One out of three Ukrainian refugees in Europe have some understanding or full knowledge of what it means to follow Christ. Moreover, Poland is the second largest refugee destination in Europe. Because of this, we want to organize communities of faith in both Ukraine and Poland while helping Ukrainians assimilate into the Polish culture.
We are working with various Polish and Ukrainian local churches in several cities to help newcomers feel welcome. Serving alongside fellow global workers Greg and Lynne Swinamer, we have launched LIFE Centers that offer counselling, prayer, haircuts, cooking lessons, and cultural lectures to Ukraine refugees. And what’s more—these centres transition into churches on Sundays, and we’ve witnessed many come to faith in Jesus! We started a preschool for Ukrainian children while their single moms work each day. We also are assisting the local Ukrainian churches to train church planters.
As Canada-based global workers, we travel to Europe 4-5 times a year, often with short-term mission teams. We connect with the local leaders and offer forms of assistance such as financial, moral, and spiritual support.
After pastoring in Kelowna, in 1983, we went to Tanzania as global workers for 13 years. Upon our return in 1996, I (Peter) graduated from Regent College with my Master’s in Christian Studies (Missions). In 2000, I began directing Immanuel School of Ministry in Moscow, Russia. In 2007, I was engaged in directing a church planting project in Crimea. We are now working in Poland and Ukraine with the 700 Miast church planting initiatives. We have two sons (both born in Africa) and three grandchildren whom we love deeply.
