General

In Fall 2023, UDG continued training students in Theology, Intercultural Studies and Mission, Social Work, and Business Management, but also since March 2022 has been housing 46 Ukrainian refugees on campus and another 180 at its center in Vatic. The young women at the Oak House Transitional Home (affiliated with Youth for Christ in Chisinau) are dedicated and have been consistently helping refugees suffering from the conflict in Ukraine. Since February 2022,  Slavic and Alla have shifted from primarily family ministry to leading others in helping thousands of Ukraine refugees who have streamed into Moldova.

Slavic and Alla prepared a presentation about their marriage ministry work among couples and about their assistance to refugees in the last part of 2022.

Save the Orphans Winter 2022 Newsletter

FOOD BAG DELIVERIES

STO’s volunteers expanded food bag deliveries, reaching more orphans, foster and destitute families. These deliveries of staples [read more at Save the Orphans Winter 2022 Newsletter]

SUCCESSFUL UKRAINIAN REFUGEE RELIEF

STO is very grateful for the donations of our supporters to help with the ongoing needs of Ukrainian refugees who have come to Moldova starting last February. Our partner organization in Moldava [read more at Save the Orphans Winter 2022 Newsletter]

Slavic’s September 30 letter recounts his experience with his Moldovan team as they help people in Ukraine and Moldova affected by the war.

“I have already traveled to Ukraine three times [in September] to deliver aid. These were food and hygiene products [read more at Slavic Ukraine Update, October 28, 2022]

Moldova became an independent republic in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe. Its gross domestic product per capita stands at only $5,200 (the USA’s is about $64,000). In early October 2022 the government raised the public sector minimum wage to 3,500 lei / month ($180), the “in pocket” salary being less after taxes. This raise brought the public sector minimum wage into line with the private sector minimum, but it still falls far short of the cost of living in most parts of Moldova.

There are several causes of poverty in Moldova. Here are a few: [read more at Why Is Moldova So Poor?