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Regional Directors
Arman
Asatryan
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia & Georgia
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Lilit
Asatryan
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Armenia & Georgia
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Oleksandr (sasha) Utkin
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Ukraine
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Sergey (batya) Romanyuk
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
The Far West
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Arman Asatryan, Regional Director, Armenia and Georgia
Arman grew up during a very difficult time in Armenia’s history. The dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a dark and cold time in his country and he felt little hope. Then some missionaries came to his village and showed the film “Jesus.” That was when he became a Christian and found meaning in his life. When he discovered Young Life, he also found his passion to serve God by reaching out to young people. Arman says that his one goal is to reach more kids and make them followers of Jesus. After many years of volunteering and training, Arman is now the Regional Director of Young Life in Armenia and Georgia. Together with his wife, Lilit, he is a strong and encouraging leader over multiple staff and volunteers as they share God’s love throughout Armenia and Georgia.
To sponsor Arman, copy his name, click the button below and paste his name into the appropriate window.
Lilit Asatryan, Regional Director, Armenia
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lilit felt her life was turned upside-down. She was looking for something to depend on when she heard about Jesus. She says that He came into her life like sunshine, and she was never the same after that. When Lilit and her husband, Arman, discovered Young Life ministry, they felt as though they had found the way they wanted to reach kids. Together they serve in Yerevan, Armenia, as Regional Directors over Camp Pioneer in Armenia and the many Young Life clubs in Armenia and Georgia. Lilit remembers having a lot of questions as a teenager, and now that memory shapes her ministry as she helps teens find their own answers through Jesus.
To sponsor Lilit, copy her name, click the button below and paste her name into the appropriate window.
Oleksandr (Sasha) Utkin, Regional Director, Ukraine
Sasha was born into an unbelieving family and raised by his mother in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. In 1994, at 18 years of age, he went to the first Ukrainian Young Life camp held in Ukraine, and a few months later decided to commit his life to Jesus. Later that year, he married his wife, Ira. After getting baptized, they joined the Young Life ministry as volunteers. In 1999, Sasha came on staff and, in 2008, became the Regional Director for Ukraine.
God used Sasha to build a thriving ministry, spreading to over 24 regions and reaching thousands of teenagers. Young Life training centers were established in several cities and used to teach current leaders and prepare future teams for work in the ministry. By 2021, 73 ministries were serving high schoolers, kids with special needs, orphans, and young mothers.
Today, as the war with Russia continues, Sasha remains full of hope. The dream is to restore what was lost and seek out God’s vision for the future of Young Life in Ukraine. He trusts God for 10,000 volunteer leaders by 2030 – an audacious goal yet possible with God.
To sponsor Sasha, copy his name, click the button below and paste his name into the appropriate window.
Sergei (Batya) Romanyuk, Regional Director, the Far West
As a teenager, Sergei wrestled with the issue of death and feared the unknown. Those worries went with him as he joined the army, married, and began raising his family. Then some co-workers invited him to a Bible study, and there Sergei formed relationships and heard stories about Jesus. Over time, Sergei realized that though he was a sinner, Jesus offered Him salvation and eternal life. His long-time fears were erased!
Shortly after becoming a Christian, Sergei was asked to help with a Yong Life camp for street kids, and his desire to be involved with the YL ministry grew from there. Sergei’s heart is for young people to come to know Jesus at an early age so they can avoid some of the fears and life mistakes that he went through himself. Now Sergei lives in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and serves as the regional director for the Far West countries - Moldova, Belarus, and the Baltics. Pray for Sergei as he trains up a new generation of leaders in this area of the world.
To sponsor Sergei, copy his name, click the button below and paste his name into the appropriate window.
