The trip will be similar to one which the Woods Harbour Wesleyan church organized in association with World Hope Ukraine in February 2006 when 12 residents traveled to Odessa to work at light construction, painting, cleaning, serving meals, games, and providing devotionals. World Hope Ukraine is ministering to approximately 10,000 street children in the country.

Team member Maggie Bean participated in the 2006 trip and says this year’s team of eight is eager to start.

“The most rewarding aspect of serving in this way was the relationships we were able to form with the staff and children. We will be working with World Hope Canada and World Hope Ukraine to minister in a very practical way to the street children of Odessa,” said Bean.

“We are looking forward to meeting the children and accomplishing what we can while we're there. It will be interesting to see how God uses this to impact each individual's life. It is certainly humbling to see these children who have nothing and know how blessed we are.”

The group will be in Odessa from Oct 15 to Oct. 25 and has held several meetings with coordinators in Ukraine to prepare. Team members are receiving immunizations, updating passports and studying common Ukranian phrases.

The team has raised money through donations, a bake sale, and a pancake supper to date but more events are planned.

A yard sale/bake sale/BBQ will be held June 7 from 9 a.m.-noon at #8803 Charlesville.

They will also be selling smoked halibut, and lobster rolls at an event in New Brunswick in July.

To purchase items needed for the trip, team members are collecting Canadian Tire money. They are also taking donated clothes, medical supplies and gifts.