Church Planting and Growth
Planting and growing churches is core to the vision and mission of International Partnerships. Our teams work in the regional capitals of Ukraine, with populations of 350,000 to 4,000,000 that have very few evangelical churches. Our vision is to see vibrant, multiplying churches where every believer will be challenged to be involved in ministry according to their gifts.
Twenty-Four Churches Planted
We have planted two dozen churches since 2000. While Russian aggression has severely impacted several of our churches, we currently have twenty churches in the network of International Partnerships today and we are looking to plant new churches all the time.
Impossible for Man, but Possible with God
Some of our church plants, have been started in homes in areas where Christians were not allowed to meet publicly. What many might see as impossible barriers impeding the Gospel, God sees as possible! He is at work leading His children to hear, understand, believe His Word and to become part of a local Biblical Community!
Sharing God’s Word
Usually, 2 to 3 times more people are involved in our community outreach projects and Bible discussion groups than those who attend corporate church services. Most regular attendees are engaged in Bible discussion groups, which foster spiritual growth and service in effective outreach.
An Openness to the Gospel
The spiritual climate in Ukraine has dramatically changed in recent years. In the past, our challenge was to awaken those closed-off and struggling with apathy and self-absorption and to show them the need for the living Lord. Today, thousands are crying out to God, desperate for protection and peace.
The new challenge and opportunity is to mobilize Christians who can give “a reason for the hope that they have” to a nation torn by war, having suffered the loss of loved ones and threatened by starvation in the war zone; to a nation divided by the poison of Russian propaganda; and to a nation which feels isolated and alone.
May God Bless and Protect our Serving Volunteers
Amid hardship and deprivation, God has given us a chance to lead a movement of volunteers bringing aid and relief to those in the war zones and those who fled the war zoness. We have the regular opportunity and privilege to share Jesus’ love with many who need food, medicine, and encouragement. Our role at this moment is to help those in need, to promote and facilitate forgiveness and reconciliation, and most importantly, to bring the message of faithful Hope that can only be found in Christ!
Sharing God’s Word
Usually, 2 to 3 times more people are involved in our community outreach projects and Bible discussion groups than those who attend corporate church services. Most regular attendees are engaged in Bible discussion groups, which foster spiritual growth and service in effective outreach.