Recently we were presented with the opportunity to minister to children taken from the city of Mariupol, a city that is no more. The war had taken everything from them. Now without mother and father, toys, family members, schools and neighborhoods they are in a government orphanage with an uncertain future.

Our national Pastor, Joseph Esenov, was able to get clearance for us to take food and gift bags full of things children like. This was Angie's first time to Ukraine and she had a great desire to bless to children. We helped fill cart loads of groceries and spend a day with the children.

It was a full day of activity, joy and communicating individually with the children with Google translate. A traditional Ukraine singing group had fun with the kids and well as other activities. God put smiles on all our faces and He proved once again that His love and grace is greater than our deepest tragedy.

But, greater than anything that happened this day...children folded their hands, opened their hearts and received Jesus as Savior! Praise the Lord! Our message to these precious ones is that Jesus will always be with them and that God would be a Father to them. Please pray with us for these children to be kept safe and that God would open doors for them to fulfill great things in His Name.

It was an honor to minister at Family of Christ Church in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. There was a wonderful atmosphere as the Holy Spirit moved upon the congregation. Many lives were changed as they responded to the message and the tug of the Holy Spirit. Broken hearts were healed and souls were saved. Glory! Pray for the church in Ukraine. Much encouragement is needed.

Tree of Life Church is a new church plant led by Pastor Joseph Esenov. It's a joy to minister with our brothers and sisters in Christ as something new is sprouting in the time of war. God touched many hearts as He faithful does when we gather. We connected with dear friends once again in Uzhhorod. For Angie, it was her first time to meet ladies that she had been blessing with spa items from the start of the war.

Meeting in Believer's homes is so special. They really sacrifice to put something together with the food that they have and to be cheerful in these desperate times. It really moves our hearts as they demonstrate such grace and gratitude towards us visitors and appreciate that we would come and serve their nation at this time with the Love of Christ. Everyone is built up in their faith. One lady (in yellow) who is now a widow, lost her husband in the war. But, she continues to host a group and serves God with all her heart.

We had the honor to serve children who now have no father or mother. They are from the Mariupol region, a city that is no more. They were extracted from the eastern war zone and brought west for their safety. We brought fresh fruits and candy to them with a lot of love. Love proved to change the atmosphere! I had the privilege of praying with them and blessing them.

Other ministry activity on this mission included ministry in various churches across Ukraine from east to west. Ministry to youth and young adults. Meetings with pastors and refugees in Uzhorrod.

Four Objectives Accomplished by Winter Outreach:
​1. Repair roof and insulate attic in refugee shelter in Uzhhorod.
2. Provide Christmas to refugees in shelters and nearby village.
3. Deliver food, supplies and handmade blankets to the frontline of war in Donetsk Region in Russian occupied territory.
4. Raised funds to repair Pastor Joseph's boiler in home where he houses four refugee families.

The Ukraine Winter Outreach began with Christmas celebrations in western Ukraine where we sponsor shelters for housing refugees from the eastern Donetsk, Kharkiv and Mariupol regions (See photos scrolling above). We were able to give a joyous celebration with wonderful gifts for youth and adults…spreading the hope of Christ. The children were shocked and amazed that there were gifts for them this year. Smiles were written across faces along with the sounds of giggles and excitement. The celebration was extended to a gypsy village where 100 children received gifts and ministry. Nearly 100% raised their hands to receive God’s greatest gift to us, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. It was a glorious time!

After the Christmas celebrations, we loaded two large vans with several thousands of pounds of food and supplies and prepared to drive across Ukraine into the frozen eastern war front. The reason for taking food and supplies into the war-torn regions is because most of the infrastructure is destroyed. Where there are no stores there is no incoming supply. It must be brought in charitably.

A Commander with another soldier from the Ukraine army joined us in order to escort us into the war zone with full body armor and automatic weapons. When we arrived, we found ourselves among mostly destroyed apartment buildings. The Commander instructed us to be quick as he surveyed the area. We honked the van’s horn and people poured out of what we thought to be uninhabitable buildings. We proceeded to quickly give out food and handmade blankets (donated by the Augusta Azalea Club - Linus Project) the to desperate people and then the status quo changed! Explosions erupted from a tank and artillery battle nearby! We were literally in the battlefield as Russian troops were trying to break through a new line the Ukrainian army had set up. As explosions and machine gun fire from tanks were heard, Pastor Joseph preached a short gospel message. Right there about 20 people prayed a prayer of salvation in the midst of the battle! Glory!! I heard them pray with great earnestness! The Commander instructed us to leave the town immediately as the battle was coming our direction. Praise God everyone received food and God gets the glory before evacuating! Afterwords we traveled to Korosten where I was asked to share at a Leadership Conference where pastors from all over Ukraine came together for strength and encouragement. God gave me the right word to build up the leaders that need so much encouragement. Thank you for your support and prayers and we strategize for our next outreaches in Ukraine and beyond in 2023.

- Doug and Angie Pitman

The young man in the above photo stands in front of his home in a village not too far from Bucha, a city that had experienced massacres among citizens. A scene that is now common in Ukraine. I was shocked as the ministry team walked through the devastation city after city and village after village. His village was destroyed and many people lost their lives as invading soldiers took position and occupied the village on the way to Kyiv, the Capitol. The troops have vacated for the moment but are only twenty-five miles away. Thankfully we had access and special permission the bring food and other products that were desperately needed. We went from door to door standing in the rubble of destroyed homes. We listened to their stories, prayed with them, gave food parcels (the local store is destroyed), provided gifts for children, shared the gospel and lead children and adults to salvation in Jesus Christ. 

Ok, let's back up a little. When we received a message from our friend Pastor Joseph Esenov in Uzhhorod, Ukraine for help several days after the invasion of Russian forces, it was clear what we needed to do. We needed to get involved. We have relationships and fruit in the nation of Ukraine from much ministry. We have been working with Pastor Joseph Esenov in Uzhhorod since 2016.

The mission was clear. We were to come alongside our Christian family in Ukraine and serve however possible. It resulted in two tours of ministry so far in Ukraine and thousands of dollars provided for supplying food, shelter, medicine and the ministry of the Gospel in cities and villages throughout Ukraine. When I first arrived I didn't know what to expect. But, God led us every step of the way. I had the wonderful experience of lodging with refugees from Kyiv, Kharkov, and the Donetsk region because there was literally no room anywhere. There were 24 of us in Pastor Joseph's home. We ate together and served together. Now we have new relationships. I was able to record some of their stories with a translator about their personal account of the invasion before fleeing across Ukraine for safety.

We were able to transfer funds and help with the renovation of a building that would serve as a shelter. I was able to visit the shelter when I first arrived and see what had been done. Refugees came as soon as the shelter was ready. It's easy for one's heart to melt when you look into their eyes and hear their stories. We had the opportunity to express our love and pray with them. Special gifts of handmade quilts, outfits and toys were distributed to the children. It brought such joy and the smiles were priceless.

Funds also provided for thousands and thousands of pounds of food that have been distributed to the shelter and to villages where refugees are lodging. This is an ongoing effort that continues because of our generous ministry partners. It seemed we were purchasing products daily, loading the bus and distributing to different locations. Many refugees came with no money. There are no jobs. It is a real crisis. Praise God for those who have donated to this mission. Because of generosity...

PROVISION WAS MADE FOR OUR OUTREACHES: 

• Renovation of building to house refugees as long as needed. New kitchen with all appliances. New shower installed. Clothes washing machine. Hot water heater. Beds and linens. Painting and cosmetic update. Food! The shelter is at capacity now!
• Refrigerators, food and inductive cooktops were purchased and delivered to local schools housing refugees from the Donetsk and Mariupol region. The schools in Uzhhorod are completely full of refugees. Students have to study online.
• Food for up to 300 people in shelters in Uzhhorod and villages on an "ongoing basis."
• New computer purchased for ministry helping refugees.
• Clothing and food purchased and delivered to the Ukrainian refugees living in refugee camps in Hungary.
• New Shoes for children and adult refugees- Nike, Adidas and Sketchers
• Baby strollers and baby products.
• Medicine for families and for frontline military personnel.
• Thousands of pounds of food delivered to poor citizens in the city.
• Financial aid to pastors not able to work.
• Toiletries and hygiene products provided.
• Feeding thousands living in subways in Kharkiv through Pastor Aleksiy.
• Emergency dental work and implants for a refugee mother of 4 children.
• Special gifts for ladies and children brought from Texas.
• Handmade quilts from USA given to excited and grateful children. 
• Hand knitted children outfits from the U.K.
• Helping Pastor Daniel Kriszt to plant a church on the Ukraine and Hungary border. Contributing funds towards purchasing land and a building and also for remodeling it for refugees. It will be a new church plant among the gypsy community there.
• Thousands of pounds of food delivered to Irprin, Bucha and Brovary near Kyiv.
• Street Evangelism in villages that have be occupied by the invading soldiers. Ministering to traumatized individuals.
• Ministered by preaching and teaching in churches and in homes for the building up of the saints.
• I was honored to be present in these outreaches and oversee the purchasing of products and goods to bring comfort and aid to those who have suffered loss.

