2008 Donetsk Ukraine Mission Trip

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September 17, 2008

                        July 2 - 27 2008

Kathy and Gerry Hawkins visited Glenkirk supported missionaries Bryant and Anne Wilhelmsen in Bavaria from July 3 to July 8. 

On July 8 Kathy and Gerry then joined the rest of the team, Ann Arn, Karen Gibson, and Shelley Ulrich at Munich Airport and flew to Kiev.  The team met with Music Mission Kiev and learned about this ministry, observed the ministry to widows, learned the scope of their other ministries and Shelley coordinated the planned September visit of MMK to Glenkirk.

On July 11 we took the night train to Donetsk, arriving at Donetsk Christian University (DCU) on July 12th.  We participated in the Intensive English program, visited two churches, visited Good Shepherd orphanage, worked in various ways with local people, and encouraged the Donetsk Christian University staff and missionaries there. 

Augsburg, Germany

1.  What was the status of the host mission site upon your arrival? Kathy and Gerry Hawkins visited Glenkirk-supported missionaries Bryant and Anne Wilhelmsen.  They seem to be doing pretty well, but did tell us that inflation is making it harder and harder to make ends meet financially.

2.  Was the host mission site prepared for your arrival? They were well prepared for us and treated us as honored guests.

3.  Were your team members adequately prepared for what they witnessed at the site? If not, how could they have been more adequately prepared? We were prepared well enough for what we saw, but we were surprised by this unique mission and the connection with Turkey and the Kazak people there.

4.  What were some of the things that your team witnessed at the host mission site? We found the missionaries very diligently doing the Lord’s work among refugees in government shelters.  They are both deeply involved, with Bryant focusing more on the men and Anne focusing more on the women and children, but both working with family units.  These refugees come from many countries in Africa and the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia.  We met families and individuals from Iraq and Chad.  Others were pointed out to us who were from Turkey and Russia.  These people have left their home countries for a number of reasons.  They are undocumented aliens and some of them are political refuges, .  The German way of dealing with such people is to isolate them in a shelter where they are given the necessities of life but they are not allowed to work.  The government investigates them and deports them if they are not criminals and would not be in danger if sent home.  Some are given legal alien status and allowed to find jobs and ultimately become German citizens if they want to. 

By ministering to these people, Bryant and Anne become international ambassadors.  Those who are sent home take with them the love of Christ.  Those who stay may become Christian witnesses among their peers in the German post-Christian society. 

We met a family of Yisidi people from Northern Iraq whom the other Iraqis say are Devil worshipers.  They, themselves, said they worship the one true God.  We found them to be gentle and kind and very hospitable.  They had well behaved children and seemed to be looking forward to a new life in Germany since they had just been given legal alien status.  We met a man who was a tank driver in Sadam’s army and participated in the invasion of Kuwait.  He had surrendered to the Americans, been released to Iraq, and then later sneaked into Germany and was caught.  He had been a refugee for eight and one-half years.  We met a man from Chad, Africa, who was an artist.  He touched our hearts with his sensitive nature and firm resolve not to become depressed.

5.  Did your team members work at more than one site? If so, how many sites? What were they? We worked in and near Augsburg and Neuburg in refugee shelters.

6.  For what was your team responsible at the site or sites? We were checking on the status of the mission. 

7.  Did your team work on specific projects at the site or sites? We helped out with the ministries of Anne and Bryant.

8.  Were you able to finish each of the projects? If not, what prevented you from finishing the projects? We feel that we completed the assignment.

9.  What are some of the needs that were evident at the site or sites? The Wilhelmsen’s need more people to help them and more money.  They are only able to reach a few of the thousands of refuges.  They dream of taking a team into Turkey and ministering to the Kazak people there with whom they have a strong bond already.  They are stretched to the limit of their resources and beyond.

10.  Did you as the team leader make any promises to the host mission site? If so, what were the promises? How do you plan on keeping those promises?  I made no promises other than to fairly and energetically bring back their stories and their needs.

11.  Did your team purchase any gifts at the site for the site?If so, what did you purchase? No.

12.  Did your team leave a monetary gift at the site for the site? If so, how much and for what purpose?  We made no gift purchase and gave no money other than small personal items.  We made sure we paid out of our own money their expenses of hosting us.

13.  Do you hope to lead a team to this mission site again? If so, when? If not, is there another person that could lead a team to this site? Gerry and Kathy would love to lead or encourage another leader to lead a team and go with the Wilhelmsen’s to Turkey.  This could be a trip to minister to the Kazak people who live in the Sardis region, and could also trace the journeys of Paul and visit the sites of the churches mentioned in the Bible.  Leading the Kazak people to faith in Christ would be the main goal.

14.  Were you able to do a Bible study and debriefing with your team each day?  We were into the word on a regular basis, but did not do team meetings since only Kathy and Gerry were there.

15.  Were you able to plan a debriefing time at the end of your trip? We had several long talks about this mission experience.