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national staff Armenia
ARMIDA TERTERYAN
communications specialist
Armenia
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TERESA BRUTYAN
regional administrator
Armenia
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LUSINE ZAKHARYAN
wyldlife developer/expeditions
Armenia
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NaREK AYVAZYAN
Area director, shirak
Armenia
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VAHAGN ASATRYAN
DIRECTOR, CLUB JOYFUL
Armenia
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ARMIDA TERTERYAN, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
When Armida went to the Young Life camp in 2005, she fell in love with God and the mission. She started attending club, and shortly after, became a volunteer leader. Later, as a DGL student, Armida realized her dream and received an education in communications. She is now using her experience to develop communications strategies for Young Life Armenia and tell stories about God’s incredible work in the hearts of Armenian kids while still volunteering at the Joyful YL club in Yerevan. “I love our ministry because we work with youth, and I love being around young people. Young Life is my warm, irreplaceable family.” Armida’s dream is to one day become a generous sponsor for the Developing Global Leaders (DGL) program and help young people like herself get a higher education. Please pray for Armida as she glorifies God through her storytelling.
TEREZA BRUTYAN, REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
Tereza first learned about Young Life in 2002, and she started volunteering in 2006. Today, Tereza serves as a Regional Administrator for Armenia. She assists with regional development, manages teams, and the regional leadership relationships. Although she is a gifted administrator, she still loves being around kids. Because her husband is an Area Director, she also helps out with clubs. “Even though I work in an office, my passion and heart are for kids' lives to be changed. I love Young Life because I met Jesus here. YL is my big family, where we know nothing but love and support.” Please pray for Tereza as she provides key support for the Armenian Young Life ministry.
LUSINE ZAKHARIAN, WYLDLIFE DEVELOPER/EXPEDITIONS COORDINATOR
Lusine has been serving in Young Life for the last 15 years. She has worn many hats during this time, from leading a local Bible Study to being a camp speaker. In her current role as the WyldLife developer, Lusine works with middle schoolers, organizes clubs, coordinates leadership teams, and serves as a role model for young girls. In the summer, Lusine welcomes guests who come to Armenia as a part of YL Expeditions. “We are serving the Kingdom of God through Young Life, and I’m humbled to be a part of it. I hope we can reach as many young people as possible, create a safer environment, and always be there for them.” Lusine lives in Yerevan with her husband and two young kids. Please pray for Lusine as she serves to raise the next generation of Christ-followers.
NAREK AYVAZYAN, AREA DIRECTOR, SHIRAK
Narek is an energetic and passionate young man. He discovered Young Life fourteen years ago and has been serving in the ministry ever since. He loves serving because he loves teenagers and youngsters. “Serving is the best way to show God’s love, to invest in the lives of young people, and it’s a joy to serve Jesus by investing in the lives of young people.” Narek’s vision is to unite his teams so much so that they feel like a close-knit family. God gifted him with the ability to lead people in a unique way, which he believes is the key in his ministry. “I hope in the future we can create a strong discipleship school and raise committed leaders who will bring fresh ideas and open opportunities to reach a lot of young lives.” Narek lives in Yerevan with his wife, Lusine, and two kids. Please pray for Narek as he faithfully follows God’s calling in his life.
VAHAGN ASATRYAN, DIRECTOR, CLUB JOYFUL
Vahagn started attending the YL College Club in 2014. Then, the word of God touched his heart deeply, and he decided to commit his life to following Jesus. As a club director, Vahagn lives in the kids' world 24/7, loving and caring for each one. He named his club Joyful to reflect the joy God placed into his heart. Recently, he started another club in one of the Armenian border villages, Vardenis. “God gave me full life, and I want to pass it on,” he says. Vahagn’s wife, Suzi, also volunteers at the club. Their mission is to make disciples who will make disciples. Please pray for Vahagn and the growth of the club leadership team.
ARMINE SHAHGELDYAN
DIRECTOR, CLUB KIEVYAN
Armenia
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GOHAR HOVHANNISYAN
DIRECTOR, CLUB YEGHVARD
Armenia
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ARSHAK ADAMYAN
DIRECTOR, CLUB SHENGAVIT
Armenia
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ARMAN AVAGYAN
CAMP ASSOCIATE/CLUB 36 LEADER
Armenia
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MICHAEL MARGARYAN
DIRECTOR, CLUB LENINGRADYAN
Armenia
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Armine Shahgaldyan, Director, Club Kievyan
Armine was born with the heart of a musical artist. She discovered Young Life in 2012 and has been serving in different roles, always finding a way to use her God-given gift. Today, Armine leads club Kievyan in Yerevan, where God placed several other leaders with a heart for music. Together, they formed a worship band that shares their gift of music and singing with their Young Life community. “Our dream is to share God’s goodness through our songs.” Armine’s deep understanding of Young Life, strong faith, and hardworking attitude allow her to grow new teams and be a role model for the next generation of leaders. Please pray for Armine and her ministry as she shares God’s love through music.
Gohar Hovhannisyan, Club Yeghvard Director
Gohar came to a Young Life camp for the first time in 2011, fell in love with Jesus and the ministry, and has served in the beautiful town of Yeghvard for the last ten years. She enjoys growing her team, starting new ministries, doing contact work, and discipling the new generation of leaders. “I feel happy here. Young Life gives me opportunities and tools to serve God. I also feel I have grown greatly in my ministry.” Gohar loves teenagers and is grateful to be in the place God put her in. She dreams of bringing the Gospel to every teenager in Yeghvard and opening clubs in unreached towns and villages. Gohar lives with her husband, Rafik, and two young kids. Please pray for Gohar, her team, and the dream the Lord put on her heart.
Arshak Adamyan, Club Shengavit Director
Arshak started reading the Bible, praying, going to the YL clubs, and getting to know God on a deeper level in 2009 after his first trip to camp. Having served in the army, he gained a different perspective and decided to volunteer in Young Life. In 2017, he had his first small group, and after that, he realized he had developed a more profound love for young people. Arshak is a gifted team leader. He uses his passion for soccer to connect with kids on the field and build friendships. “I love communicating with young people and witnessing how their lives change in different stages of their spiritual walk.” Arshak dreams about one day reaching all Armenian kids with the Gospel, but for now, he is focusing on his community in Shengavit, tirelessly pursuing the next kid. Please pray for Arshak as he continues to spread the good news in his town and disciples the next generation of leaders.
Arman Avagyan, Pioneer Camp Associate/Club 36 Leader
Arman learned about Young Life in 2007. During his week at camp, the seeds of faith were planted in his heart. But he wasn’t ready to commit to the Lord for the next nine years, serving some of that time in the army, coming back, and only then realizing God’s great love and sacrifice. He started volunteering, joined the DGL program, and later met his wife Sofya at the Yeghvard Club. Together, they continue to serve, working with kids at Club 36 and helping with operations at Camp Pioneer. Please pray for Arman and his ministry.
Michael Margaryan, Director, Club Leningradyan
Michael was a teen boy when he first came to a Young Life camp and decided to give his life to Jesus. His life was profoundly changed, and years later, he found his calling – to serve kids and raise disciples. “Seeing God changing young lives is what I feel most passionate about.” Michael loves playing sports and uses it as a tool to meet kids and build relationships. As an experienced volleyball player, he trains a group of 25 kids. All are invited to a club, Leningradyan, in Yerevan, where they hear the Gospel. “I feel God placed teens on my heart. I love working with them.” Michael’s prayer is always to have a heart of David. He deeply loves the Lord and always encourages the kids to study the Word. Michael dreams about raising a new generation of disciples who can spread hope among young people in his country. He and his wife, Ani, live in Yerevan and have a son, David. Please pray for Michael as he follows Jesus in his calling.
Anika
Brutyan
AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia
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Narine
Manucharyan
AREA DIRECTOR
Armenia
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Sergey
Sargsyan
AREA DIRECTOR
Eghvard
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Anika Brutyan
Ani has been coming to YL since 2005. During her first YL camp, she felt suddenly awakened as she heard about Jesus and what He had done for her. She couldn’t wait to tell other young people about him! Today, Ani serves as an Area Director. She works with kids and leaders, disciplining the next generation of Christ's followers. “I think my gift is building relationships with young people. I want to meet and get to know them everywhere I go.” Ani is a prayer warrior. Many kids and today’s YL leaders are a result of her answered prayers. “I’ll continue praying with the hope of seeing many young lives turning to Jesus and growing in faith.” Please lift Ani and her ministry to the Lord as she faithfully follows His steps and serves Him in important ways.