The Above photo is from the occupied city of Bucha near Irpin. The devastation is so great that a thousand photos could not tell the full story. This has caused numerous deaths and a massive refugee crisis. When the occupying soldiers left the area (but are still very close) they left mines in refrigerators, among children's toys, under dead bodies and automobiles. Pray for these cities that have experienced massacres. The psychological trauma of these events has greatly impacted the locals. There are many broken lives that need ministry. 

Below is a photo of refugees arriving at the shelter set up in Uzhhorod. One story we heard was that the lady in the pink hoodie leaning over with with a smile had been hiding with her children in a basement for eight days as her city was receiving continuous bombardment. It was to dangerous for people to be above ground. There was a pause with the rockets so she found transportation and fled 1200km across Ukraine to the shelter in Uzhhorod arriving at 1:00am. We met with her the next morning. She had lost everything of value but still had a smile because her and her children were safe. Glory!

Below: Street ministry in village.

Below: Children feeling loved by gifts brought from Texas. Smiles are priceless!

I Angie and I want to thank those who have donated to these outreaches. The ministry and mission continues. As long as contributions continue to come in we will send them to our trusted pastors in Ukraine working with the refugees.

We are also grateful for Pastor Joseph Esenov and Pastor Danial Kriszt for their great sacrifice and ministry among the war refugees. Also, we'd like to thank Andriy and Natasha for being great hosts to the team in Irpin by giving us lodging and hot meals. Andriy was very informative about what had taken place in Irpin, Bucha and the villages nearby. Pastor Yuri in Brovary, thank you for your kindness, hospitality and the opportunity to minister at the church. God bless Ukraine. We are committed and will continue to partner with the saints in Ukraine.

Doug and Angie Pitman
Kingdom Ministries International
​European Representatives, RLN Global

Next Mission:
When: September 28 - November 10
Where: England, Wales, Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Hungary
Why: 

• To evangelize.
• To train church leaders and church teams. 
• To minister to recovering substance abuse addicts.
• To equip small group leaders.
• To minister to international university students.
• To encourage and build up the church in Europe.
• To participate in special revival services.

The challenges before us: There are always challenges to missions. This keeps us praying and trusting the LORD. One challenge in particular to this mission are the international travel and Covid-19 restrictions. Because these restrictions are constantly changing, anything can happen that can alter the itinerary and ministry gatherings. It has been very difficult to plan and especially a multination mission. But, the doors are open and people are eagerly awaiting us to come and minister. I truly believe this will be a time of supernatural breakthroughs as Jesus Christ and His gospel is proclaimed!

Another way you can pray with us is for the complete budget of this mission to be supplied. There are many expenses to spread the gospel internationally. God has always supplied and He will do it again. If you would like to help support this mission you can do so by going to the "Take Action" tab below. By sowing into our ministry you will literally be touching many nations with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Our itinerary for this mission can be found on the "Upcoming Outreach" tab. This gives partners the opportunity to pray over the mission day by day, city by city, and nation by nation.

Please keep us in prayer as we travel for health and safety. This can be overlooked sometimes, but we are aware more than ever now that we need God's protection in these areas to accomplish His purpose. We are so grateful to those who partner with us in prayer and support. Lives have been forever changed.

Family News: 
Angie and I are excited to announce that our seventh grandchild, Luca Douglas Pitman, is to arrive middle September! We are very happy for Stephen and Samantha. We'll  keep you posted! God is great! Angie will not be traveling overseas with me on this mission so she can be close to help when needed.

Love, 
​Doug and Angie

Greetings,

​With the help of our ministry partners, we were able to have successful outreaches that blessed individuals, families and ministries in Ukraine and Moldova. We thank Pastors Volodymyr Sergachov and Joseph Esenov, for being our hands and feet for this outreach. The following was accomplish with the funds sent from our ministry:

• Korosten Drug Rehab - Quality food and Operation Expenses.
• Kishinew Alchohol Rehab - Quality Food and Operation Expenses.
• Brovary Alchohol Rehab - Quality Food and Operation Expenses.
• Brovary Mother and Children Rehab - Warm Clothes, Food, Supplies.
• Blind Child - Financed expenses to see Ophthalmologist in Ukraine. 

The lockdowns have caused pastors to loose jobs and income. We sent love offerings to four pastors to purchase quality food for their families and helped to pay unpaid bills they could not pay because of no work. Praise the Lord! Please keep Eastern Europe in your prayers.

We plan to be ministering in the Ukraine in autumn 2021, Lord willing.

​In His Love,
Doug and Angie Pitman