Mennonites active in Ukraine

Various Mennonite groups and agencies have been working in Ukraine since the late 1980s, and representatives of eight organizations met in Winnipeg on Jan. 25, 2016, for an annual review of their activities. Most of the work has been done in the area of Zaporizhzhya—the area of the former Mennonite Chortitza Colony—and in the area of the former Molotschna Colony.

Mennonite heritage tours of Ukraine during the past 20 years have made North American Mennonites aware of the great social needs.

Organizations involved in Ukrainian programs include Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Canadian Ukrainian Agricultural Development (CUAD), Mennonite Benevolent Society (MBS), Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonite Brethren Missions, Friends of the Mennonite Centre Ukraine (FOMCU), among others. Programs involve economic support, education, health and social organization, peace and justice concerns, seniors care, and evangelistic programs.

While the different organizations plan their own programs—usually in close collaboration with local Ukrainians—it has been helpful to meet regularly to exchange information and insights. This has been especially valuable in view of the recent political and military instability and the currency devaluation.

At the recent meeting, Otto and Florence Driedger reported on developments at the Florence Centre in Zaporizhzhya, where Ukrainian social work students learn to work with children with mental and physical challenges, provide HIV/AIDS education in public schools, and visit youth in a local detention centre.

MCC workers Katie and Andrew Geddert are now living in Zaporizhzhya, working with trauma, reconciliation, and peacebuilding through partner agencies. Louie Sawatzky, director of the MBS program, talked about the program of the Mennonite Family Centre in Zaporizhzhya, which addresses the continuing and increasing needs of shut-in elderly residents.

The Mennonite Brethren Church, through its Square One program, is active in media ministries, while Mennonite Church Canada is supporting new Ukrainian congregations and the theological work of Mary Raber. 

Korey Dyck, director of the Mennonite Heritage Centre in Winnipeg, noted the interest of Canadian Ukrainians in the Mennonite projects and the potential for future cooperation.

John Pauls told of the congregation in Chernobaevka, near Kherson, which has been supported by the extended Pauls family for 20 years, while Valeriia Alipova, a young adult from the Zaporizhzhya Mennonite Church currently on a one-year term with the Mennonite Voluntary Service program in Winnipeg, reported on the unique evangelistic and medical ministry among the Roma people in the Uzhhorod area (along the Slovakian border), run jointly with the Marchand Gospel Chapel of Manitoba.

Some amazing programs are being developed, and we can truly see God’s Spirit at work in Ukraine. Most programs will hopefully become self-sufficient in time, but the present social and financial situation does not suggest this will be possible any time soon. More information about these programs is available from the individuals mentioned above or from v.kliewer@mts.net.