Narine Manucharyan
Naro remembers feeling like she had every reason to be happy as a child, but still, an emptiness persisted. At the University, she studied business and thought that the meaning of life was to become a successful business lady and be rich and famous. That opinion changed when she met Jesus through Young Life and found the meaning of life in Christ. Soon after, Naro felt a calling
to introduce that sense of wholeness to other young people through a relationship with Jesus. When the local Young Life leaders left town for a conference, Naro stepped into a leadership role so the club could continue. She discovered it was a great feeling to be used by God.
Now Naro leads a team of volunteers in two clubs in the Nor Hachn area of Armenia — in Abovyan and Byurghavan. “Many young people like me are looking for the meaning of life in different things. I love supporting them and witnessing their growth.” Please pray for Naro and her ministry in this part of the world.
Sergey Sargsyan
In 2009, Sergey was invited to a Young Life winter camp. He liked how kind the leaders were to him and the exciting things discussed. He began attending club after camp, and one evening during the club talk, Sergey was struck by how small he was compared to how big God was. He gave his life to Jesus and began volunteering at clubs.
Today, Sergey serves as an Area Director, leading three clubs in and around Yerevan: Yeghvard Club, Ararat Club, and Club 36. I lead teams and engage in the spiritual growth of leaders and discipleship. In my teams, we share deep and strong relationships to achieve a common goal: to serve one another and, through that, serve God because that’s the embodiment of Christ: he served His Father by serving people. Sergey is married and has a daughter. Please pray for Sergey and his growing ministry.
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national staff The Far West
Latvia
Alyona
Mulyar
AREA DIRECTOR, LATVIA
The Far West
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Olha
Martsenyuk
CAPERNAUM DIRECTOR, LATVIA
The Far West
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Alyona Mulyar, Area Director, Latvia, Far West – Moldova, Belarus, the Baltics
Alyona is one of ten siblings, born and raised in a Christian home in Chernivtsy, Ukraine. She received her first Bible when she was nine during the Soviet time when Bibles had to be smuggled in. “I loved and valued that Book and still have it, but my parents warned us not to tell others that we had Bibles.” When Alyona turned 13, she realized that she needed a Savior, and two years later, she attended her first Young Life camp. She remembers crazy games and how the love of Jesus Christ was shared in an exciting and intimate way! Alyona became involved with Young Life, volunteering as a leader and translator. As she saw how God could use her in these ways, Alyona felt called to work for Young Life. In 2014 she was led to Latvia, where her leadership and relational skills were very much needed. Since she moved to Riga, she has started several clubs and has been committed to discipling new teams of leaders. She dreams of building a high school and Capernaum ministry in every Baltic country. Please pray for Alyona as she disciples the next generation of leaders and follows God’s guidance in her calling.
Olha Martsenyuk, Regional Capernaum Coordinator, Far West – Moldova, Belarus, the Baltics
What do you hope to see in your ministry?
I hope to start the Capernaum ministry with clubs, camps, a new leadership team, and new partners in Moldova, Latvia, and Belarus. My dream is to have a Capernaum camp for 20 kids in Latvia, to create one new club in a new city in Moldova, and to start Capernaum in Belarus officially.
What are the most significant needs in your ministry?
An Internet platform that will host all Capernaum communication and project management. We will also need committed leaders, partners, and volunteers.
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Moldova
Fiodor (TED)
Siceak
AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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Lena
Siceak
AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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Natasha
Pascal
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR AND CMC REPRESENTATIVE
The Far West
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Fiodor (Ted) Siceak, Area Director, Moldova
Ted was born in Chisinau, Moldova, to a hard-working family. In high school, Ted played handball for the national team of Moldova, and he thought this sport would be his future. However, in 1995, the team disbanded and Ted was left searching for a new life. At that time, he was invited to Young Life club and met the Lord. He says, “Jesus has filled my life with meaning; He is my Savior and best friend.” Ted served in the army, graduated from Bible seminary, and began volunteering in church ministry.
