Roman Meshcov, a gifted linguist from Zolotonosha in central Ukraine, became involved with UCM when he worked as a translator during a team visit in June 2024. In the summer of 2025 he graduated from high school and moved to Vienna for his university studies, getting baptised just before he left. A few months later he kindly recorded his testimony for us - an encouraging reminder of the importance of camps and youthwork.

Vitaliy Andriiets, Director of Wise Carpenter, is much more than just a skilled woodworker. He is also a dedicated husband and father; and a teacher, mentor, and inspirational leader. Across every area of his life and ministry, his passion is to invest in people and see lives transformed.

The region of Cherkasy has been experiencing temperatures well below freezing for several weeks now, which means a constant covering of ice and snow on the ground. This makes it harder for people to be out and about – to come to church, to come to community meals, to attend children’s and youth meetings. Yet the pastors and ministry leaders remain undeterred by the conditions and are continuing to serve with joy, even when the weather makes things harder.

UCM first started running summer camps for children and teenagers back in 1997, and these quickly became a significant area of ministry for us. They continue to be an annual highlight for our churches, and many have expanded their programmes to include similar activities in the Easter and Christmas holidays as well.