July 7, 2025

Congratulations to Elizabeth Laswell, Jonathan Shrubsole, and Natalie Wilkins for guessing this week’s location correctly!  Join Paula as she explores the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains⛰️, tours Mezhyhirya🏰(“the place between mountains”), and wanders through the Tunnel of Love.

This Week’s LinkedIn Learning Videos:

Fun Facts About Ukraine:

  • The Easter tradition of decorating eggs🥚🎨originated in Ukraine! Read about the history behind Easter eggs here.  
  • Did you know that the most catastrophic nuclear☢️accident in the world occurred in Ukraine? Read about the Chernobyl disaster here.  
  • The world’s longest musical instrument, the Trembita (also known as the alpine horn), comes from Ukraine. Read about the origins of the Trembita here! 

How the Gospel is Spread in Ukraine:

Orthodox Christianity is deeply woven into the fabric of Ukrainian culture, shaping traditions, values, and daily life for generations. Today, approximately 72% of Ukrainians identify as Orthodox Christians, while only 2%—a small fraction of the nearly 40 million people populating Ukraine—identify as Evangelical Christians. The influence of historical Orthodox Christianity is one reason why the Gospel is not widespread in Ukraine. This historical and cultural dominance has made it challenging for the Gospel to take root widely across the country, especially among minority groups who often remain spiritually unreached.

One such group is the Ukrainian deaf community. Around 400,000 individuals in Ukraine use sign language as their primary means of communication. Yet, heartbreakingly, fewer than 2%—just about 620 people—have ever been introduced to the hope and truth of the Gospel. This staggering gap highlights a profound need: to bring the message of Christ to those who have long been overlooked.

Fortunately, several organizations are working to reach this community. One notable organization is the Deaf Bible Society, whose mission is to “provide the Bible by video in the world’s many sign languages.” The Deaf Bible Society is actively working in over 70 countries, partnering with more than 1,000 churches and supporting 85 translation projects. Through tools like the Deaf Bible App, they are making Scripture accessible in a way that resonates deeply with deaf communities. In Ukraine, their efforts are culminating in the creation of a video Bible in Ukrainian Sign Language, expected to be completed by 2033—a milestone that could transform countless lives.

But it’s not just organizations making a difference. Individuals are rising to the call as well. Oleh and Marianna, a deaf couple from Ukraine, felt a powerful calling to minister to their own community. Yet, because they were deaf, hearing church leaders initially dismissed their ability to lead. Their journey took a dramatic turn when the war between Russia and Ukraine forced them to flee their home. In the midst of displacement and uncertainty, they found a deaf church—a place where they were not only welcomed but empowered.

Today, Oleh and Marianna are working hand-in-hand with this church to translate Bible stories into Ukrainian Sign Language and plant new churches for the deaf. Their story is one of resilience, faith, and the unshakable belief that everyone—regardless of ability—deserves to encounter the love of Christ in a language they understand. Their journey is a powerful reminder: the Gospel is for all people. And when we listen, when we see, and when we act, we become part of something far greater than ourselves. Read more about Oleh and Mariana’s story here.

Hint for Next Week’s Location:

Where art and arches rule the streets,
And lovers stroll as music beats.
The scent of bread floats through the air,
With cafés tucked in corners fair. 

 A palace lined with mirrored halls,
A painter’s bridge where water falls.
The language flows like vintage wine—
Romantic, rich, by grand design. 

Guess next week’s location here 

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