Meet the Perekotiy (per-eh-KOH-tee) family. They are missionaries in Odessa, Ukraine.
THEIR FAMILY:
They have four children in their family – Chambers, Lev, Mila and Remington. Their kids call their dad “Papa” like other kids in Ukraine, because he is from Ukraine! And they call their mother, who is an American, “Mama”. Because of their dual heritage, they often refer to themselves as Amerikranians!
Their family serves with other Ukrainians to share the gospel of Jesus with children, families and unreached people groups in Odessa.
THEIR CITY:
You might have heard people say “the Ukraine”. Ukraine used to be a territory of the Soviet Union, but gained its independence as a country from Communism in 1991. Just like we don’t say “the Germany” or “the France”, we don’t say “the Ukraine”. It is now correct and respectful to say “Ukraine” because they are their own country now!
The official language in Ukraine is Ukrainian, but many parts of the country still use Russian as their primary daily language. You might see the name of the city spelled “Odessa” (translated from the Russian spelling) or “Odesa” (the Ukrainian spelling). About 40% of the words are different between the two languages! Today, any official signage, directions, or documents are all in Ukrainian, and the people here show love and patriotism for their language.
Located on the southernmost tip of Ukraine, Odessa is a warm-water port on the Black Sea, making it a busy hub for shipping and trading. For over 200 years, Odessa has been an important city and port for many different empires and countries such as the Turks, Imperial Russia, and the Soviet Union. Because of its strategic location between the East, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, Odessa is a key port city transporting goods all over the world. This international influence makes Odessa a really diverse city!
Odessa is also known for its beautiful beaches on the Black Sea. When the Perekotiy family needs a break or a get-away from the city, they head to a favorite beach on the Black Sea!
Although Odessa is located on the sea, it is also largely a walking community. If you are in need of a pharmacy, grocery store or almost any other type of small shop, one can likely be found within 5 minutes’ walking distance. The city is organized in this manner because, at the time the city was built, not many people had cars. Most people walked or rode the bus or tram wherever they needed to go. Now that more Ukrainians drive vehicles, the roads have become very crowded! There are not enough lanes on the streets and parking spaces are hard to find. Often, the spots are too small for SUVs or vans. As a result, people often park in the lanes of traffic or even on the sidewalk! The Perekotiy family is blessed to have a vehicle in Odessa, which makes moving around the city with a family much easier and faster. The down side, however, is that it also comes with difficulties like parking and lots of traffic! Even with its difficulties, they love their “walking community”… and their beautiful country!
THEIR MINISTRY:
Over 1 million people live in Odessa! Approximately 78% are of Ukrainian ethnicity, 17% Russian, and although the remainder of the population is mostly ethnic to other eastern European countries, more and more people are immigrating from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, either for work or education.
Most people in Ukraine know who Jesus is, but they do not have a relationship with Him. Many go to a Ukrainian Orthodox Church only on Christmas or Easter.
The Perekotiy family works with the children and staff in orphanages all over the Odessa region. Here’s an interesting fact – about 80% of the children in orphanages actually have families. Unfortunately, the families either cannot take care of their children or choose not to raise their children. The family sends them to the orphanage because this will ensure their kids will have free shelter, education and food.
They have also worked to develop friendships with people in the deaf community in Odessa and Moldova (which is a country on the western border of Ukraine). Did you know that every language has a different sign language? The Perekotiys are learning Russian Sign Language so they can share the gospel and disciple their friends who are deaf. There are also a few deaf orphanages and boarding schools where they hope to serve!
Watch this video to see how God moved this little family from the Gulf Coast of Alabama, to Odessa, Ukraine. Journey with them as they serve vulnerable children and families that they would praise + proclaim Jesus in Ukraine!
You can join the Perekotiy Family on mission in Ukraine through prayer. They depend on the prayer support of family and friends to sustain them and to provide open doors for ministry.
How you can pray for the Perekotiy Family:
- You can pray for God to help the Ukrainian Christ-followers to notice families around them who struggle to care for their children.
- Please pray for more Christ-following Russian Sign Language interpreters to work with the deaf community.
- And finally, pray for their family to have peace and patience as they learn to live life in Odessa!