Since March 2022, the congregation of Dearborn Baptist Church has been working diligently to sponsor Dmytra, Zhenya, Danyla and Valeriia Koptiev by agreeing to house, feed and clothe them, as well as accept responsibility for helping to facilitate education, health care, transportation, immigration paperwork, potential employment and dozens of unknown needs.  At that time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had opened the door for Ukrainians to come here legally, but the process is extremely arduous. 

This was a very big ask, met with very big hearts from a congregation agreeing to sponsor the Koptiev family who escaped Ukraine and would travel 6,000 miles to move to Southeastern Indiana.  Pastor Darrell Sparks drew inspiration from Matthew 25:43.  “I was a stranger and you took me in” and in doing this for “strangers” we are ultimately doing it for “Him”.  The family finally arrived at CVG Airport on January 19, 2023.

Recently, when the family was interviewed, they stated that their favorite American foods are pizza, cheeseburgers, French fries and Mexican.  So, it seems they are becoming Americanized already. 

Thank you to the SJWUC Council/Session who voted to assist this family by agreeing to collect funds through April for the purchase of a car, which will help greatly with having employment.  To make a donation, please drop off or send a check made out to SJWUC with a notation “Ukrainian Family”. Our address is 1085 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233.  We ask for prayers for this family, who are extremely grateful for all the assistance they are receiving.  If you have questions, please call our church office at 513-347-4613.