Ted worked with all different ages until 1999, when he began working with teens through Young Life. This is when he discovered his heart for kids who haven’t heard the Gospel. In 2006, Ted married his wife, Lena, and was hired as the Area Director for Moldova. He and Lena have two daughters and enjoy their ministry together to kids and leaders. Ted hopes that recent growth will continue into new cities so all of the teens in Moldova can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Lena Siceak, Young Life Staff, Moldova
Lena was 18 years old and tired of living a lie. She wanted something that would help her, so that her heart would no longer feel condemned for lying. After a while, God did a miracle with her heart and set her free . Now she has a great relationship with her parents, God gave her a handsome husband and two beautiful girls. She has truly gained His peace and joy.
For the first couple of years, Lena’s ministry was accounting and reports. Then her ministry included school work and teaching courses — “Preparation for success.” The unique aspect of Lena’s ministry is that she can reach both teenagers and their parents as well, doing a parents’ camp and parents’ club. She shares the word of God in the club and does weekly contact work with the kids.
Natasha Pascal, Regional Administrator and CMC Representative, The Far West
Although Natasha grew up in a family of unbelievers, she always knew there was a God who cared for her. But it wasn’t until her high school friend invited her to club that she felt His tangible love and presence. She loved everything about Young Life: the people, the leaders, and even the messy games she thought she would never participate in. Club talks were Natasha’s favorite – that’s when the Bible came to life for her! Shortly after, Natasha asked Jesus into her life, joining the team of leaders and becoming a student in the Developing Global Leaders program. “It is so rewarding to see God answer kids’ prayers and change their life’s paths,” she says. Today, Natasha serves as a Regional Administrator for the Far West Region. Born and raised in Ukraine, she and her husband recently moved to Norway with their six-year-old son, Alex. Together, they are learning Norwegian and are volunteering with Young Life Nordic. Please pray for Natasha as she continues to faithfully serve God and provide crucial support to Young Life in the Far West.
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FIODOR (TED) SICEAK
AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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LENA SICEAK
AREA DIRECTOR, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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STACY AGAPIEVA
CAPERNAUM LEADER, MOLDOVA
The Far West
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NATASHA PASCAL
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
The Far West
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Fiodor (Ted) Siceak, Area Director, Moldova
Ted was born in Chisinau, Moldova, to a hard-working family. In high school, Ted played handball for the national team of Moldova, and he thought this sport would be his future. However, in 1995, the team disbanded and Ted was left searching for a new life. At that time, he was invited to Young Life club and met the Lord. He says, “Jesus has filled my life with meaning; He is my Savior and best friend.” Ted served in the army, graduated from Bible seminary, and began volunteering in church ministry.
Ted worked with all different ages until 1999, when he began working with teens through Young Life. This is when he discovered his heart for kids who haven’t heard the Gospel. In 2006, Ted married his wife, Lena, and was hired as the Area Director for Moldova. He and Lena have two daughters and enjoy their ministry together to kids and leaders. Ted hopes that recent growth will continue into new cities so all of the teens in Moldova can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
Lena Siceak, Young Life Staff, Moldova
Lena was 18 years old and tired of living a lie. She wanted something that would help her, so that her heart would no longer feel condemned for lying. After a while, God did a miracle with her heart and set her free . Now she has a great relationship with her parents, God gave her a handsome husband and two beautiful girls. She has truly gained His peace and joy.
For the first couple of years, Lena’s ministry was accounting and reports. Then her ministry included school work and teaching courses — “Preparation for success.” The unique aspect of Lena’s ministry is that she can reach both teenagers and their parents as well, doing a parents’ camp and parents’ club. She shares the word of God in the club and does weekly contact work with the kids.
Stacy Agapieva, Capernaum Leader, Moldova, the Far West
Although Stacy grew up in a family of non-believers, she always felt there was a God. She spoke to Him on different occasions and sensed Him answering her prayers. When Stacy turned 17, she started attending church, where she met Ted and Lena Siceak, Moldova’s Area Directors. They invited her to Young Life, an invitation Stacy at first met with skepticism. The Young Life crowd was too wild and crazy – how could it be about God?! But the experience Stacy had at the Young Life camp the following summer changed her heart and mind forever. She then knew her place was in this ministry. She became a part of the DGL program, received a university degree, and started Capernaum – the ministry to kids with special needs in Chisinau. “Working with these kids is like entering a different world. It enriches you beyond measure. We continuously pray for physical healing and the repentance of the entire families.” Please pray for Stacy as she pours her heart into the lives of kids and their parents and for the provision of this important ministry.
