We first met Josef almost 10 years ago when we joined our church in NY for short-term volunteer trips to Ukraine. At this time, Josef's main energy went into working with children who were either living, or spending most of their time, on the streets. Some of them were orphans, some of them came from alcoholic homes or from parents who were not interested in what their kids were doing.
For these children, Josef, his family and his team provided weekly meals and a safe place for the kids to meet. During this time, they played games, did crafts, learned songs and dances and had people readily available to listen to them and provide for their physical and emotional needs. Most importantly, Josef taught the kids about a God who loved them and encouraged them to pursue great things in life, regardless of their circumstances.
Fast forward to 2015: it is amazing to see what God has done through Josef in the past 10 years.
- The same kids Josef reached out to 10 years ago, are now leaders in the same ministry and in the church.
- A permanent foster home was built in a village just outside of Uzhhorod, where Josef and his team can offer kids a place to stay permanently or temporarily. Currently, he is expanding their original vision of the purpose of the home to include refugees from the east of Ukraine.
- Josef expanded his work to include adults suffering from alcohol and/or drug addiction.
- Though they did not have their own building, Josef began regular Sunday services a few years ago and now has a thriving congregation.
- Josef has raised up an amazing group of young leaders. This group of young adults, they are passionate about God and living their life for Him. They are steadfast and live their life with a purpose.
This new building gives Josef and his team a permanent base in the heart of the city that is their very own.
For these children, Josef, his family and his team provided weekly meals and a safe place for the kids to meet. During this time, they played games, did crafts, learned songs and dances and had people readily available to listen to them and provide for their physical and emotional needs. Most importantly, Josef taught the kids about a God who loved them and encouraged them to pursue great things in life, regardless of their circumstances.
Fast forward to 2015: it is amazing to see what God has done through Josef in the past 10 years.
- The same kids Josef reached out to 10 years ago, are now leaders in the same ministry and in the church.
- A permanent foster home was built in a village just outside of Uzhhorod, where Josef and his team can offer kids a place to stay permanently or temporarily. Currently, he is expanding their original vision of the purpose of the home to include refugees from the east of Ukraine.
- Josef expanded his work to include adults suffering from alcohol and/or drug addiction.
- Though they did not have their own building, Josef began regular Sunday services a few years ago and now has a thriving congregation.
- Josef has raised up an amazing group of young leaders. This group of young adults, they are passionate about God and living their life for Him. They are steadfast and live their life with a purpose.
This new building gives Josef and his team a permanent base in the heart of the city that is their very own.
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| Here is Josef standing in front of the building. It is situated at a major intersection near the center of the city. Perfect spot! |
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| View of the intersection from the front of the building. If you take the road straight, past the buildings in the photos, you will end up in the heart of the city in less than 2 minutes (by car; maybe 10 minutes by walking). |
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| View from the parking lot: the train station (the small building directly in the center of the photo). Once again, great location! |
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| The main entrance and a Solomiya. |
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