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SHaring Hope
Changing Lives
Impacting Generations
In THE FAR WEST
The Far West region of the Middle EurAsia has expanding ministries in Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Moldova.
Thousands of teens in these countries are looking for hope, belonging, and purpose. They ask tough questions and look for honest answers.
Why am I here? What is my future? What is my purpose?
We are there to encourage them, love them, tell them about hope they can have in Jesus—and disciple the next generation of leaders.
god is planting beauty in the Far West through young life.
Wars in neighboring countries, political instability, and economic hardships have been contributing to the ongoing struggle of the people living in the Far West region, impacting kids in many different ways. But despite these challenges, thousands of teens still get to hear the message of hope. This is a true testimony to God’s ability to always raise beauty in place of hurt and pain, and we believe He will continue to do His miraculous work in that part of the world.
OUR LEADERS ARE IN LOVE WITH JESUS
MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE
Despite the real threat of prosecution, they have committed to spreading God’s Word, in which they are deeply rooted. Their passion for Jesus and love for kids is what keeps them going, often choosing to give up better-paying jobs and putting themselves at risk. And they tirelessly and boldly share the message of hope with the kids.
Our Team
Sergey (batya)
Romanyuk
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
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Alyona Mulyar
AREA DIRECTOR, Latvia
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Olha Martsenyuk
CAPERNAUM DIRECTOR, Latvia
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Fiodor (TED) Siceak
AREA DIRECTOR, Moldova
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Lena Siceak
AREA DIRECTOR, Moldova
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Sergei (Batya) Romanyuk, Regional Director, the Far West
As a teenager, Sergei wrestled with the issue of death and feared the unknown. Those worries went with him as he joined the army, married, and began raising his family. Then some co-workers invited him to a Bible study, and there Sergei formed relationships and heard stories about Jesus. Over time, Sergei realized that though he was a sinner, Jesus offered Him salvation and eternal life. His long-time fears were erased!
Shortly after becoming a Christian, Sergei was asked to help with a Yong Life camp for street kids, and his desire to be involved with the YL ministry grew from there. Sergei’s heart is for young people to come to know Jesus at an early age so they can avoid some of the fears and life mistakes that he went through himself. Now Sergei lives in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and serves as the regional director for the Far West countries - Moldova, Belarus, and the Baltics. Pray for Sergei as he trains up a new generation of leaders in this area of the world.
To sponsor Sergei, copy his name, click the button below and paste his name into the appropriate window.
Alyona Mulyar, Area Director, Latvia, Far West – Moldova, Belarus, the Baltics
What do you hope to see in your ministry?
We are praying, hoping, and working on having a bigger Young Life team of dedicated leaders in Riga. And we dream of reaching out to the kids in Liepaja or Ventspils (Latvia) with Young Life. I pray to have a Young Life house in the center of Riga for YL clubs, YL office rooms, and prayer rooms. And the big dream is to have a Young Life ministry in all the cities and towns of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
What are the most significant needs in your ministry?
Our most significant needs are:
- faithful leaders and unity among our team members;
- continue to grow spiritually and as a team, being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ;
- the start of Young Life Capernaum in Riga, Latvia
- growth of Young Life ministry in Tallinn (Estonia) and Daugavpils ( Latvia)
Olha Martsenyuk, Regional Capernaum Coordinator, Far West – Moldova, Belarus, the Baltics
What do you hope to see in your ministry?
I hope to start the Capernaum ministry with clubs, camps, a new leadership team, and new partners in Moldova, Latvia, and Belarus. My dream is to have a Capernaum camp for 20 kids in Latvia, to create one new club in a new city in Moldova, and to start Capernaum in Belarus officially.
What are the most significant needs in your ministry?
An Internet platform that will host all Capernaum communication and project management. We will also need committed leaders, partners, and volunteers.
Fiodor (Ted) Siceak, Area Director, Moldova
Ted was born in Chisinau, Moldova, to a hard-working family. In high school, Ted played handball for the national team of Moldova, and he thought this sport would be his future. However, in 1995, the team disbanded and Ted was left searching for a new life. At that time, he was invited to Young Life club and met the Lord. He says, “Jesus has filled my life with meaning; He is my Savior and best friend.” Ted served in the army, graduated from Bible seminary, and began volunteering in church ministry.
Ted worked with all different ages until 1999, when he began working with teens through Young Life. This is when he discovered his heart for kids who haven’t heard the Gospel. In 2006, Ted married his wife, Lena, and was hired as the Area Director for Moldova. He and Lena have two daughters and enjoy their ministry together to kids and leaders. Ted hopes that recent growth will continue into new cities so all of the teens in Moldova can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Lena Siceak, Young Life Staff, Moldova
Lena was 18 years old and tired of living a lie. She wanted something that would help her, so that her heart would no longer feel condemned for lying. After a while, God did a miracle with her heart and set her free . Now she has a great relationship with her parents, God gave her a handsome husband and two beautiful girls. She has truly gained His peace and joy.
For the first couple of years, Lena’s ministry was accounting and reports. Then her ministry included school work and teaching courses — “Preparation for success.” The unique aspect of Lena’s ministry is that she can reach both teenagers and their parents as well, doing a parents’ camp and parents’ club. She shares the word of God in the club and does weekly contact work with the kids
Natasha Pascal
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR AND CMC REPRESENTATIVE
The Far West
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Natasha Pascal, Regional Administrator and CMC Representative, The Far West
Although Natasha grew up in a family of unbelievers, she always knew there was a God who cared for her. But it wasn’t until her high school friend invited her to club that she felt His tangible love and presence. She loved everything about Young Life: the people, the leaders, and even the messy games she thought she would never participate in. Club talks were Natasha’s favorite – that’s when the Bible came to life for her! Shortly after, Natasha asked Jesus into her life, joining the team of leaders and becoming a student in the Developing Global Leaders program. “It is so rewarding to see God answer kids’ prayers and change their life’s paths,” she says. Today, Natasha serves as a Regional Administrator for the Far West Region. Born and raised in Ukraine, she and her husband recently moved to Norway with their six-year-old son, Alex. Together, they are learning Norwegian and are volunteering with Young Life Nordic. Please pray for Natasha as she continues to faithfully serve God and provide crucial support to Young Life in the Far West.
How Young Life is impacting teens in the Far West
Every day life is being impacted.
181
kids in outreach clubs every week
39
kids in discipleship groups every week
7
Developing Global Leaders
99
volunteer leaders
11
national staff
8
ministries
Our ministries
Teens and young adults get to participate in a number of activities under the umbrella of Young Life. Here are the ministries currently present throughout the Far West:
