Providence UMC Welcomes Dariia Zhukovska
Dariia Zhukovska grew up in Lviv, Ukraine, where she became involved in the United Methodist student ministry known as Youth to Jesus. Today, she is an active lay leader in both that ministry and her local congregation, St. John's United Methodist Church.
This October, Dariia will travel to Calgary, Canada, for the United Methodist Council of Bishops' Leadership Gathering, where she will serve as the European young adult delegate. With Dariia traveling so close to the United States, she has arranged visits with several supporting congregations, including Providence UMC who has worked with her and other Ukrainian young adults in hosting an annual youth summer camp in western Ukraine. At the 2026 summer camp, over 40 youth who attended the summer camp had never attended church before, and heard the Gospel for the first time! The church is growing in Ukraine through the young people!
Her visit to Charlotte offers American United Methodists a special opportunity to hear firsthand about life in war-torn Ukraine, Dariia's personal faith journey, and the ongoing ministries of the United Methodist Church in Ukraine. Her hope is to build relationships and strengthen connections between United Methodists in Ukraine and the United States.
Dariia's current Charlotte Visits
Thursday, November 12 – Myers Park UMC: Dariia will visit and speak with the young adults, hosted by Reverend Hannah Howell. 6:00pm
Sunday, November 15 – Providence UMC: Dariia will join Rev. Brandon Dirks for a mission in Ukraine presentation. 10:00am in Wolfe Hall
Please keep Dariia in your prayers as she travels. Pray for safe journeys, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to inspire others through her testimony. May she return home encouraged by the love and support of her United Methodist family around the world.
How You Can Support Ministry in Ukraine
At each gathering—and at any time—individuals and groups are invited to support the ongoing work of Providence UMC’s Ukraine mission. Make your check payable to Providence UMC and writing Ukraine Mission in the memo line.
Thank you for supporting the ministries that are raising up young leaders like Dariia and sharing Christ's love in Ukraine, even in the midst of war.