I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri attending church with my family and making a decision for the Lord after being convicted deeply of sin at age 12. After graduation from Missouri State University in 1985, I married Julie Brooks and entered the business world while attending and serving in a local church. During this time my heart was stirred for the gospel ministry and in 1995 we both surrendered to the call of missions.
In April of 1997, Julie, myself, and our three boys moved to Vilnius, Lithuania. There the Lord allowed us to begin Vilnius Bible Baptist Church and Bible Baptist Institute. We later returned to the states and planted/restarted Faith Baptist Church of Raymore in 2007. In 2013, I became president of the Slavic Baptist Mission Institute, while pastoring at FBC. I later resigned and in 2017 we moved to Ukraine to continue the work at SBI and begin Living Hope Baptist Church of Kyiv.
August 2023
August 10, 2023 Dear Praying Friends, Julie and I are back in Ukraine, and especially enjoyed being at services at Living Hope Baptist Church of Kyiv, on Sunday. What a joy it was to reunite with our family and co-laborers there and to see the hand of the Lord at work. The reality of war is everywhere. As we drove into Kyiv the sirens had just warned of impending missiles. Soldiers were mounted on military vehicles with machine guns ready to shoot incoming drones. The next day at Living Hope’s service, the reality of war became more personal, as two mothers spoke with Julie. They shared how each has a son fighting on the front lines for Ukraine. When I joined them, the two mothers had tears in their eyes as Julie had just prayed with them asking the Lord’s protection on their sons. For these two mothers their personal investment in the war is immense. But consider other women of Ukraine, their reality of war is even more personal, and their sacrifice immeasurable as they have lost sons and husbands fighting for the freedom of Ukraine. This week in Lutsk we are hosting camp for the second group of children who are coming from areas of Ukraine where the reality of war has been the hottest. In last week’s camp there was a thunderstorm. Workers shared how the children jumped and trembled at the thunder thinking the Russians had followed them to western Ukraine. Children of Ukraine know the reality of war, and by some are considered “collateral damage." Children here have lost fathers, mothers, and others their own lives. Some have been injured and maimed, and an estimated 1.5 million have been scarred emotionally, and will carry PTSD into adulthood. However; with the reality of war, comes a greater openness and realization of the grace of God. Praise the Lord for the 40 children who came to faith in Christ during last week’s camp. Please pray for this week's camp. Christ is the only hope for Ukraine and her children and for all those victimized by the reality of war. Thank you for your prayers and financial gifts to “Compassion for Ukraine.” They are impacting Ukraine and we especially ask you to pray for next week’s evangelistic opportunities and meetings in eastern Ukraine, including services at Living Hope. Pray for the Lord to glorify His gospel and fill hearts with the “living hope” of Christ. Continue in prayer as in 2 weeks we hold session at SBI in Kyiv. Before we left the states, a senior saint came to me after a service and said, “I’ve been wondering what the Lord would have me to do concerning missions. Now I know, I can pray!” Someone has said, “Many of us cannot reach the mission fields on our feet, but we can reach them on our knees.” Your ministry of intercession for Ukraine can help touch those experiencing the reality of war, turning this dreadful reality into an occasion to realize the grace of God. Your friends and fellow servants, Derek and Julie
May 2023 Letter
May 17, 2023 Dear Praying friends, Julie and I are now back stateside after a blessed trip to Ukraine. We sensed your prayers during our time there, for which we give you our heartfelt thanks. In addition to the blessings shared in our April video update from Kyiv, we rejoiced in the opportunity to be in session at SBI and to spend time in services at Living Hope Baptist Church of Kyiv. One of the highlights of SBI was graduation. There were nine that received diplomas. