Thousands have been introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Ukraine during a nearly month-long health expo and evangelism series currently being held simultaneously in more than 50 locations.

Despite opposition from the Orthodox Church at many of the meeting locations, event organizers said attendance had been very high.

“The exposure for our church and the seeds that are being sown is very, very positive,” says veteran missionary Kim Busl, president of Outpost Centers, Inc., an Adventist supporting ministry, based in Apison, Tenn. OCI was a major sponsor of the “Ukraine 2003” campaign.

“The way the meetings were planned, organized and implemented calls for the greatest participation from church members of any evangelistic endeavor to date,” he continues. “Many churches have between 20 and 40 members actively involved every day.” In many locations, there are between 100 and 300 people attending the meetings; in some locations, up to 700.

According to Ivan P. Chernycho, communication director for the church in Ukraine, the programs will be simultaneously conducted in 58 cities and villages. The church motto states: “To the future—without diseases!”

The church aims to expose the public to spiritual and healthy messages which Adventists consider as primary in their mission.

Several hundred youth, coming from all over the world, are helping with Bible presentations, health lectures, children’s meetings, translation and technical expertise. Evangelists and other workers came from the United States,

The widest scope of the programs will end March 30, and local pastors are planning follow-up meetings after those who have come from overseas return home. 

“Ukraine 2003” has required an extensive collaborative effort between the Adventist Church in the Ukraine, OCI and other organizations involved, which include Global Mission, Personal Ministries and Health Ministries of the Adventist Church.