Big Dreams Come From A Big God
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Someone asked me once, "How big is your God?". He created all that we see and know. He gave us eternal life, conquering death, hell and the grave. And He has sustained us in the work of ministry for over 31 years. His calling is more certain today than it was the day I received it as an 18-year old.
The dreams that He gives us to help thousands of people in Ukraine far exceed our capabilities. And He loves to invite us to watch Him work miracles where no human solutions exist. This is where we are again, at the limit of human power in circumstances so big that only God can rescue and provide. He is our source with unlimited resources, and we can't wait to see His breakthrough power and genius.
There is no limit, lid or ceiling with God and we wait and work with expectation of much bigger impact in the near future. We serve a big God! This is our year of Breakthrough!
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ". Philippians 1:6
A Movie Night Like No Other
Amy, I and the staff and volunteers at Lakeside Church in Oakland, Florida were privileged to host a movie screening of the documentary "A Faith Under Siege". A friend and former Chief of Staffer for a US Congressmen, Steven Moore, co-created this film of the stories of persecution and testimonies of faith and resilience of Ukrainian believers who were tortured by Russian forces.
Movie Screening
This is not only the current story of Christian Pastors and Leaders who are being hunted, captured, tortured and executed while their churches are destroyed. This is the daily reality of many of our ministry partners. Your support keeps them equipped to face regular brutal attacks and conduct life-giving ministry under fire.
As a result of this awareness campaign and generous response to the opportunity for partnership, Mission 823 will be able to deploy over $20,000 of direct assistance to Ukrainians in need. Included in these projects is 2 years of support for a blind pastor who is an adoptive father to 10 children. He and his wife are faithful partners with Mission 823 in meeting the needs of traumatized children.
Record Breaking Youth Camps
In a regular summer season, Mission 823 is able to host 8-10 youth camps for traumatized children. This summer, because of God's provision through you, we were able to sponsor 11 camps for over 600 children! Additionally, and throughout the course of the year, camps, retreats, conferences and holidays will host orphans, widows, families of heroes who gave their lives and refugees from all over the country. Watch this video: Mission 823 Camps 2025
The Americans Are Here!
We have been leading small ministry, evacuation and humanitarian teams to Ukraine since the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But this has been the first year that conditions were stable and safe enough to invite American mission/volunteer teams to travel with us and serve as camp counselors at Camp Willow Park.
The first team to arrive was the Design Team from Paul McBeth Foundation, helping us to design, layout and construct a Disc Golf Course and Park for the local community.
The second team was our first American Church Team to arrive in over 3 years! The Illuminate Church from Orlando, Florida was amazing and brought fresh insight to the power of relationship with children and families who have been terrorized so badly for so long. Listen to Davonte's testimony here: Davonte's Story
Davonte from Illuminate Team
Team #3 was a huge asset with their mission experience, longstanding partnership with Mission 823 and trauma specialists and programs. The Church at South Lake (CASL) in Clermont, Florida conducted coaching sessions that were impactful for kids processing pain and Abby was a powerhouse worship leader and kid magnet. Amazing people and team! We already have 3 churches booked to go with us for 2026! Tell your Pastor and apply! Watch the CASL team here: CASL Team
Abby from CASL Team
Critical Partnerships in Ukraine
Collaborative partnerships enable us to multiply our impact many times over because of the synergy, momentum and varied expertise of people all over Ukraine and all over the world. The crisis that Ukraine is facing is bigger than all of us combined and only with God's shared resources and collective experience are we able to help so many people. Great partners like Oksana Krynytska from "Revived By Unity" enable us to reach and provide services for many more children and families. Listen to Oksana's grateful report here: Oksana Says Thanks. (Be sure to click on the subtitles in English to watch).
Supporting First Responders
Firemen, paramedics, EMT's, doctors and nurses at hospitals, clinics and fire stations all over Ukraine are in desperate need of new and replacement equipment and supplies. Russia's attacks on residential neighborhoods and the civilian population have accelerated the wear and tear on PPE and technical gear. "Double Tap" strikes, waiting 30 minutes after the first strike to send a second missile intended for the rescue workers, have resulted in catastrophic loss of life and life-saving gear.
This trip (pictured above) we supplied gas masks, respirators and structural fire boots for local fire brigades: Watch the Delivery Here
Front Line Church Update
Churches Under Fire | Persecuted Christians | War in Ukraine
God is working in Ukraine in amazing ways. In spite of the fact that this region was heavily attacked the day before, Pastor M and the beautiful church family and church planting project that is supported by Mission 823 continues to meet under very difficult circumstances. Watch Front Line Church Report Here.
New Community Park Development
Weather, Customs clearance and an expired Humanitarian Receipt License slightly delayed our progress on the construction, clearing and installation of the Disc Golf Course and Family Park/Playground near our base in western Ukraine. We have updated our license, cleared Customs and the weather is sunny and cool. We are moving forward with an all Ukrainian team now.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for Amy - she was just diagnosed with breast cancer (new case, last time was 13 years ago) and is starting the process of treatments needed. We are believing God for healing and recovery.
- Pray for Shawn's mother, Pamela - she is dealing with cancer as well, and is also being treated for some major heart issues. Pray for us as we help support her and for her healing as she deals with these issues.
- Pray for the orphans, widows, traumatized and displaced children of Ukraine, many of whom will come to our camps. The camp that is highlighted above is just one of the 11 scheduled at Camp Willow Park this past summer. There will also be other camps, retreats, seminars and groups using the property for Christian ministry throughout the off-season.
- Pray for Taras (our Ukrainian Director) and Shawn (President of Mission 823). Both of these men need prayer as they do the work of the ministry and expand our impact. Pray for laborers to help us in this work. We are actively searching for missionaries to help us expand and strengthen our efforts for the children and families of Ukraine. Do you feel a call from God to serve? Know someone who does? Send them our way and let's have a conversation. It is time for bold faith and courage. Mission 823 can serve as your mission organization, provide training and support and put you to work right away, either short-term in Ukraine or full-time here with us in the States!
- Pray for peace in Ukraine. If the war concluded today, there would still be generations of rebuilding and recovery requiring the support of non-profits like Mission 823. We are here on the ground for the long-haul. Pray for strength, wisdom and resources to continue to grow this great work.
There are multiple opportunities through Mission 823 to fulfill your calling, answer your prayers to serve, invest in the lives of others and make a difference that will save lives today and for eternity. Contact us to find out how Mission 823 can help you fulfill your purpose.
THANK YOU and God bless you all! We need and appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement.
Please visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and our YouTube Channel and share them widely. We need a lot more voices and ambassadors actively participating so that we can have the greatest impact for the people of Ukraine.
Thank you and God Bless You!
Shawn and Amy Sullivan
CONTACT INFO:
Shawn - shawn@mission823.com - ph: 817-313-3656
Amy - amy@mission823.com - ph: 817-773-4758
Office - office@mission823.com - ph: 352-432-8587
Website: www.mission823.com
