West Huntsville has been actively involved in the Lord's work in Kharkov since 1991. Kharkov is a very large city in eastern Ukraine (formerly a part of the Soviet Union) with a population of approximately 2 million people. It lies near the Russian border (approximately 40 Kilometers) and is about 400 miles south of Moscow. The work in Kharkov began when a missionary, on invitation from Kharkov University, began teaching the gospel to students he met while teaching English at the university. From these humble beginnings the Lord's church has grown to over 85 members at present [2003]. The church at West Huntsville has taken campaigners there nearly every year since then. The growth of the church has been due to friends inviting friends and family inviting family members for Bible studies.
The church now has its own beautiful facility and Ukrainian preachers laboring with them. The preachers are: Igor Olefira, his wife Vera and their children, Andrew and Marissa; the other preacher is Valery Gaydash, his wife Leysa and their children Elizabeth and Sonia. The last American missionaries were Earl and Sue Weldon who departed Kharkov after completion of the renovation on the new building in September of 2002.
The new building is located on a choice piece of property in Alexeevka, a suburb of Kharkov. It has a population of over 200,000 within 2 miles of the building. It was a former café/bar and had a bad reputation. The neighbors are very happy that it is now a church building. Weekly new visitors are attending and several have been baptized in the last 12 months.
The work is a very rewarding one and many souls have had a hand in making it a reality. To God be the glory now and forever! Only in eternity will we know the final results of this wonderful work.
Recently a new congregation has been formed in the Soltovka area. Sergei and Roman are currently serving as the preachers for this congregation. The average attendance for te Saltovka congregation is around 15 at this time [2006].
| EMail: | chofcr@kharkov.ua |
| Igor and Vera Olefira |
Prospect Pobeda #54B Apt. #14 Kharkov, Ukraine 61204 |
| Valery & Leysa Gaydash |
Ahsarova Street, 18 Apt. 260 Kharkov, Ukraine 61204 |
