What began as a simple vision—eighteen tiny homes for displaced families—has blossomed into something far greater than anyone imagined. Through faithful prayers and generous support from partners around the world, God is writing a story of hope and healing in Velyki Lazy that glorifies His name alone.
From Dream to Reality—Because Partners Answered God’s Call
When Russian forces drove innocent Ukrainian families from their homes, the Lord placed a burden on hearts everywhere: provide shelter wrapped in dignity, not just survival. Through partnership with supporters and grants from United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) and Perimeter Church in Atlanta, Jesus opened doors no one could have opened alone. Four complete homes now stand where there was once only empty land—four families sleeping safely tonight because faithful partners said “yes” to God’s invitation.
Two more families are waiting. Just $20,000 stands between them and a home of their own. Continued faithfulness will complete what God has begun.
When God Dreams Bigger
As planning began for the next phase—five more tiny homes—the Holy Spirit prompted a conversation with UMCOR that changed everything. What about after the war? What about the wounded hearts that will need years to heal? What about families whose loved ones won’t be coming home?
Together, a new vision emerged: the Velyki Lazy Trauma Relief Community. Instead of five homes serving five families longer-term, God led the way to design an apartment complex serving ten families at a time—a place of shorter-term healing where shattered hearts can begin to mend. A shared kitchen where laughter might return. A common living room where strangers become family. A laundromat where practical needs meet spiritual restoration.
God Multiplies Faithfulness
UMCOR stepped forward again, covering 80% of construction costs. Our social enterprise STUD Frame Homes fabricated the building frames—the first half delivered November 20th, the second a week later. In just three weeks, walls have risen. Hope has taken physical form.
Day 1
Day 4
Day 7
Day 12
Here it is after three weeks!
Then the Ukrainian construction team did something unexpected. They’re building an on-site office as a gift—their way of expressing gratitude for the ministry presence in their country. But the deeper truth is clear: it’s Jesus working through faithful partners around the world that deserves their thanksgiving. All who serve are simply vessels. All who give are fellow laborers. Christ alone receives the glory.
Standing in the Gap
Every prayer lifted. Every dollar given. Every moment these suffering families are remembered—God multiplies it into transformation that echoes into eternity. Partners may never meet the mother who’ll sleep soundly again. They won’t see the child who’ll laugh freely. They won’t witness the widow whose tears turn to joy. But Jesus sees. Jesus knows. And He is using the faithfulness of His people to reveal His Father-heart to a nation in anguish.
The Velyki Lazy Trauma Relief Community represents God’s response to human cruelty—faithful partnership makes His response tangible. In the midst of humanity’s darkest impulses, the light of Christ shines undimmed through those who answer His call to serve.
All glory, honor, and praise to Jesus.