Doug Landro, the founder of Transform Ukraine, is strengthening his commitment to youth ministry in Ukraine. While his primary focus has shifted to holistic community transformation, Doug maintains his involvement with Ruka Dopomogy (RD), a ministry he helped establish in 1997, and which is a vital part of the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance. Veteran youth leader Igor Minenko, the president of RD, was the first chairman of what is now Transform Ukraine.
Currently, Doug is coaching five churches in the Church of God Ukraine denomination within the Dnepropetrovsk region. He’s also renewing his partnership with Philadelphia Church in Kyiv, collaborating once again with leader Andrew Shashlov. This strategic evangelical church, which operates a Bible College, plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s faith community.
RD’s coaching methodology centers on the Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry Strategy, developed by Barry St. Clair of Reach Out Youth Solutions. This approach emphasizes six key elements:
- Prayer
- Lordship
- Leadership
- Discipleship
- Cultural Penetration
- Evangelism
These components mirror Jesus’ three-year earthly ministry model, providing a robust framework for youth engagement and spiritual growth.
As Transform Ukraine continues to evolve, Doug’s ongoing involvement in youth ministry coaching demonstrates the organization’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Ukrainian faith leaders.