is currently serving as Treasurer of the Board.

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Rick Jaynes (2008)

Rick was born in Michigan. Having grown up in a music
loving family and singing in church choirs of different age groups, music is a very important part of his life. His
wife Cecily was born and grew up in Hong Kong. However,
she has spent most of her life in Southern California. They
met on a music tour of Spain, she in the soprano section and
he playing the oboe in the orchestra. Rick and Cecily have
been married for 25 years and currently attend Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, where they are members of the
Chancel Choir and active in various ministries.

In 2000, they hosted several members of the MMK choir. However, Rick's real enthusiasm for the MMK ministry didn't begin until they went on a Vision Trip to Kiev in the spring of 2006.

At this stage of their lives they want to be involved with outreach and missions, including ministry to the Afar people group in Ethiopia and Floresta, a Chrisitian Organization that works to reverse deforestation and poverty in different parts of the world. They have three grown sons and 3 grandchildren, whom they absolutely adore.

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Ben and Lynda McCarty (2005)
Lynda Graham McCarty grew up in Memphis, TN and Ben McCarty in Jackson MS. They met while he was an ophthalmology resident in Memphis and they lived in Jackson, MS where he practiced general ophthalmology until his retirement in 1998 when they moved to Black Mountain, NC. Lynda was a school teacher in the Memphis public schools until their move to Jackson where she was a full time mother and homemaker. Since retirement they have participated in several volunteer mission programs thru World Medical Missions. Today they are members of Montreat Presbyterian Church where Lynda is an elder. They became acquainted with Music Mission Kiev thru the concerts presented by both of the orchestras and choirs in the Asheville area. On a Vision Trip to Kiev in May of 2005 they became further acquainted with the activities and goals of MMK through not only music, but also the orphans, widows and after school programs in the public schools. They are looking forward to participation in this ongoing effort.

Charles and Ruth Ann McChesney (2002)
Charlie McChesney is a recent transplant to western PA from NJ. He earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University and a Ph. D. from Princeton. He is retired from a career in engineering, design and marketing in the high performance plastics industry. He currently serves on the board of the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. Ruth Ann McChesney is a Pennsylvania native and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked in long-term care administration and consulting after her two sons were in school. Her other passion is music, having taught piano for 30 years, and singing in volunteer choral groups all her life. She is currently active in her church music ministry, sings with the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, and holds local, state and regional offices in the National Federation of Music Clubs. Charlie and Ruth Ann were married in February 2000 after the loss of both of their spouses.

They enjoy traveling, skiing, reading, concerts and lectures, and especially their 6 grandchildren. They became involved with Music Mission Kiev after visiting the ministry in Kiev and seeing what amazing things God has done through two willing servants. They also have been involved with hosting the KSOC as well as the first visit that the KYOC made to America in 2003. Both are active in the local Christian and Missionary Alliance Church they attend.

Matthew McMurrin (2009)
Matthew was 14 years old when he moved to Kiev with his parents Roger and Diane McMurrin. He lived in Kiev from 1993-1995, and was involved in the foundation building of the MMK ministry. He learned the Russian language fluently and taught sports and Bible to the Ukrainian young people. In 1995 he returned to America to finish high school and went on to graduate from Montreat College in North Carolina with a music degree in vocal performance.

Matthew returned to Kiev in 2000 and formed the Kyiv Youth Orchestra and Chorus (KYOC), which gave concerts in Kiev and completed two American tours of the eastern United States.

In 2001, he married Tricia Sissine, his college sweetheart, in Kiev, and after their daughter Callie was born they moved to Midlothian, Virginia in 2005, where Matthew became Director of Music at Sycamore Presbyterian Church. Matthew made several trips back to Kiev to participate in English camps spnsored by his church. He served at Sycamore Presbyterian until July, 2009.

Matthew accepted a call from the board of Music Mission Kiev to become the Principal Conductor and Director of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Matthew, Tricia, and their three children, Callie, Elias and Jacob moved to Kiev on August 21, 2009. They are living in Apartment #12, next door to the MMK office. The Ukrainians were thrilled to welcome back Matthew, Tricia, and his family.