16.  List a few of the praises and concerns of your team members.  We praise God for the opportunity to meet Bryant and Anne and get to know them.  They are truly dedicated servants of the Lord.  We also praise and thank Him for the opportunity to understand the plight of the people in German refugee shelters, and the broader issue of the worldwide refugee problem.  We will always cherish the memory of some very hospitable and kind people who are willing to reach across social and religious barriers to be our friends.  We thank and praise God for using us in some small ways to bless and encourage the people we met, including a German Christian, Fritz Sehardt, who helps in the ministry and who was our interpreter and guide when Anne and Bryant could not be with us.

Music Mission Kiev

1.  What was the status of the host mission site upon your arrival? Music Mission Kiev is a very prosperous, well organized, and active mission organization.  Their quarters are two apartments on the second floor of a downtown Kiev building.  They have made them into very nice, even plush in some respects, offices and conference facilities.  The staff seem very professional, very capable, and fully dedicated to the Lord. 

2.  Was the host mission site prepared for your arrival?  Music Mission Kiev met us at the airport and escorted us while there and to the train station.  They did their best to meet our needs but they had another group of 30 Americans there at the same time and were hard pressed to accommodate everyone.  There were some glitches but, overall, the visit was a good one.

3.  Were your team members adequately prepared for what they witnessed at the site? If not, how could they have been more adequately prepared? Our team was adequately prepared but still amazed at the scope and depth of this mission.  Nothing we saw was shocking but much of it was very moving.

4.  What were some of the things that your team witnessed at the host mission site? We met with Roger McMurrin and his wife who founded and still lead this mission and learned its history and their vision.  We participated in the distribution of food bags to widows.  Three different groups of widows came to Music Mission Kiev during our stay and we heard their stories and visited briefly with them.  These people have lived through very tough times, perhaps unimaginable for us, yet they radiate the joy of the Lord.  We also met several “graduate orphans,” young men and women who work with Music Mission Kiev after growing up in government orphanages and being ministered to by Music Mission Kiev.  We also met the staff briefly and heard some of their stories, which were often very moving.

5.  Did your team members work at more than one site? If so, how many sites? What were they? We visited only the downtown offices of Music Mission Kiev.  They are building another site in the country.  We did not get to attend a concert or rehearsal of any of their musical groups, because they were on vacation.

6.  For what was your team responsible at the site or sites? Shelley took this opportunity to evaluate and coordinate with Music Mission Kiev, who will be visiting Glenkirk in September.  The rest of us were observers.

7.  Did your team work on specific projects at the site or sites? We did not have project assignments here.

8.  Were you able to finish each of the projects? If not, what prevented you from finishing the projects? I as team leader, feel we accomplished our goal in that we are now able to share our love for Music Mission Kiev.

9.  What are some of the needs that were evident at the site or sites?  None noted.

10.  Did you as the team leader make any promises to the host mission site? If so, what were the promises? How do you plan on keeping those promises? None.

11.  Did your team purchase any gifts at the site for the site? If so, what did you purchase? None.

12.  Did your team leave a monetary gift at the site for the site? If so, how much and for what purpose? None.

13.  Do you hope to lead a team to this mission site again? If so, when? If not, is there another person that could lead a team to this site? We have no plans, however one way to reach Donetsk Christian University, where we do hope to take future teams, is through Kiev and a visit to Music Mission Kiev is a wonderful and inspiring experience.

14.  Were you able to do a Bible study and debriefing with your team each day?  Not as a team but Music Mission Kiev had excellent group devotions each morning.  The team shared about our experience at Music Mission Kiev on the train to Donetsk Christian University.

15.  Were you able to plan a debriefing time at the end of your trip? We will be meeting for this purpose at the end of August, after Shelley’s vacation.

16.  List a few of the praises and concerns of your team members. We praise God for putting the vision of this unique mission into the hearts of the McMurrins.  We thank Him for making it possible for Glenkirk to share in this vision and for this team to experience this visit. 

Donetsk Christian University

All five team members served in the second module of the Summer Intensive English program.

1.  What was the status of the host mission site upon your arrival?  Donetsk Christian University is struggling financially as they have been for several years.  Rampant inflation has more than offset increases in local income and financial support from Eastern and Western sources.  They continue focus on their primary educational mission and put maintenance and even salaries lower on the priority list.  In July of 2008 Donetsk Christian University is one month behind in salaries and cannot pay their utility bills on time.  Lack of basic maintenance is evident in the buildings and grounds.  It should be noted that the local people think the Donetsk Christian University campus is beautiful and well kept compared to other schools, both government and private.

2.  Was the host mission site prepared for your arrival? Yes, they met us at the train station, escorted us and translated for us while there and delivered us to the trains station again.  There were plenty of glitches, the missionary staff of Donetsk Christian University who managed the logistics of this program met some tough challenges and provided housing and food for all comers.  They were hosting the largest group Americans ever to participate in this program and there were some other groups there part of the time.  The accommodations were not up to the standards we westerners expect. We were moved from room to room, and the electricity, internet, and bathroom facilities did not always work.  There was no air conditioning, nor even adequate ventilation for comfort.  The cots we slept on were cheaply made and some were bowed in the middle like hammocks, and broken support members.  These conditions are apparently fairly normal for this region.

