A letter of Introduction

from Mike Linville,

Founder of International Faith Initiatives

Dear Brother or Sister in Christ,

Thank you for your interest in UMO and International Faith Initiatives.

As a brief introduction, IFI was started in 2001 by myself and my wife. We served with Campus Crusade from 1996-2000 in Kiev, where we started and established the Crusade Bible college "Ukraine Bible Institute." I served as its director for those four school years.

During our time there with our three children, our hearts were completely enraptured with the wonderful Ukrainian people. Even though we believed that the Lord was leading us back to the States (our kids were in their teenaged years then), He placed a burden on our hearts to build on what we had learned there, and to establish a very practical ministry that would offer programs in support of The Church, especially in the areas of of leadership development and humanitarian assistance / community development.

As a result, International Faith Initiatives, Inc., received its 501c3 tax-exempt status in July of 2001 and began work immediately. Today, our Kiev office counts among its staff members some nine Ukrainians, two Canadians and with the addition of Ukraine Medical Outreach, now two Americans in the persons of Jim and Marianna. I remain based in the States (near Indianapolis, Indiana) to handle program development, fundraising, donor relations, promotions, etc, spending approximately two weeks each quarter with the staff in Kiev.

I want to emphasize that we are a small, yet thriving ministry that is very much interdenominational. To us, that isn't just a word...it is something that we practice in our lives and in the IFI ministry. Our staff is composed of a variety of denominational affiliations, as are the pastors who are enrolled in our largest ministry "Ukraine Family Institute," the first formal pastoral counseling training program anywhere in the former Soviet Union. My personal belief is that it isn't just a good idea to work alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of their particular denominational affiliation, but indeed it is my duty to do this in recognizing that there is but one body of Christ ... as believers, we are all in it together.

Also, please know that we are THRILLED that Jim and Marianna have become part of our organization. The medical component of ministry has always been part of IFI's vision, from the very beginning, as we have sought to minister to the whole man... spiritually, emotionally and physically. The Peipons bring a great deal of insight and expertise, as well as a deep passion for the Ukrainian people ... something that really resonates with me. Our intent is to help Jim and Marianna, and UMO, develop into the most dynamic, impactful ministry that it can possibly be... doing so not to build a big organization, but because being successful means touching lives and winning souls to the Lord.

I hope to hear any questions or comments you may have. I may be emailed at mikeruthlinville@msn.com.

Serving Him Together,

Rev. Mike Linville