May 29-June 2 Trip Highlights

Hello READ Friends,

Thank you for your prayers! We are pleased to confirm that the mission team returned home safe and sound on June 4, just as planned.

PREPARE FOR A PHOTO OVERLOAD!

Our time in Kremenchuk was truly rewarding.

On May 29, Joel Severson led a seminar for 15 chaplains, whom READ supported during the Volunteer Chaplain training over the past year (see article here). This was a crucial time for Joel as he shared the extensive knowledge gained from his experience as an Army chaplain. With 35 years of service, including 20 years as a chaplain and three deployments, Joel brought invaluable insights. In the photos below, Joel was presented with his green chaplain shirt and coin, as all the volunteer chaplains were.

Following the Chaplain Seminar, there was time for the team and their hosts to enjoy a stroll and some golden hour photography at a nearby park. Part of the reason this trip was such a success is shown in the smiles in these photos. True comrades.

On May 31, we celebrated the graduation of seventy individuals from the Youth & Family Program and the Master’s Program at Kremenchuk Evangelical Seminary. Always a remarkably fun and encouraging time. READ Ministries had the privilege of sharing resources with these graduates, as we do throughout Ukraine.

See the whole story and more photos on the KES Website.

On Saturday, following the graduation, the team visited with READ Board member Rachel Anderson, who moved to Ukraine to serve as a full-time missionary in April 2024 (escorted to Poltava by the READ travel team). Much has occurred over the past year, including Rachel's engagement to marry Oleg later this year. It was wonderful to reconnect and learn about her ministry efforts. The evening included a walk along the Dnieper River to the restaurant, views of the beautiful city, and prayer over Rachel, Oleg, and their future in marriage and ministry.

A great way to start a new month, on June 1, Joel, Steve, and Todd (on camera) participated in Sunday services at KES's Spring of Life Church. It was a blessing to witness the baptism of nine new believers and to pray for them as they participated in their first Lord's Supper.

June 2. It is always hard to say goodbye, as deep bonds have formed within this team, and there are always bittersweet feelings when it's time to head home. We prayed for God's protection, guidance, and peace for our friends, as well as for the church and seminary ministry. (It's possible that two of the team were running late.)

We sincerely thank you, our friends and supporters, for your prayers for our mission team during this trip and your ongoing financial support that enables us to continue fueling faith and meeting urgent needs by resourcing evangelism and discipleship.

Gratefully,

Your READ Mission Travel Team