Our Partners and their stories

Formerly Saratov UMC was our first partner. Proceeds from the sale of their products go for maintenance for the church building, feeding the poor, helping orphanages and leading Bible studies in area villages. 

Although there is always work to be done, we can call the church complete. With proceeds from Rev. Tatyana Molodyk's artwork, church members and mission teams were able to complete the basement.

The size of the congregation continues to grow. The children contribute pictures to our "Hands and Feet of God" series, making classic note cards.

Rev. Bruce Weaver, former District Superintendent in North Texas, was instrumental in purchasing the building that houses the Moscow Theological Seminary of the Methodist Church of Eurasia. Currently, enrollment is at an all-time high, having students from Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan  and Kazakhstan . The seminary presides over 100 churches in five conferences. The President of the Seminary is Rev. Dr. Sergei Nikolaev, graduate of the Perkins School of Theology.

We currently gave three advent calendars for which all proceeds go to the seminary. Click HERE to see these amazing pieces of art on our online store

Currently, Marfa Ministry's goal is to endow a $100,000 scholarship. 

In 2001, the  Methodist Church of Kharkiv, Ukraine was started by Rev. Igor Pak and his sister Rimma. In 2010 they bought a parcel of land with the intention of building a new church. Rev. Igor Pak not only helped fund the building, but also devoted many hours of construction of the building. In 2017 they completed the new sanctuary. 

Sadly, Rev. Igor Pak went to be with the Lord in June 2025. His sister, Rimma, and other congregates have vowed to keep the church going 

The purchase price of Igor artwork goes for refugee assistance at the United Methodist Church in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Rev. Elena Sokolova is pastor of the Svetlaya Methodist Church in Khabarovsk, RU. This church is unique because it serves primarily children. Elena, along with the associate pastor Galina, bring children in off the streets who have undesirable home lives. Twice a week, they worship together, serve a lunch and give the children art lessons. In addition, the church provides the supplies and clothes they need for school.

Pastor Elena and her assistant, Galina, live by the proverb: 

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" - Proverbs 22:6

The children's art is used to make cards and journals to sell with proceeds going to buy lunches, school supplies, and school clothes. Pastor Elena Sokolova and Galina make a differene in the lives of these children. 

The Methodist Church in Samara, RU is the largest Methodist congregation in Russia. They regularly have 75 or more at worship. In addition, they have an active youth program. Their outreach programs include feeding the homeless every Sunday and various summer camps.

Alëna Pirogova is currently a student at the Moscow Theological Seminary of the Methodist Church of Eurasia. working with youth in the Samara United Methodist Church. The proceeds from her artwork assist with outreach programs, and maintenance of the church. Anna Agnevshekova, headmaster for children's Sunday School, also contributes her work in support of the children's program. 

Every year a summer camp for disabled children is organized in the Voronezh Region. Children and their parents can enjoy some activities such as studying the Bible, playing games, doing sports and worship, and taking part in the workshops. Most of the children have permanent disablities and usually stay at home for the whole year. Sometimes visiting this summer camp is the only opportunity for these children to spend time in the fresh air with their friends. 

Recently appointed to a full-time position, Irina Mitina, started a Methodist ministry in Novotroitskaya. Roma children come twice a week for help with their studies. On Sundays they have worship for adults and children. Once a week they host Bible study. The Roma children make fingerprint pictures for Marfa Ministry to sell. With the proceeds Irina buys school supplies, student workbooks and food for the children. In summer they have vacation camps for the Gypsy children. The name of the camp is DREAMERS. Irina tries to widen children's view on professions, to make them think about their future positiviley and to motivate their attitude to study. 

Dima Novikov is the pastor of the Pskov Methodist Church.  This church has an active congregation with numerous artists.  They serve as leaders in the Methodist church, planning children’s camps and taking leadership in the Godly Play, children’s Sunday school teacher training.  

As of June 2025, the Jerri Savuto Girls’ Center became our sixteenth partner. Marfa Ministry traveled to Tot, Kenya for the dedication of center, which is committed to protecting young girls from forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. As a special gift to the center, Dennis and Janet have designed a unique tribute puzzle. You can click here to see the creation process. These puzzles are available for purchase at $100 each. The annual cost of educating and protecting each girl is $600. 

Plans are in place to build a security wall around the center, drilling water wells, and additional dorms for the girls. 

The Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan ministry area, under the passionate leadership of District Superintendent Dima Lysin, is joining hands and partnering with 

Marfa Ministry.

Pastor Dima's children are gifted, outstanding artists, and their creative spirit is already enriching the community! You can expect to see their beautiful artwork featured in our materials for many years to come. In fact, we plan to showcase their talent on our 2026 Christmas card!