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will use these newly trained servants, and to our next session scheduled for August. Staff and students had a wonderful week together in the Word. Joy continued as we saw our church family and met new friends at Living Hope. The greatest gift was seeing souls respond to the gospel. The Wednesday before our last service together, there were 24 killed in Ohm, Ukraine. A Russian missile had hit an apartment building there at 4 am. These 24 souls went to sleep, and woke up in eternity. But where? I challenged those in our Living Hope service: if they woke up in eternity, where would their soul be? Are you at peace with your creator? You see, the war has highlighted the truth that death is imminent. Tuesday night Dima wrote that he was awakened to missiles and explosions in Kyiv. We have learned that 18 missiles were launched at Kyiv, including a volley of 7 hypersonic missiles, thought “unstoppable" by the Russians! Praise the Lord all were taken out by Ukrainian air defense. The continuous sirens and missile attacks remind Ukrainians that life is “but a vapor.” Those that came forward our last Sunday at Living Hope, came trusting their eternal souls to Christ and His blood to reconcile them to God. The joy on their faces, and hope in their eyes were such a blessing to see and demonstrated once again, that God is using this dreadful war for His glory. Please continue to be in prayer for Dima as he leads services at Living Hope and for a baptismal service planned during our next trip in August. During this time, we also plan to hold a session at SBI, and participate in more evangelistic outreaches. While we are here traveling, preaching, and raising funds for “Compassion for Ukraine,” we continue to receive reports of thanksgiving and of the Lord’s work through our faithful team members in Ukraine. Your prayers and gifts of grace are permitting them to take both aid, and the hope of Christ to a nation certain of death, but uncertain of eternity. Thank you for co-laboring with us and for your “Compassion for Ukraine.” Many in Ukraine have shared with us their gratefulness for your gifts and prayers. From them we say, “Dyakuyu!” Your friends and faithful servants, Derek and Julie
February 2023 Letter
February 21, 2023 Dear Praying friends, It’s hard to imagine, but it has been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. This act of terrorism is causing horrific damage to a country that only wants to live in peace and freedom. Some of the stories we hear are alarming, especially of Russian soldiers and Ukrainian women and children, which can only be described as satanic in origin. But through it all we are seeing the faithfulness and hand of the Lord at work in Ukraine. We see the gospel spreading to hearts that have been greatly humbled by the atrocities of war, and that hunger for hope. One example of this is the many churches in Ukraine experiencing more in attendance now than before the war. Lost Ukrainians who earlier rejected invitations to services, are now visiting services and even asking forgiveness for not coming before the war began. Another example we are seeing is the gospel spreading into areas yet unreached pre-war. In our recent trip, we traveled to a village in northeast Ukraine, Oleksandrivka. There were 125 people packed into a little community center, where we preached the gospel of hope, and afterward gave out New Testaments and aid. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the gospel has ever been preached here in a public meeting. A third example of God’s blessing during war is that as the gospel goes forward, new Bible study groups are being formed. From these Bible studies, new churches are beginning. Who could have imagined that during a time of war, the gospel is progressing in a greater way than it did before the war? Lastly, we see God’s faithfulness and hand at SBI. During my trip in January/February, we held our first session of SBI since the war began. Understandably, some students were not available to attend, due to the war; however, several new students joined us. Three of these had been saved during this time of war! Disciples being made through the tragedy of war. My friends, God is at work in Ukraine. Please pray for Ukrainian “ambassadors of Christ” who risk their lives to take the gospel and aid to precious Ukrainian souls. Please pray for these servants of hope, for their protection, and for the gospel to be “glorified even as it is with you.” Thank you for your prayers, partnership and for your “Compassion for Ukraine.” Your friend and fellow servants, Derek and Julie
The children of Ukraine are Ukraine's most precious asset. Some 1,500 children have been killed or wounded, with 2 million being displaced from their homes. Another estimated 17,000 have been kidnapped by Russia and taken from their parents, placing them in camps and with Russian families all across Russia. Pray for our team members as they minister to children and parents in our outreaches. Pray for our camps, and especially for August's camp as SBI students will minister to children from eastern Ukraine.
Above is Pastor Nikolai with wife, Tatiana, holding a banner for "Compassion for Ukraine" and standing by one of our vehicles that many of you helped purchase. One of our greatest delights as we travel to raise funding stateside, is receiving photos and updates. The gospel and aid continue to go out, touching lives with the love of Christ in Ukraine. Thanks to our faithful team in Ukraine, and to you for your partnership and sacrificial gifts that make it possible.