Natasha Pascal, Regional Administrator and CMC Representative, The Far West
Although Natasha grew up in a family of unbelievers, she always knew there was a God who cared for her. But it wasn’t until her high school friend invited her to club that she felt His tangible love and presence. She loved everything about Young Life: the people, the leaders, and even the messy games she thought she would never participate in. Club talks were Natasha’s favorite – that’s when the Bible came to life for her! Shortly after, Natasha asked Jesus into her life, joining the team of leaders and becoming a student in the Developing Global Leaders program. “It is so rewarding to see God answer kids’ prayers and change their life’s paths,” she says. Today, Natasha serves as a Regional Administrator for the Far West Region. Born and raised in Ukraine, she and her husband recently moved to Norway with their six-year-old son, Alex. Together, they are learning Norwegian and are volunteering with Young Life Nordic. Please pray for Natasha as she continues to faithfully serve God and provide crucial support to Young Life in the Far West.
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national staff Ukraine
Iryna
Utkina
REGIONAL DIRECTOR, YOUNGLIVES
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Natasha
Tsurkan
AREA DIRECTOR
Ivano-Frankivsk
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OLEKSANDR
GUSAKOV
fundraising director
Central Ukraine
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VOLODYMYR
HRYHORCHUK
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
West Ukraine
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Serhii
Shevchenko
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
North Ukraine
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Ira Utkin, Regional Director, YoungLives
Ira Utkin, the Divisional Director of YoungLives, came from a dysfunctional family, spending much of her youth in the streets with her friends and little hope.
Miraculously, in the summer of 1994, she learned about a Young Life camp in her hometown and gave her life to Jesus during that unforgettable week.
Over time, having served as a co-director of Young Life Ukraine alongside her husband Sasha, Ira sensed God calling her to lead her own ministry. At this point, she was the mother of six children, four of whom were adopted. So, YoungLives was born.
Today, Ira dedicates most of her time to the YoungLives ministry, which she calls YoungMoms. She invests in the lives of young women, pointing them to Jesus, and helping them become everything they were created to be. “For me, the most important thing is to stay committed and remember that I’m an instrument in God’s hands.”
Natasha Tsurkan, Area Director, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
Natasha remembers being invited to the Young Life club many times before finally saying yes. Her first experience was in 2001, at the summer camp. During that week, Natasha encountered Jesus not as a strict and distant God but as a friend. After camp, Natasha started going to club and volunteering, and by the following summer, she got trained as a group leader. Natasha served in her hometown, Chernivtsy, for thirteen years before answering God’s calling and moving to Ivano-Frankivsk in 2008 to start the Young Life ministry there.
Today, as an Area Director, Natasha dreams about having Young Life ministry all over Ivano-Frankivsk. Together with a team of four leaders, they build relationships with teens, parents, and the local community.
Sasha Gusakov, Area Director, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
Sasha remembers a difficult childhood — he was bullied at school and had an alcoholic father at home. In college, he had a friend who connected him to Young Life and his life was never the same. Young Life was his first experience of friendship and love; he never wanted to go home! In 2004, Sasha went to camp and while looking up into the stars, he asked God for forgiveness. He remembers instant relief.
Sasha became involved in Young Life ministry and was soon offered a staff position. Though newly married and starting a family, he left his well-paying job to devote himself to full-time ministry. He poured himself into the lives of dozens of teens in his hometown Khmelnitskyi, where he served as the Area Director for a number of years. Recently however, Sasha moved into the fundraising role, and is helping the team to bring the vision into reality through fundraising efforts. Please pray for Sasha, his family, and God's favor.
Volodimir Hryhorchuk, Regional Director, West Ukraine
Volodimir grew up knowing about Jesus . As a young teen, he even went to the Young Life club. But as he became older, peer pressure got the best of him, and he walked away from the Lord. When he was 18, his old Young Life friends invited him to camp. Volodimir decided to go, although his heart was set on stirring trouble. Instead, something shifted in his heart during that week, and he became a child of God. After that camp, Volodimir immediately joined the Young Life ministry.
