Mission Trip for Youth Camp in Ukraine (July 9-21, 2026)
This summer will be our 5th Ukraine response Mission Trip! Thanks to the generosity of Providence UMC, we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ukrainian people that the world overlooks.
Chase Coale, Brett Logan, and Brandon Dirks will be commissioned during the worship services on June 28 to return to partner with the Ukrainian UMC and help lead a Youth Camp that reaches unchurched and marginally churched youth. The expectation is bring together over 100 young persons to provide respite, hope and encouragement that only the gospel of Jesus Christ and His church can provide. Along with six other Americans from four United Methodist churches around the country, we will be providing small group leadership, testimonies, and fun activities. Brandon will be preaching at local churches and teaching during the camp on the theme: “No Fear.”
Rev Dr. Fred Vanderwerf, coordinator for In Mission Together-Ukraine of the General Board of Missions, is coordinating the American team and the Ukrainian UMC leaders based at Pid Zomkom (Under the Castle). Pastors Yulia and Oleg Starodubets are organizing a 10 person leadership team of young adults to host and lead the camp, while we will provide support. The camp is located in the beautiful Transcarpathia mountains in western Ukraine along the border with Poland and Slovakia. Although we have been to this area before and felt very safe, safety remains a top concern as we must remember that Ukraine is still a nation at war.
WHY UKRAINE: The Mission Council approved in 2022 to create and build a hands-on, relevant international mission program for the Ukrainian people that the world tends to overlook. By working and serving in Ukraine, we have the opportunity to provide a significant impact in young people’s lives. Furthermore, the WNCC has made an official partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova Conference to provide support to the local churches. Lastly, the United Methodist Church in Ukraine is growing at an exciting rate, and it’s the young people who are inspiring this growth.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Pray for the 100 youth attending this camp that they will experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ so that they may follow Him with “no fear.” Pray for each member of the PUMC team that we may be humble conduits of God’s grace, that we may be flexible to whatever circumstances we may find ourselves, that we be authentic witnesses of faith in Jesus Christ, and that we may return home safe.
WANT TO HELP? The UMC is covering the entire cost of the camp for the young persons. If you’d like to sponsor one or more youth campers, the cost for each is $150. You can also support one of our team members by helping to cover the cost of transportation ($1500 each). Click HERE to give online.