Meet our Staff

Together for Eastern Ukraine is a ministry which focuses on developing its staff to be the next generation of leaders in Ukraine. The Ukrainian nationals lead the implementation of the ministry and projects.

Gregory and Lena (Ukrainian names in English)

Gregory and Lena have served in their church for many years before the war. When the war began, Gregory because the leader of the ministry which was conducted through his church to refugees and in the east of Ukraine. Gregory serves as principal Ukrainian leader for Together for Ukraine. He has a construction background and understands the construction methods in Ukraine. He is also a volunteer Chaplin with soldiers, and leading some of the church planting initiatives in villages in front line areas.  He speaks English well and and often serves as a translator.

Atom and Dayana (Ukrainian names in English)

Atom and Dayana have a heart to serve the Lord in Ukraine and to make Him known. Atom was an addict for many years and leads the addiction outreach in his church. Dayana has a heart for grandmothers and led the widows ministry for Together for Ukraine. They married in the summer of 2024. They both have a heart to serve the Lord and make Him known. 

Dayana speaks some English (and understands more than she speaks), Atom reads English well but does not understand everything.

Connor worked in missions for several years before the war began. He was living in Kyiv at the outset of the war and shortly thereafter went to western Ukraine to help with refugees. While ministering to refugees he met another ministry worker, Ira, who would later become his wife. Connor (American) and Ira (Ukrainian) have ministered to the people of Ukraine and have a heart to see God made known in Ukraine. They often ministered in the east of Ukraine and in front line villages. Ira is fluent in English and is an excellent translator. They are currently in the US but will be returning to Ukraine in the summer of 2025 to work with Together of Ukraine. or early July. 

John is the founder and CEO of Together for Eastern Ukraine. He first went to Ukraine in the summer of 2022 to help rebuild homes which were destroyed in the war. During the winter of 2023 he helped with aid distribution in the east of Ukraine and saw how the destruction and suffering of the people in Eastern Ukraine opened their hearts to God. In the Spring of 2023 he started ministry along the eastern areas of Ukraine. Prior to answering a missionary call to Ukraine he  had a small business and founded a ministry to addicts and people coming out of prison in Colorado, which he did for over 10 years. Prior to that John worked for 14 years in Washington DC as the Chief-of-Staff to a Congressman before becoming entangled in a major life changing scandal in Washington DC. He is the author of two books and numerous articles.  In his view, there are years of rebuilding and ministry to do in Eastern Ukraine.