Roger and Diane McMurrin
Roger McMurrin is a graduate of Ohio State University, has since served as an educator, and the Director of Music at various Presbyterian Churches in Florida and Texas. He has been responsible for developing two of the largest programs of church music in the United States. Diane is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, has since served as an educator and writer. They founded Music Mission Kiev in 1993. Roger is the President/CEO of Music Mission Kiev and the leader of St. Paul's Evangelical Church in Kiev. Diane serves as Director of Communications for MMK. She has written three books on their many adventures in ministry from Ukraine. Roger and Diane received their calling to leave everything they knew, lifestyle, career, security. To move to Kiev with next to nothing, except the knowledge that God wanted them to be disciples to the Ukrainian people. This calling came after an invitation by an Episcopal priest to come and perform Handel’s Messiah in 1992, which had not been performed in over a generation. They saw the great need in the people’s eyes, and the yearning to know more about this “Jesus”. In less than a year, Roger and Diane sold heir possessions, packed their bags, and started a journey that only God could lead. The McMurrins have two married sons, Marc (wife -Sharilyn) and Matthew (wife -Trish) and are blessed with five grand-children.

Nancy McNeal (2004)
Nancy lives in Medina, Ohio with her dog Smokey. She taught instrumental music for 30 years and was music department chair for 15 of those years, retiring in 1999. Since retirement she has become very involved in community activities and volunteering in many different capacities. She is a member of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina and is very active as leader of the worship team, member of choir and altar guild and is soon to be commissioned as a Stephen Minister. Nancy's association with Roger and Diane goes back many years. She has hosted the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on three of their tours and is a supporter of Music Mission Kiev.

Bob and Kitty Neil (2004)
Katherine (Kitty) Currie Neil was born in Carthage, NC, graduated from Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA and received a Masters degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ. She served as Minster of Music in churches in Martinsville, VA, and recently retired from the First Presbyterian Church there. Kitty also taught music in college and in private studio, directed community choruses, founded and directed a Male Chorus, and has been a featured soprano soloist in many major works. She has three daughters and three grandchildren. Bobby (Bob) J. Neil was born in Athens, TN and graduated from Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, TN. He received a Master of Sacred Music degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY and a Doctor of Education degree in music from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA.

Bob served various churches as Minister of Music, directed choirs and taught music courses in colleges, as well as in private studio. He recently retired from the music department of Montreat College, Montreat, NC. Bob has two sons, four grandchildren, and two great grandsons. Kitty and Bob were married on November 29, 2003, and they now make their home in Montreat, NC. They have been active supporters of Music Mission Kiev since first becoming acquainted with the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in 2000.

Robert (Bob) and Frances Neill (2008)
Bob received his Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Business

from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He has worked for MTC, a large manufacturing plant in Temple, Texas for the past 29 years. He is now President, general partner and a member of the Board of Directors for MTC. He has always been involved in production management in all of his work experiences. Frances worked in the computer information department for a major defense contractor for 33 years before retiring in 1995.

Bob and Frances both grew up in Waco and attended High School together where they became sweethearts. They
were married in 1961 and have two children. Both their
children and their spouses reside in Waco. Bob and
Frances are members of First Baptist Church of Woodway. They both support the church's world missions programs and have participated in mission trips to various
countries in Europe, Central and East Asia.

Bob and Frances became associated with Music Mission Kiev in 2000 when the KSOC performed in Waco. They have hosted members in their home and traveled to various cities in several states to attend performances of the KSOC.

Bob and Frances have maintained a close relationship with the couple they first hosted and have visited in their home on each return trip to Kiev. It has been their pleasure to support Roger and Diane in the work God is doing in the great land of Kiev, Ukraine.

Eileen Nyholm Eileen was born in Minneapolis, MN., but lived California for many of her early childhood
and high school years. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She was
married to Jim, also of Minneapolis for 45 years, until his Homegoing in May of 2009. They have three married children
and ten grandchildren living in Maine, PA., and northern Virginia.
As the family moved with Jim's job (ten times across the
country), they sought out Bible believing churches where
they served on mission committees and were involved
in small group Bible studies. For the past 22 years they
have been members of Sycamore Presbyterian Church in
Midlothian, VA. Sycamore Church has hosted four English
Camp mission trips to Ukraine, and was also the home to
Matt & Trish McMurrin for the four years he served as Choir Director.