We are excited to announce a new CD that we've helped produced with one of our SBI students, Albina Pasichnyk. Albina played violin professionally in Europe, but came to a point in her life where she desired to serve only the Lord with her gifts. She is part of our team, and travels with us and plays before many of our evangelistic meetings. All proceeds from this CD go to "Compassion for Ukraine" and will be used to help further spread the gospel in Ukraine. The name of the CD is "In the Cleft of the Rock." It may be purchased at ITunes, and soon should be available at YouTube Music, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and others. Downloads are $11.99 and CDs are $15.99. If you'd like a CD, please order by our email. We especially thank Rebekah Fruin for helping to bring this project together. Below is the direct link to iTunes.
Dima leading in the service. What a blessing it has been to see Dima growing and serving with his wife Erica, and daughter Abigail. They are often awakened in the middle of the night by sirens, drones, and missile assaults on Kyiv.
These are children at camp this week from eastern Ukraine, where the war with Russia has been the strongest. We are very thankful for our students from SBI that are serving at both weeks of camp. Last week the Lord blessed with souls responding to the gospel. Please pray for souls to answer God's call this week. Many of these children have fathers serving in the war for Ukraine. They have heard the sirens, and explosions of drones and missiles. UNICEF estimates 2.5 million children are internally displaced within Ukraine, with 1.5 million having long-term effects of PTSD. The UN reports as of June 1, 2023 that over 1,500 children have been killed or wounded since the war began. World Vision states that 2,600 Ukrainian schools have been hit by missiles and drones, while 400 of these have been completely destroyed. The majority of these children pictured have been forced to study on-line.
Kids camp
Kids camp
Kids camp
Sunday service at Living Hope.
Julie and the two mothers who have sons fighting on the frontlines for Ukraine. Their names are both Zhanna, and their sons Dima, and Maxim. Please pray for them and the protection of their sons.
The above photo is from our recent Spring Session at Slavic Baptist Institute. The week included graduation, which saw 9 complete their studies and receive diplomas. It was great to hear our choir participate in chapel services and to hear them using their gifts for the Lord.
The above photo is from our recent Spring Session at Slavic Baptist Institute. The week included graduation, which saw 9 complete their studies and receive diplomas. It was great to hear our choir participate in chapel services and to hear them using their gifts for the Lord.
The above photo is from our recent Spring Session at Slavic Baptist Institute. The week included graduation, which saw 9 complete their studies and receive diplomas. It was great to hear our choir participate in chapel services and to hear them using their gifts for the Lord.
The above photo is from our recent Spring Session at Slavic Baptist Institute. The week included graduation, which saw 9 complete their studies and receive diplomas. It was great to hear our choir participate in chapel services and to hear them using their gifts for the Lord.
What a joy to be back at Living Hope and see the hand of the Lord at work. Pray for those who have made decisions for Christ to grow in grace. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us, "There are two ways of dying: in your sins or in Jesus Christ." Pray for those yet outside Christ to come to Him.
Where can you find a good Christian spouse? How about SBI! Throughout 27 years of ministry there have been many couples that have met at SBI. Meet our latest couple Victor and Julia. Please pray for them as they prepare for marriage and a life together serving the Lord.
What a joy to be back at Living Hope and see the hand of the Lord at work. Pray for those who have made decisions for Christ to grow in grace. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds us, "There are two ways of dying: in your sins or in Jesus Christ." Pray for those yet outside Christ to come to Him.
The Lord opened a door on the western side of Ukraine just before we completed our trip. We held an evangelistic meeting in an assisted living home in Berestechko. I shared the gospel from the Wordless book, while Julie was busy meeting and handing out New Testaments. Souls here were precious, and it was a special gift from the Lord to be here before our departure.
The Lord opened a door on the western side of Ukraine just before we completed our trip. We held an evangelistic meeting in an assisted living home in Berestechko. I shared the gospel from the Wordless book, while Julie was busy meeting and handing out New Testaments. Souls here were precious, and it was a special gift from the Lord to be here before our departure.
