In early 2022, we lost several team members to evacuations—all from our Educational Outreach program. But within a few months, God provided!
Long-time Educational Outreach team member Yulia N. (above) graciously accepted a promotion to Program Director. Then four new staff members filled out the ranks. They quickly formed a cohesive team.
While others were evacuating, Sasha returned to Ukraine. He began volunteering with refugees and military personnel, then at a Last Bell camp. He was impressed with our team’s organization and shared purpose. Now he mentors our youth through Educational Outreach, and leads a small group. Sasha’s a husband, dad, and the team’s funny guy, and draws many young men to our activities.
Krystya was a volunteer before she joined the staff. She’s involved with everything at Educational Outreach: all the activities, tutoring students for exams, teaching guitar lessons. Yulia says that even though Krystya is young, she’s known as our most serious team member!
Before Last Bell, Ilya studied music and served in youth ministry. He also worked with our friends at Mission to Ukraine, and continues to work night shifts. Sasha K. saw that Ilya was faithful to God and good with youth, and invited him into our team. Sasha is a quiet presence, conversing with young men at the edges of the room. His wife and baby often join us.
Lesya also volunteers for MTU, and works part-time for a similar organization called Bartimaeus. She grew up in poverty, spending time on the streets, so our youth relate to her. She also grew up in church. She led worship, served people with disabilities, and volunteered with Last Bell before she came on staff. Yulia said our kids “are good psychologists” and don’t trust everyone, “but they like Lesya.”
Only God’s grace could bring this great team together so quickly. Thank you for praying us through all the challenges of the the last year and a half!