About A Historical Church In the War Zone
For as long as I can remember, there has been a small church in my native Ukrainian village of Kurakhovka. This church has existed much longer than I could have imagined: because, according to records, it has actually existed since at least 1918. It could also be considered the first church in the whole area. Being located on the outskirts of the village, it was difficult to reach.
We have since moved to an old building in the center of town – a building that was donated to us, but needed some repairs. But more about that later.
Due to the war in the last years, the church work became much more difficult. Many members of the congregation fled to the West before the war. Afterwards, only 24 people were members, but we did not let it get us down. We realized that especially now in this difficult time we have to do more for our fellow men. So we started some social projects like a soup kitchen for children.
Over time, we have continued to expand our ministry work for different age groups.
In addition to children’s worship, prayer groups, youth meetings and a senior citizens’ group, we now also offer a casual program for people over 30. Normally there are no ministries for people of this age. We play games, eat and discuss current topics. This simple program has allowed us to reach people who would not otherwise come to a church.
Our projects are now bearing fruit: 30-40 young people are currently coming to our church. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
We are also active in missionary work outside the church. We regularly organize outdoor events for young people and activities for children.
Last year, for example, we held a three-day children’s festival in the city center. We set up trampolines and play stations and also provided a hot meal for the children. Recently we have recognized that there is not enough space for all our projects and events. At the moment we have two children’s rooms, a kitchen and a room for worship. The children and adults can hardly in these rooms anymore. We have been dreaming of a bigger worship centre for a while.
We had already made an attempt and started with the foundation, but because of
building material costs increasing significantly we had to stop our efforts.
Now we would like to start a new attempt and build an expansion with your help. In addition to a large hall, this expansion will also provide new sanitary facilities including showers. We would like to support homeless people in the future, who can then use these rooms.
In addition, we would also like to expand the attic of the old house to have even more space for children’s and youth events. In total we will need about 25.000€.
We would like to start all these building projects this summer and need your support in prayer and also financially. Thank you for all that we have already been able to do with your help. May God bless you for it. Alexander Larchenko
How can I help? Contribute with a donation so that we can continue to give hope to the refugees and people of Ukraine. Despite this great tragedy we can stand by them in their time of need. Intended purpose: “Refugee aid Ukraine”.
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Via Zelle – Slavic Missionary Outreach – jfurney@windstream.net
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Slavic Missionary Outreach (SMO) 255 Beulah Church Rd Quitman, GA 31643 USA
Magazine 2022 No.1
Children Camps
Church Kurakhovka
For as long as I can remember, there has been a small congregation in my native Ukrainian village of Kurakhovka. But this community has existed ...
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