An opportunity to assist a remarkable ministry is available in Western Ukraine this summer. That ministry involves the hearing impaired. Since 1996, Volodomir and Oksana Semchuk (SMS Missionaries) have been instrumental in presenting the Gospel to a community of young people that have no other way to be introduced to the plan of salvation. (Rob Zapotosi, SMS International Field Representative, has been able to participate in this ministry and has seen amazing spiritual results.)
Young people, who are hearing-impaired, enjoy a camping experience in the Carpathian Mountains for a session of ten days. This special program includes recreational activities, crafts and spiritual services. The young people learn Christian choruses and listen to Bible messages in sign language. Many ask questions after the worship services and Bible classes about God or spiritual matters. This ministry is so vital, because no one else is evangelizing these particular young people in this region.
With prepared counselors and a staff who are fluent in sign language (most of them are also deaf), Volodimir oversees the work as director. Oksana, his wife, usually works in the kitchen preparing the meals, and she also helps her husband communicate when his leadership is needed. (Oksana knows sign language in Ukrainian.)
This summer, Slavic Missionary Service would like to donate funds for the session, since no supporting organizations are able to assist this year. Approximately ten to twelve dollars is needed for each young person per day. (This amount includes the rental of an appropriate facility and three meals a day.) A session includes ten days, and Volodimir's desire is to invite 60 young people from the hearing-impaired schools or other agencies that work with the deaf.
Therefore, $6,000 to $7,000 would cover the costs of the entire camping program. (If additional funds are collected, more young people can be invited.) If you would like to assist this worthy Christian project, please send your contribution to Slavic Missionary Service, PO Box 307, South River, NJ 08882. Designate the funds to be used for the Brody 2013 Summer Camp Ministry to the Deaf.
