St Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church  2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, CA  92673St

Mission Trips to Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukraine had a long history of Christianity nearly wiped out by 70 years of brutal communist rule, which actively discouraged religion and the practice of it.  During his rule, Stalin had over 7,000 churches destroyed in Kyiv alone.  As of 1991, when Ukraine gained its independence, most Ukrainians knew little or nothing of the Bible.

The years since the fall of communism have been tough economically for the Ukrainian people as well.  As the transition from communist vassal-state to independent democracy stuttered and became bogged down by corruption, the powerful few made money while the widows, pensioners, and orphans were left behind to fend for themselves.

In 2008, the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Choir will be touring the United States.  St. Andrew's will be hosting one of their concerts on Friday, September 26.  We are looking for a group of volunteers to house 2 musicians each for the weekend.  Click here for more information.

We are collecting socks, underwear, and pajamas to bring with us for children of the orphanages ages 5-15.  Please check out Music Mission Kiev's website to see all the various ministries they offer in addition to their musical efforts.

St. Andrew's is also partnering with Bill and Helen Lovelace, who are United Methodist Missionaries in Kyiv.  Bill and Helen run a ministry to street children, trying to provide them with food, clothing, and some access to health care and/or education, not to mention contact with caring adults.

Please contact Rev. Lucy Stafford-Lewis or Diane Clark for further information about these opportunities.