the de Vuyst Pages      

George, Sarah, Abigail, Matthew & Elizabeth de Vuyst

Serving with Christian Reformed World Missions in Mukachevo, Ukraine

We are working in Mukachevo, Ukraine as leadership trainers and church-planters of a Reformed congregation in the western region of Ukraine. 

Partnering with this congregation "we are proclaiming the Gospel to more and more people who have not heard it,

healthy churches are emerging and the Kingdom of God is advancing" (CRWM vision statement). 

Here is the 5 minute video we prepared for our church visitations to give a short overview of our ministry in Ukraine.

Choose Life

In a rare display of unity, the Roman Catholic, Ukrainian Orthodox, Reformed, Greek Catholic, Baptist, and Russian Orthodox joined together to bring awareness to the plight of the unborn in Ukraine - specifically in our town of Mukachevo.  There is an alarming rate of abortion in our town alone.  One statistic is that 98% of women have had an abortion.

In an effort to bring awareness to the development of an unborn baby and the facts surrounding abortion, hundreds of people gathered today in their churches for prayer and then before city hall to advocate for the protection of the unborn.  Together we walked to a woman's consultation clinic where bishops from the various churches spoke and the mayor himself shared words of support.  A young sapling was planted in the yard of the clinic and balloons saying "Choose Life" were released into the air.  Hundreds of pamphlets describing a baby's development in utero were passed out.

It is our hope and prayer that many more women will be informed that a life is forming inside them and CHOOSE LIFE!  As George spoke with the mayor and other church leaders he advocated for medical reform, adoption law reform, and general improvement of life conditions in Ukraine.  As Christians we have a responsibility to uphold the sanctity of life for all - the elderly, working class, children, and unborn alike.

(Read more about this event & see more pictures on our blog at www.devuysts.blogspot.com)

Church Retreat Builds Community

Over the May Day holidays in Ukraine, the Mukachevo congregation retreated to the beauty and calm of the mountains.  Over the following 48 hours we ate together, hiked together, bunked together, and studied Biblical passages on togetherness.  We discussed and demonstrated in skits how to accept others, be kind to one another, and build harmony.  42, including children, people participated in the retreat - the largest attendance ever.  God is building His Church!

Impossible Wedding Becomes Possible

In our April 2010 prayer letter we wrote about Slavic and Silvia's desire to get married but not being able to afford a wedding.  Following the church retreat, they decided to act rather than wait.  They went into the marriage registration office and requested a date for the civil ceremony.  (Civil ceremonies are required for a marriage to be legally recognized.  Church weddings are optional.)  Expecting to wait at least a month, they were shocked to hear that they could be married in 2 days based on the fact that they already had two children.  Immediately, Slavic called George and asked if he would conduct a church wedding for them on Sunday following the worship service.  The congregation sprang into action organizing a suit, dress, flowers, rings, cake, etc.  By Saturday, Slavic and Silvia had everything they needed to have a proper wedding.  The church ceremony was a church community celebration.  Slavic and Silvia are thrilled to be married and honored to see the church community surround them with love, encouragement and support - making what they once thought impossible, possible!

Training for Children's Ministry

Seven women from the Mukachevo congregation have recently completed a training in children's ministry.  They learned practical skills including how to prepare a Bible study for children, how to share the Gospel with children, how to work with preschoolers, etc.  In September, the congregation wants begin a new Sunday School program and invite the children of the surrounding community to join.

Timothy Leadership Training Impacts Churches

April 12-15 fifteen participants from 10 congregations, representing Reformed, Charismatic and Baptist churches, learned valuable skills in pastoral care, leadership, and action planning.  The next module will be held in November and meanwhile the participants have been asked to put into practice what they learned.  When they return next time, they will be asked to testify to how God has brought change to their churches.

George is continuing an intensive training in order to be able to offer the trainings himself again and again here in Ukraine and possibly in Russia as well.  The nature of the program is that trained leaders teach other members of their congregation.  George has already applied this principle by meeting regularly with the elders and other key members of our congregation.  They are being equipped to care for the members and attendees of the church.

Volunteer in Ukraine!!

We have three opportunities for you to serve with us in Ukraine in a short-term capacity:

    * Evangelistic English Camp

    * Worship Workshop Leader

    * Missions Internship

World Missions is now working with the CRC program, ServiceLink, to recruit and prepare volunteers for mission service.  To read more about these opportunities and apply, please go to www.crcservicelink.org or click on each of the opportunities above to go directly to a description of each opportunity.

Mukachevo Congregation Launches English Website

You can now follow the ministries and projects of the Mukachevo Congregation at their own English website www.crcm.webs.com.  On their site you can read about the church building project and ways you can get involved.

website updated:  June 3, 2010

Mailing address:  Ilona Zrini 10/2, Mukachevo 89600, Transcarpathia, Ukraine

email: gdevuyst@crcna.org

Links to: Christian Reformed Church in N. America   and  Christian Reformed World Missions