serving in Ukraine with joy
Alys grew up in a home where missionaries were welcome and was drawn to missions conferences in her youth. Yet it was after her first short-term project in Ukraine after college, that it became clear the Lord was calling her to full-time missions. Her love for children was what drove Alys to join NMSI in spring 2006, and following a two-month time under the care of local church in Ukraine, she learned of the needs of many disabled children.
Currently, one orphanage in Tsyurupinsk, Ukraine, that is home to about 200 mentally and physically disabled children is the focus of her ministry since 2008. Showering them with love and teaching basic skills encourages these kids who in many ways are the outcasts of society, but who are precious to God. Alys reaches out to the orphanage staff as well, sharing her time and energy with them that they too will claim the love of God for themselves. Helping to teach children at a local school for the hearing impaired also provides avenues to reach the children of Ukraine with Christ’s love. As the body of Christ grows, Alys hopes to provide connections for believers to serve in the community.
“As the Lord taught us to love the least of these, He led me to them and they are so desperate for love, in whatever manner it is expressed. They are treasures waiting to be discovered and the joy on their faces expresses the treasure as it unfolds, when the box to their heart is opened.”