At the 2004 English Camp, Eileen met the McMurrins on our first day in Ukraine. What an introduction! We were invited to join a few others sitting in the center of the KSOC as they made the live recording of "America the Beautiful" CD. Jim participated in two mission trips, and
Eileen has made four trips to Ukraine with continued active involvement with Ukrainians. We have traveled, as helpers, with the Eastern KSOC tour and have hosted members of both the KYOC, and KSOC choir and orchestra members in our home. Eileen looks forward to continually seeing the hand of God move in Ukraine through this mission.

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Dr. Paul and Cherry Palma (2001)
The Palmas met thirty years ago when he was a pediatric resident, and she, head nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Babies Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. For the last 20 years, Paul has been a Senior Neonatologist at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando, Florida. Paul served as Chairman of the Board and Vice President for Music Mission Kiev for seven years. His wife Cherry, also served faithfully on the board for many years and resigned in 2009. She enjoys creating elegant children's garments and teaches heirloom sewing techniques out of their home.

Paul and Cherry are members of First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, where the McMurrins served in music ministry in the early 1990's. They accompanied the Boy Choir, led by Roger McMurrin, on summer tours of Colorado, Washington, D. C. and New York. It was on these tours they gained respect for the boundless energy and faith that marked the McMurrins' leadership of music and worship. They have enthusiastically supported the work of Music Mission Kiev since its beginnings.

Dennie and Pat Pritchard (2010)
Dennie retired in July, 2009 after 38 years as an actuary with Genworth Financial and predecessor companies. He is an Elder and Treasurer at Sycamore Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, Virginia, where Matt
served 4 years as Choir Director. Dennie also serves on
the Music Committee and was drawn to singing when a former choir director started a Men's Choir at Sycamore. His interests are golf, tennis, waterskiing, running, and politics. He especially enjoys running with his wife and two daughters in 8K and 10K races. Pat has degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She currently is teaching adult ESL at Sycamore. Her interests include running, cooking, scrapbooking, and travel.

Our interest in Ukraine began in 2000 when we were invited to participate in an English Camp for Ukrainian college students organized by a friend, Rich Leary, who had moved to Ukraine. We participated in four such camps from 2000-2008. We also have hosted members of the KSOC and KYOC, and have visited Roger and Diane in Kiev and seen many of the ministries of MMK.

We have told many of our Ukrainian students and friends that one day they may find themselves in our home, and so far, at least 6 have come to visit us. We are very thankful that the Lord has given us such a love for Ukrainians.

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Ria Springer (2004)

Ria was married for 46 years to her beloved husband George, who went to be with the Lord in the spring of 2007. Ria has two daughters, Martha and Krista Elisabeth who were born in Rochester, N.Y. Ria obtained her Bachelor’s degree in education from the State University of New York at Brockport and a Master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She retired in 2002 after teaching for over 45 years. Ria is a member of The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church and serves on their mission’s committee. Ria was introduced to MMK in October 2000, when she attended a KSOC concert in Richmond. She was so blessed and touched by the wonderful music, and in 2004 joined the very first “Vision Trip” where they experienced all the phenomenal aspects and ministries of Music Mission Kiev. We are so grateful for the years George served on the MMK board, and appreciate Ria’s commitment to continue to be used by God in this ministry.

Rosmarie Voyles (2004)
Rosemarie was born in White Plains, New York and raised in Reno, Nevada. She sang in Sunday School and school choirs through college at the University of Nevada. When visiting relatives in East Germany in 1966 she became familiar with Eastern Europe. Rosemarie earned an M.A. degree in German at the University of Washington. Her husband Joe teaches German and linguistics courses at the University of Washington. Other places they have lived include by Berkeley, California; in Cologne, Germany and in Princeton, New Jersey. Rosemarie taught foreign languages in high schools before their two children were born. They are members of University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Presently they teach preschoolers in Sunday School and participate on a Ukraine task force.

Rosemarie and Joe have hosted two musicians from the KSOC orchestra since 2000, and the inspiring sharing of the gospel by the ministries of Music Mission Kiev touched their hearts. Rosemarie went on a short-term mission trip to Kiev March 2002. In March 2005 both she and Joe visited Kiev. They have a young grandson.