One of the most exciting blessings is that we continue to receive reports of the gospel continuing to go forth through our team members on the ground faithfully serving in Ukraine. These are heroes of the faith, laboring for the souls of men, for the glory of Christ.
One of the most exciting blessings is that we continue to receive reports of the gospel continuing to go forth through our team members on the ground faithfully serving in Ukraine. These are heroes of the faith, laboring for the souls of men, for the glory of Christ.
As Julie and I continue traveling for our fund, "Compassion for Ukraine" we covet your prayers for the Lord's provision and for the Lord to raise up an army of prayer warriors who will join us in prayer; especially for those who'll pray for our team on the ground in Ukraine. Ravenhill observes, "Prayer is not a preparation for the battle; it is the battle."
Photo from some of our evangelistic outreaches, while distributing humanitarian aid. Our team worked hard to get aid into bags, making distribution much easier. Along with the aid we passed out New Testaments. The "open doors" were amazing, for which we give God praise, and thank you for your prayers. The bottom photo above are two men from the meeting in Oleksandrivka. It was possibly the first time that they had heard a true gospel presentation. Both came to me after the meeting, expressing their gratitude that we had come. Pray for the Spirit to water the seed that was spread through many evangelistic opportunities, and for "fruit that will remain."
Photo from some of our evangelistic outreaches, while distributing humanitarian aid. Our team worked hard to get aid into bags, making distribution much easier. Along with the aid we passed out New Testaments. The "open doors" were amazing, for which we give God praise, and thank you for your prayers. The bottom photo above are two men from the meeting in Oleksandrivka. It was possibly the first time that they had heard a true gospel presentation. Both came to me after the meeting, expressing their gratitude that we had come. Pray for the Spirit to water the seed that was spread through many evangelistic opportunities, and for "fruit that will remain."
Photo from some of our evangelistic outreaches, while distributing humanitarian aid. Our team worked hard to get aid into bags, making distribution much easier. Along with the aid we passed out New Testaments. The "open doors" were amazing, for which we give God praise, and thank you for your prayers. The bottom photo above are two men from the meeting in Oleksandrivka. It was possibly the first time that they had heard a true gospel presentation. Both came to me after the meeting, expressing their gratitude that we had come. Pray for the Spirit to water the seed that was spread through many evangelistic opportunities, and for "fruit that will remain."
Photo from some of our evangelistic outreaches, while distributing humanitarian aid. Our team worked hard to get aid into bags, making distribution much easier. Along with the aid we passed out New Testaments. The "open doors" were amazing, for which we give God praise, and thank you for your prayers. The bottom photo above are two men from the meeting in Oleksandrivka. It was possibly the first time that they had heard a true gospel presentation. Both came to me after the meeting, expressing their gratitude that we had come. Pray for the Spirit to water the seed that was spread through many evangelistic opportunities, and for "fruit that will remain."
What a blessing it was to hold our winter session at Slavic Baptist Institute. We had new faces, while renewing past relationships. It has been one year since SBI has been able to meet. The choir, students and staff were a blessing. Pray for our upcoming spring session planned for April.
What a blessing it was to hold our winter session at Slavic Baptist Institute. We had new faces, while renewing past relationships. It has been one year since SBI has been able to meet. The choir, students and staff were a blessing. Pray for our upcoming spring session planned for April.
What a blessing it was to hold our winter session at Slavic Baptist Institute. We had new faces, while renewing past relationships. It has been one year since SBI has been able to meet. The choir, students and staff were a blessing. Pray for our upcoming spring session planned for April.
What a blessing it was to hold our winter session at Slavic Baptist Institute. We had new faces, while renewing past relationships. It has been one year since SBI has been able to meet. The choir, students and staff were a blessing. Pray for our upcoming spring session planned for April.
What a blessing to be back in Ukraine preaching "the unsearchable riches of Christ" and laboring with some of God's most faithful men and woman. How thankful we are for our faithful ministry team in Ukraine, and for your faithful partnership in prayer. Above all, we are thankful to the Faithful One, who alone is worthy! May we continue laboring together until His glory is known in all the earth.
Thomas video July 2023
