One of the surest moments in Lauren’s life was her call to serve in Ukraine. While Ukraine was far from Lauren’s radar, God solidified her call, witnessing how Missionaries shared the Gospel through English ministry at a Christian camp. God led her to serve in Odesa where she directed an English Conversational club, led groups in women’s and youth ministry.

Vanya is a Ukrainian native, seminary student and musician who serves in the church as a youth and worship leader. He is passionate about teaching the Gospel, apologetics and sharing his faith in Jesus whenever he has the opportunity.

Vanya and Lauren met through mutual friends and served together in an apologetics camp for youth. Vanya and Lauren both have hearts to serve God and especially youth. They married in a time of war, and despite the challenges, God has blessed both to serve in the church together and to equip the next generation to grow in their love and understanding of Jesus and to be ambassadors for Christ, especially in the face of a raging war.

We are the Perekotiys, a Ukrainian and American family! We have been entrusted with four beautiful children: Chambers (2013), Lev (2015), Mila (2016), and Remington (2019). Our story began when we met in Ukraine in 2008. After living on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, we packed up our gang in 2018 and moved to Odesa, Ukraine, a beautiful, historic port city on the Black Sea. While visiting family in Alabama in 2022, the full-scale invasion broke out in Ukraine. We decided to remain in the US for the 2022-23 school year while supporting our partners in Ukraine through the War Relief Fund. In August 2023, we launched back overseas to share the Gospel among Ukrainians. We are based out of Bucharest, Romania, where we can serve refugees and be close to the Ukrainian border.

Through the War Relief Fund we have sent medical aid, vehicles, food, and education supplies to those in need. The needs of the vulnerable will only increase as this crisis continues, and we are committed to partnering with our friends and partners to meet those needs. We pray to use these resources to rebuild Ukraine when the war ends.

Our heartbeat has always been caring for the vulnerable and fatherless. Our vision is to see Christ proclaimed as we serve vulnerable children and families with national partners and churches. We also serve the unreached deaf community, and provide training and trauma resources for families and volunteers. Thank you for journeying with us!