We are the Smiths.  Kevin and Natalka have shared a passion for ministry for years and stand amazed at how God orchestrated their meeting and eventual marriage through a network of mutual connections involved in full time missions work.  Our kids, Oksana (6) and Alex (4), are already faithfully telling their friends that they are going to Ukraine to preach the Gospel.  We fully believe that God has called us to serve in Ukraine with ministry focused on at-risk and orphan youth.  Our family is excited to serve as God continues leading us.

Natalka is originally from Lugansk, Ukraine but spent several years working alongside multiple ministries in Odessa as she attended the Christian university there.  We will initially work in Odessa so we can maximize those existing contacts to serve while Kevin and the kids learn Russian.  We will be assisting in outreach activities, church gatherings, and Bible studies on a routine basis.  The summer months will be filled with more intensive projects as we plan to work with a variety of youth camps which partner with a number of local orphanages.

As we gain mastery of the language, we plan to begin a series of family homes in conjunction with local church plants.  The family homes serve as an alternative to the institutional orphanages the state runs.  We will disciple the children through daily life and Bible teaching.  Eventually, we see this becoming a standardized Bible school to train the children in a more conducive spiritual environment than the public schools.  The local church plants allow us to minister to the children while also serving the older generations simultaneously.  As the kids graduate, we hope to launch them into other parts of Ukraine to plant churches or begin similar family home ministries.

This is a long-term discipleship plan, and we cannot do it without support from friends like you.  Our highest prize would be for you to join us as a prayer partner as we endeavor to meet the need in Ukraine.  We encourage you to contact us at the4smiths@bonestolife.com so we can send you updates on the tremendous work God is doing in Ukraine.

You can also stay connected by visiting our blog at bonestolife.com.  Thank you for your partnership!