Today, Volodimir serves as an Area Director of Western Ukraine. Driven by his passionate desire to share the Gospel with kids, Volodimir is tirelessly pouring into his team of leaders. He dreams that leaders from different denominations and churches would come together one day in unity and love for Jesus and teenagers.
Serhii Shevchenko, Regional Director, North Ukraine
Serhii decided to follow Jesus in 2008. One day, his classmate invited him to a Young Life club and asked him to play one of his rap songs in front of all the kids. Serhii loved it and kept coming back. Eventually, he became a leader, and in 2013 he moved to another city to open a club. Five years later, he did it again. This is how he discovered his passion for building relationships with new people and churches, opening clubs, and forming teams. Today, Serhii is the Regional Director in North Ukraine, responsible for four areas in that region. He and his wife of nine years live in the city of Vinnytsia. In his spare time, Serhii still loves to produce rap music and play basketball.
Bohdan
Bilinskyi
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Central Ukraine
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Oleh
Kravetskyi
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
East Ukraine
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Illia
Perevozniuk
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
South Ukraine
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Bohdan Bilinskyi, Regional Director, Central Ukraine
Bohdan heard about Young Life from his classmates, who invited him to club. He loved everything about it, and when it was time for winter camp, he packed his bag and joined his friends. That was the week when Bohdan decided to dedicate his life to Christ. He was sixteen. When he returned from camp, he continued to go to club, never missing even one! During that time, Bohdan always dreamt about an opportunity to work for Young Life, and one day that opportunity became a reality. As a leader and a Regional Director of Central Ukraine, Bohdan loves carrying out God’s commission and seeing growth in his disciples. “Seeing the Kingdom of God spreading and impacting our country and the world is amazing.” With his wife, Bohdan dreams of having his own house and a dog one day. And in his spare time, he enjoys running, walking, and reading.
Oleh Kravetskyi, Regional Director, East Ukraine
Oleh grew up in a family of non-believers. When he was eight years old, he began attending church with his parents and accepted Jesus when he was 15. A few years later, Oleh got involved in the youth ministry at his church, learned about Young Life, and opened up a club in his city. Today, Oleh is the Regional Director of East Ukraine. One of his favorite things about Young Life is seeing God radically changing the lives of teens, giving them the deep joy that comes from finding life’s meaning. Oleh is married to his wife, Oksana, and they have two wonderful kids and a cat. Oleh enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and fishing in his free time
Illia Perevozniuk, Regional Director, South Ukraine
Illia learned about Young Life from the Ukraine Regional Director, Sasha Utkin. He started coming to club and eventually decided to follow Jesus. Church has always been a big part of Illia’s life, where he served as a youth leader. When Sasha invited Illia to come on staff, Illia knew Young Life was what he was called to do. Shortly after, he took on the role of the Regional Director for South Ukraine. For Illia, understanding what the ministry does and how their teams serve and answer the calling are the things he treasures the most. Illia and his wife, Mariya, have a son, David, and a daughter, Rebecca. He enjoys traveling and dreams of one day visiting every country in the world.
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U.S. Based Team
Brian Orlovich
director of operations
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Carrie Fraser
expeditions coordinator
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Diane Medema
Operations administrator
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Marty Caldwell
divisional senior vice president
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Patti Stoetzner
Director of development
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Brian Orlovich – Operations Director
Brian Orlovich was raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from John Brown University, double majoring in Accounting and Business. While at university, Brian met the love of his life Amy and the two were married. Brian managed AAtronics, Inc., a medium-sized audio-visual contracting company, for the first decade of his career. In addition, Brian was the visionary and founder of AVSuperstore.com, an e-commerce company specializing in audio-visual product sales to a national and international audience. Brian has been involved with Young Life since 1987 and has experienced many different roles, from a Young Life high school kid to 15 years of volunteer experience as a leader and committee member. In 2005 Brian answered the call to become an Area Director of Young Life in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona metro, where he had the great privilege of growing the area to over 100 volunteers focusing their efforts on bringing the Gospel to the adolescents in the area. In 2011 Brian was hired to work with the Middle EurAsia Region (previously known as the Former Soviet Union) as their new Assistant Regional Director. In 2014 Brian was promoted to the International Division Operations Director. He continues to serve today by helping create and implement systems that support staff and leaders in effectively serving adolescents in their respective countries. Brian currently lives in Boise, Idaho, with Amy, and they are thrilled to have their three adult children close by, Abby (and Drake Cain), Caleb, and Elizabeth Orlovich.
