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An online overview of
who we are and what we do
For many years, Ukraine was known as the "breadbasket
of Europe." It was the land of milk and honey. It’s rich,
black soil generated more than one-fourth of the total agricultural
output of the Soviet Union. Large deposits of coal, iron ore
and manganese provided needy jobs for miners. Industries such
as metalworking, mechanical engineering and the manufacture
of heavy equipment made it one of the most industrialized
economies of Europe. Moreover, the Dnieper, Europe’s third
largest river formed the country’s main water transport system
and provided a bountiful supply of fish.
The capital and largest city of Ukraine (pop.
52 million) is Kiev.
Because of its fertile soil Ukraine is known
as the "breadbasket of Europe."
Today Ukraine’s factories and plants are almost at a standstill.
The infra system is in shambles. The rivers are polluted.
Agricultural fields are neglected. And many people are out
of work. Of those who do work, most have not received their
salaries for over a year. Many doctors, teachers and miners
are on strike. Corruption abounds, even in government. The
Mafia is everywhere.
Consequently, many people suffer from lack of food, medical
aid and education. They cannot afford to buy even the basic
necessities of life. Others, because of Chernobyl, suffer
from respiratory conditions, heart problems, skin diseases
and genetic disorders. It is one of the few countries in the
world where the death rate is higher than the birth rate.
It is frequently said, "God helps those who help themselves."
That’s true, but He also helps those who can’t help themselves.
Many people are not able to help themselves. They are like
the invalid by the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. When Jesus
asked him why he wasn’t being healed, the man said, "I have
no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred."
(John 5:7)
Chernobyl has had its greatest effect on the
young and poor.
Many of the aged have lost hope and given way
to despair.
Good Samaritan Ministries in the Ukraine is
committed to helping the helpless. It was founded in 1993
when I was on a "roots trip" to the Ukraine. One evening I
met a woman in the Zhitomir Hotel by the name of Galina Bidenko.
Galina was born into a very poor family, the oldest of eight
children. They made their living by growing corn. Galina trained
to be an English teacher, but shortly after the birth of her
two sons, Slavic and Ruslan, she stayed home to care for them.
Later, she went to work as a "brigade leader" on the third
floor of the hotel. There was no Christian influence in her
life until 1992 when she embraced Christianity. Almost immediately
she felt a call to help her people. But how, where and with
what? When I challenged her to become a Good Samaritan, she
began to cry. It was an answer to prayer.
In 1994, she was appointed as national director of Good Samaritan
Ministries, Ukraine, and came to the United States for training.
Since then, the work has grown from a small widows and orphans
ministry to four centers. The centers are located in Zhitomir,
Neudorf, Korostichev and Korosten, all within 30-40 miles
of each other.
Food and Clothing Distribution
One of the major aspects of our work is the distribution
of food and clothing. Most of it goes to the poorest of the
poor, the widows and orphans. Everywhere, you see "babushkas"
in the marketplace, at the railroad stations and by the side
of the road, begging for a few coins or trying to sell sunflower
seeds. The first time I saw them, it broke my heart. I thought,
"What if that was my grandmother?"
Over the years we have shipped several containers of food
and clothing to the Ukraine. We have also distributed some
40,000 packets of vegetable seeds in the villages so that
people can grow their own food. In addition, we have purchased
several "kitchen gardens" just outside of Zhitomir. Kitchen
gardens are small acreages cultivated by city people on weekends
to supplement their meager income.
Food is distributed to widows and orphans by
Good Samaritans.
American vegetable seeds were distributed to
villagers last year.
Our land is worked by members of Good Samaritan Ministries.
After harvest the food is stored and distributed to the poor
as needed. Sometimes the vegetables are sold and the money
is used to help the aged pay their rent. Recently we purchased
a brand new seven-passenger van to aid them in their transportation
of workers and produce.
Medical Assistance
Another aspect of our work is medical assistance. Over the
years we have shipped many over the counter drugs for basic
aches and pains. We have also sent more than $10,000 worth
of medication to help the people whom suffer from the effects
of the nuclear explosion. In the future we expect to send
doctors, dentists and nurses on short-term assignment to assist
them with their many needs.
