26 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH KYIV

As we reach the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we remember our sister church in Kyiv, Spring of Life UMC and their outreach programs. Donations provided by our church and greater community provides humanitarian aid, support for LightHouse Makariv, a free rehabilitation center for children living with disabilities, and resources for three refugee shelters in Western Ukraine run by Pavlo Osypenko. For twenty-six years, our two churches have been in relationship. Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they wait and work for an end to war, and give to our special collection to support Ukraine.

As Lead Pastor Brad Dulaney said, “Please continue to pray, and also to give to support our special collection to support Ukraine.”

In Christ,
BUMC Kyiv ministry team

*be sure to notate that the donation is for the Kyiv ministry team*

"Easter at Blacksburg church to continue its support to Ukraine"

Read the most recent Roanoke Times article on Blacksburg UMC's continued support.

Roanoke Times Article

Interview of Pavlo Osypenko
Director of the UMC Shelter in Ushgorod, Ukraine.

Pavlo Osypenko describes how the UMC shelter was formed in Ushgorod in response to the Russian invasion and the stories of hope he has found in the midst of it. He offers his gratefulness to UMC partners around the world. (Pavlo's responses are in English Subtitles).

UPDATES

In December of 2023, a gift of $10,000 (from the Ukraine endowment) was sent to Spring of Life church in Ukraine. They wrote a letter saying, "There are no words to express all our gratitude to you for your sensitive hearts and support. For us, this is God's hand at work."
The BUMC Kyiv ministry team is distributing stickers to raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine and of the ministry. If you would like a sticker for your water bottle, notebook, computer, or car (or be creative!), contact Jennifer Cooper at cooperjp91@gmail.com. (Suggested donation $5)
In March 2024, a dozen families from BUMC and Spring of Life UMC in Kyiv gathered on a Zoom call to share about their experiences of the past year. We listened to an outpouring of personal stories of pain and gratitude.

In 2022, over $39,000 was raised between when the war began in February and November. Half of this money went to UMCOR for direct assistance, and half was held back for future use. The plan was to employ it for rebuilding efforts, but none of us knew the war would go on so long and cause such devastation.

We received notes and pictures from members of Spring of Life UMC thanking us for our gifts and support.

A collection of pictures of some items we were able to provide our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

BUMC's Ministry with Ukraine written up in the Roanoke Times.

BUMC featured in a Series Celebrating the Ongoing Connections Between Virginia Conference Congregations and Congregations in Ukraine and Russia.

Here is a letter from Pastor Validimir, of Spring of Life UMC, from September 1.

Pictures of United Methodist Standing with Ukrainian refugees in several bordering countries and shelters in Western Ukraine.

See how donations to UMCOR are directly helping people from Ukraine and what is giving our partners hope. Hear how our partners are encouraged by the support they’ve received, where they see God in the midst of suffering, and what you can pray for right now.

Here is the covenant between Blacksburg UMC and Spring of Life UMC.

Learn more about how UMCOR is helping in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Stories

Ukraine Financial Statement

Click below for the full financial statement.