Odessa province is the largest of the 24 provinces in Ukraine (5.5 percent of the total territory of Ukraine) and has about 2.5 million inhabitants. From observation and statistics on social problems, it is clear that those areas of the country with the least Christian witness have the highest prevalence of social problems. Odessa province is one of the top regions in the Ukraine for drug trafficking, increase in HIV infection and alcohol abuse. One of the major hindrances for change is alcoholism.

The OM team in Odessa is trying to change this by starting a church called “House of Restoration” in the city of Odessa. When co-worker Julia shared her vision to start a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics, it seemed so unrealistic. A year and a half ago Julia died of AIDS; but, since then, a local church has started a centre and nine people have already received help. There is an answer, and Julia’s vision is being fulfilled!

Please pray for the House of Restoration. Praise God that these nine people have received help, and pray that more lives will change through this ministry.