Carrie Fraser – Expeditions Coordinator
Carrie lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and began working for Young Life 24 years ago, beginning in the President’s Office, joining the MEA (previously FSU) Division in 2008 as assistant to SVP Gary Parsons. Carrie has served in a variety of roles, the last seven years as Expeditions Coordinator. She has cultivated deep relationships with the national staff through her calling to shine light on their ministries through service opportunities. She strongly believes this brings tremendous value in building God’s kingdom around the world and a profound awareness of the dedicated work and needs of Young Life Middle Eurasia.
Diane Medema – Operations Administrator
Diane spent 15 years working and living at Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch in Antelope, OR. She moved to Caldwell, ID, in 2022 and has enjoyed being a part of Young Life Middle EurAsia and learning a new side of the ministry. She loves camping and being outdoors in God’s creation and also anything that involves working in Excel.
Marty Caldwell – Senior Vice President
Marty Caldwell grew up in Riverside, CA, but met Christ in Young Life in 1969 in Arizona. He led YL at Washington High in Phoenix as a volunteer leader from 1972 through 1978 and started on the Young Life staff in 1978. Marty became the Regional Director for Arizona in 1988. He has been a catalyst for the team, the vision, and the building of Lost Canyon, Young Life’s camp in northern AZ, for the last 20 years. On March 1, 2006, Marty was appointed Sr. Vice President of Young Life in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. On October 1, 2015, he was appointed Executive Vice President of Young Life’s International work in 104 countries. In October 2019, Marty was tasked with leading the YL Foundation to accelerate present resources and ensure the future health and growth of YL. On August 1, 2024, he was appointed interim Sr. Vice President for the MEA division.
Marty loves his family, Jesus, golf, fishing, and reading. He graduated from Grand Canyon University in 1976. He has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Arizona State University (‘ 80) and an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary (‘91).
Marty's personal life is just as fulfilling as his professional one. He and his wife, Susan, who is also a Grand Canyon University alumna, have been happily married for 45 years. Their family has grown to include three married children and three delightful grandchildren.
Patti Stoetzner – Director of Development
Patti has an extensive history with the Middle EurAsia Division. She was instrumental in raising funds to build the beautiful Pioneer Camp in Armenia. We are excited to have Patti join the team and share her knowledge and gifts to further God's Kingdom!
Renee Pogue
DIVISIONAL FINANCIAL ANALYST
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Katya Baxter
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
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Renee Pogue - Divisional Financial Analyst
Renee grew up in Colorado, then graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in International Business. She started with Young Life in 1993, working at Frontier Ranch in Colorado. She met her husband, Matt, there and married in 1996. They have two boys, Ryan and Grant. Over the years, she worked in various roles and for many people throughout camping and the field. She has been with YL MEA since 2010 and has fallen in love with our fantastic staff in that part of the world. Renee works to facilitate everything financial for the Division!
Katya Baxter - Communications Coordinator
Katya met Christ when Young Life was just being born in Russia in 1990. When she was 16, she hopped on a plane by herself and flew to the U.S. to study. But instead of a year-long trip, God had something else in store for her. She remained in North America, getting her BA at the College of Idaho and an MBA at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada. Katya’s marketing and communications experience was built over the years, having worked for World Vision, Decker Communications, and the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts before joining the Young Life MEA team in 2021.
She is honored to be a part of the organization God used many years ago to profoundly change her life. And she is excited to give back. Katya and her family live in Idaho. When she is not telling stories, Katya enjoys playing tennis, experimenting with new recipes, and playing with their dog, Ginger.
