07/13/2026
🌍✈️ Where in the World is Pastor Patty? 🇺🇦
Mission Update from Ukraine
We're excited to share that Pastor Patty and the entire mission team have safely arrived in Ukraine! After a three-hour border crossing, they reached the Pid Zamkom Refugee Center in Zakarpattia Oblast, where they were warmly welcomed by the staff and residents.
The refugee center, operated by the United Methodist Church, is a remarkable ministry. A former hotel has been transformed into a place of refuge for families displaced by the war. Today, 15 refugees call it home, and throughout the years it has provided shelter, hope, and hospitality to many more.
Over the past few days, the team has had opportunities to experience the beauty of western Ukraine while preparing for the work ahead. They have:
🏰 Hiked to the historic Nevytske Castle.
⛪ Worshiped with the congregation at the United Methodist Church of Kamyanitsa, where Pastor Patty had the privilege of preaching. The congregation even translated the worship songs so the team could fully participate together.
🎒 Prepared welcome bags, assembled cross necklaces and flashlights, and helped ready the campgrounds for the arrival of campers.
🤝 Met and connected with the Ukrainian ministry team and witnessed firsthand the incredible ministries serving teenagers and families impacted by the war.
One of the most meaningful moments came as the team visited The Lighthouse, a ministry that provides a safe place for teenagers—many of whom have been displaced by the war. Through music, poetry, friendship, and faith, these young people are finding healing and hope together.
Pastor Patty has shared how humbled she has been by the overwhelming hospitality of the Ukrainian people and how encouraged she is by their unwavering faith. She also reflected on how these children and teens, despite all they have endured, still laugh, play, and dream just like young people everywhere.
Today marks the beginning of the next chapter of the mission trip as camp officially begins and the campers arrive! This is what the team has been preparing and praying for.
🙏 Prayer Focus for Today
Pray for the children and teenagers attending camp.
Pray that each camper experiences the love, peace, and hope of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Pastor Patty and the mission team as they build relationships, serve with compassion, and share God's love.
Pray for continued safety and strength for both the American and Ukrainian ministry teams.
💬 Today's Interactive Question:
If you could encourage one of the campers with a single word, what would it be?
❤️ Share your word in the comments. Whether it's Hope, Peace, Joy, Courage, Love, or Faith, let's surround these young people with encouragement and prayer from our Centenary family.
"Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." — Matthew 19:14
🇺🇦 Thank you for continuing to follow "Where in the World is Pastor Patty?" Your prayers are traveling across the world and making a difference. Please continue lifting the entire mission team, the campers, and the people of Ukraine in prayer throughout the week.
