Members of the Crisis Team in Ukraine: Doug, Ruslan, Olena, Viktoria & Virginia

How Crates for Ukraine May Become Seeds for Church Planting

Not long after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, an American missionary living in the former Soviet state found himself consulting a crisis manual published in the Dominican Republic. 

It wasn’t what Mission to the World missionary Doug Shepherd expected to be doing last spring, but the sudden war left Ukrainian pastors scrambling for the best way to respond to circumstances they’d never faced before.

Shepherd skipped the manual’s chapter on how to form a police force, but he found another section particularly helpful: how to form a crisis team. 

What he learned helped the MTW team devise plans for assisting refugees fleeing their homes and organizing tangible aid for those staying behind. That effort eventually led to the project called Crates for Ukraine.

Site coordinators Mike and Sylvia Kelly (right) and Calvary OPC, Middletown, PA volunteers in front one of the "Sheds of Hope" 

Measuring Success: Sheds of Hope in Neon

Eight weeks and more than halfway through the Spring Community Outreach effort in Neon, Kentucky, site coordinators Mike and Sylvia Kelly’s time there has been measurably successful. Sheds have been built, repairs have been made and contacts have been established. Their outward ministry is deeply felt in this small community in the appreciation expressed to them by these unassuming residents.

To date, 17 “Sheds of Hope” have been distributed and assembled in this Spring effort to shelter the few possessions that flood victims were able to save. With each shed, Mike and other volunteers are sure to pray and introduce Neon Reformed OPC for future contact before departing. 

Destruction in Turkey resulting from earthquakes in February

Turkey Earthquake Fund Update

OPC Disaster Response continues to explore options to partner with other like-minded ministries in the region as we wait to hear from those in the area regarding their needs. To date we've received $139,254.52 in generous donations—including contributions from churches in Korea and Uganda! Thanks to all those who have given! The fund continues to be open to accept donations. Please continue to pray for the efforts of Reformed pastors and missionaries in the region.

Tornadoes Strike the South and Midwest

We are happy to report, after checking with the OPC Presbyteries in the affected regions, there are no known needs within the OPC after the recent storms and tornadoes hit in the Midwest and the South. Please join us in praising the Lord for His loving protection shown to His church and pray for those of whom were affected.

STM Spotlight: Boardwalk Chapel Weekend Work Teams

Is your youth group, small group, or deacon group looking for a good weekend project? Any able-bodied group with hands ready to get dirty, a free weekend, and a willing spirit is a perfect fit for this opportunity! The Boardwalk Chapel is in need of weekend work teams (or individuals!) to help prepare the chapel for summer ministry by painting, moving furniture, and cleaning. These teams are needed this May, so don’t hesitate to schedule your trip now!