3.  Were your team members adequately prepared for what they witnessed at the site? If not, how could they have been more adequately prepared?  We were not well prepared.  I, as leader, did not do enough before the trip to bring everyone up to speed and bring about team bonding.

4.  What were some of the things that your team witnessed at the host mission site?  While we had different assignments and so experienced different things, we also had experiences which we all shared. 

• We saw first hand the run down condition of the Donetsk Christian University campus and came to understand the priority their leaders place on their educational mission. 

• We came to understand the high value the Ukrainians put on relationships and began to envy them in this. 

• We felt (just a little bit) the effects of comfort deprivation which is accepted here in terms of lack of air conditioning, hot water, soft level beds, etc. 

• We saw the hunger of certain post-communist people for the freedom only Christ has to offer and their exasperating reluctance to accept it. 

• We saw orphans who are experiencing for the first time the love of Christ through godly caregivers. 

• We saw redeemed Ukrainian people worshiping and honoring God with their spiritual gifts in two church services. 

• We saw the stark contrast of city streets and many buildings that are seemingly unmaintained against the beautiful Disneyland-like parks of downtown Donetsk and the opulence of the Orthodox Church and monastery facilities. 

• We made friends with people who at first seemed so different from us but quickly proved to be just like us in their hearts. 

• We came to respect and love many Christian brothers and sisters whom we will never forget.

5.  Did your team members work at more than one site? If so, how many sites? What were they?  Most of our service was on the Donetsk Christian University campus, but we also gave our testimonies at New Life/Family Center Church and played games and shared our love with orphans and Good Shepherd Shelter.

6.  For what was your team responsible at the site or sites?  We were supporting Donetsk Christian University’s Intensive English outreach program.  Gerry, Kathy, and Ann taught grammar in English as a second language classes.  Shelley and Karen worked in the afternoon program which is primarily English language practice.  We also participated for one hour each day in 15-minute     one-on-one conversation practice sessions.  These permitted us to get to know and even to share Christ with some of the non-Christian students.  We enjoyed lunches and extracurricular activities with the students and faculty.

7.  Did your team work on specific projects at the site or sites?  None other than described in 6.

8.  Were you able to finish each of the projects? If not, what prevented you from finishing the projects? We successfully completed our assignments.

9.  What are some of the needs that were evident at the site or sites?  Donetsk Christian University needs just about everything you could think of.  Following is sampling.  Almost everything is in a state of disrepair.  One of the beautiful brick buildings is just a shell which has been standing that way for many years due to lack of funds.  Several buildings are very old, including the grade school, dining room, and facilities buildings as well some of the housing.  The grounds are spacious and covered with attractive lawns, trees and bushes, but these are not mowed and trimmed.  Concrete sidewalks and stairways are crumbling and tiles are missing and broken.  The dorms are run down and the cheaply made cots are bent and broken.  Hot water is only provided for a couple of hours morning and evening to save on utilities.  We learned that they are one month behind in salaries and some of the utility bills.  Their faculty salaries are falling behind inflation and are below the norm to begin with.  Under communism, Christians could not get higher education.  In 1991 when the USSR first fell, the seminaries and bible colleges were staffed by people with no accredited degrees.  Donetsk Christian University is pressing hard to get all faculty graduate degrees.  Several now have Masters Degrees and a few are working on PhD’s.  This is a critical need because without qualified faculty, government accreditation will not come.  Without accreditation, Donetsk Christian University cannot attract students.  However, they are pressing forward to get accreditation both nationally and through the Bologna standards of western Europe. 

10.  Did you as the team leader make any promises to the host mission site? If so, what were the promises? How do you plan on keeping those promises?  We made no promises except that we would try to get the residual team funding released to them to help rebuild the playground which is in a dangerous state of deterioration.

11.  Did your team purchase any gifts at the site for the site? If so, what did you purchase?  Nothing other than small personal gifts with our own personal money.

12.  Did your team leave a monetary gift at the site for the site? If so, how much and for what purpose? No.

13.  Do you hope to lead a team to this mission site again? If so, when? If not, is there another person that could lead a team to this site?  I am turning in an application to repeat this trip next year.

14.  Were you able to do a Bible study and debriefing with your team each day?  We didn’t do Bible studies together and our team meetings were not as regular as they should have been.  I will try hard to improve next time.

15.  Were you able to plan a debriefing time at the end of your trip?  No date has been set but we agreed to do this when Shelley and the rest of the team are back from vacations at the end of August.

16.  List a few of the praises and concerns of your team members. Praise God for the gifts each one of us has been given and the opportunity to use these gifts.  Ann, Kathy and Gerry used the gift of teaching.  Karen used her gift of relationship evangelism and showed us again and again that relationships can form and hearts can be touched even when language and culture would seem to be barriers.  Shelley used her gift of leadership and administration as she quietly guided us into deeper understanding of the missions we visited.  Most of all, we thank God for the dedicated godly people who sacrificially give of themselves to lead Donetsk Christian University, Good Shepherd Shelter, and New Life/Family Center Church.  We praise God for what He is going to do in transforming the former Soviet Union through Christians like them.  We give Him thanks that we could be a small part of this transformation.

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