Six-month musical mission to the Ukraine

Posted by admin on Dec 3, 2008 in News | 0 comments

It is not every day an opportunity like this one comes along. On Dec. 27, Wes Janzen, Trinity Western University’s director of choral activities, will be flying to Kiev, Ukraine to begin a six-month unpaid leave of absence. Janzen, his wife Kim and their three children will be volunteering with Music Mission Kiev, in a country that has been just opened up to the gospel during the last 20 years.

Music Mission Kiev, founded in 1993 by Roger and Diane McMurrin, is the birthplace of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. The ministry also helps thousands of widows and orphans by providing ministry classes, music lessons and meals.

“These people actually live out the biblical command to take care of the widows and orphans,” Janzen said.

After a couple years of twice-annual trips to Kiev to volunteer with Music Mission Kiev, including a trip with members of the TWU choir last January, Janzen and his family are excited to play a bigger role in the mission. The McMurrins will be returning to America to raise money to build a Christian Centre in Kiev, and the Janzens will be taking their place in overseeing the entire ministry.

Janzen has been the principal guest conductor of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and will continue these duties, along with assisting the four Ukrainian conductors who regularly conduct the symphony. He will also assist a new senior pastor at St. Paul’s Church – the church associated with Music Mission Kiev – in coordinating ministry and music.

Kim will be assisting with musical activities for the children and young people at the mission, as well as assuming responsibilities in teaching the 200 widows who come weekly to the mission for ministry classes.

Ay Laung Wang, who is currently the assistant conductor of the TWU Family of Choirs, will be filling Janzen’s current role during his temporary leave.

Janzen believes it is important for him and his family to take part in this ministry now. “There is a unique opportunity here to share the gospel in a part of the world that is now free – and the window of opportunity will likely not last,” he said.