We have also explored the possibility of setting up a medical
clinic in one of the villages. As it is, many people suffer
unnecessarily and die prematurely because they cannot afford
medical treatment.
Counseling Ministry
Our work in the Ukraine also includes a counseling ministry.
Many people suffer from hopelessness and despair, especially
the young, sick, lonely and aged . That doesn’t leave many
out. As a result, vodka, drugs, violence, prostitution and
suicide are rampant.
When I was in a small village outside of Zhitomir last year,
I talked with a woman who had lost her husband and two sons
by hanging. A third son was in prison for life for killing
another man. When I probed as to the reason for these violent
acts, she said they were depressed. There was no reason for
living. This coming summer we are sending two professional
counselors to the Ukraine to help train our workers in dealing
with such problems.
Business Education
We are also beginning to give attention to helping people
get established in small businesses. Our first effort has
been the purchase of a laptop computer, printer and scanner
for an enterprising young man. We sent him to a computer training
school and had him enrolled in an English class. In addition,
we are sending him $50/month to get the best training possible
so that he can eventually set up his own business.
We have also sent several heavy-duty sewing machines over
which will be used to set up a small shoe factory. It is our
hope that by providing these kinds of business opportunities
we will empower people, enable them to get on their feet and
in time draw others into similar businesses.
Spiritual Development
We are also doing everything we can to help people find spiritual
meaning and purpose in life. Many people, both young and old,
are hungry for God. Ultimately, it’s their only hope. Our
Samaritans regularly share their faith and help new believers
build their lives on the foundation of God’s Word. About a
year ago, 21 villagers were led to Christ by Galina and her
husband, Dimitry, on a single afternoon.
We do our part from this end by encouraging pastors and helping
to establish new churches. In the past, we have provided funds
to assist with pastoral salaries, renovation of churches and
construction of new buildings. This year we are sending a
team of seasoned pastors from America to conduct a Pastor’s
Conference on church renewal.
During WW II, the Neudorf church was used as
a storage bin.
GSM has contributed over $10,000 to restore
and build new churches.
Training Center
Finally, we put a strong emphasis on training. Our philosophy
is to help others with the view that they in turn will help
still others. It is the old adage that it’s better to teach
people how to fish than to give them a fish.
It is for this reason that we have established a training
center in one of the buildings on our recently purchased property.
Not only are training meetings held there now on a regular
basis for all our workers, but it is intended that the center
will eventually become a training center for all of Eastern
Europe.
Don Miller with Galina and Dimitry
Bidenko on recently purchased land.
GSM National Training Center on the outskirts
of Zhitomir.
Affiliate Association
Good Samaritan Ministries in the Ukraine is associated with
Good Samaritan Ministries in Beaverton, Oregon. The parent
organization was founded in October 1979. Through a staff
and a support team, we provide physical, emotional, spiritual
and mental health services to individuals, couples, children
and groups. Our services are available without charge to anyone
regardless of ethnic background, religious, sexual or political
preference or ability to make a donation. Good Samaritan Ministries
today is represented in 20 countries around the world. Bettie
P. Mitchell is the founder and international executive director.
How you can help
To overcome difficulties in their lives, people often need
a helping hand. By becoming involved with Good Samaritan Ministries,
you have a number of opportunities to reach out and restore
hope to people in need.
Contribute financially. Every dollar you give goes
directly to help the poor. Not one penny is used for overhead.
You can donate using your credit card by clicking on the link
below or call us for more information.
Become a prayer partner. By praying for specific needs
and people, you can help move mountains.
Join the Ukraine satellite. The Ukraine satellite
is a group of people here in America who are committed to
developing Good Samaritan Ministries in the Ukraine by becoming
intimately acquainted with the work, establishing personal
contact with the national workers, giving financially to support
the ministry, carrying the work in your heart and perhaps
visiting the country someday as a volunteer.
Contact Information |
