Latest Update

Rick and Dolly Arrowood continue to serve through Slavic Baptist Mission, supporting church planting, pastoral training, and evangelism throughout Ukraine—even in the midst of war.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Slavic Baptist Institute (SBI), a ministry founded to train national leaders for gospel ministry. By God’s grace, more than 235 men and women have graduated from SBI and SBI Advance. These graduates have started over 110 churches across the region, many returning to their home areas to reach their own people with the Gospel.

Despite the ongoing war, the ministry continues to thrive. Churches are full, open-air evangelistic meetings often draw large crowds, and two churches have been planted in eastern Ukraine since the war began. Reports from national pastors speak of revival and renewed spiritual hunger. One recent meeting expected 85 attendees but saw 450 gather to hear the Gospel.

The hardships are real—missiles, power shortages, brutal winter conditions—but the opportunities for the Gospel are greater than ever. Derek and Julie Thomas continue working faithfully on the ground in Ukraine, training leaders and conducting evangelistic meetings, while Rick and Dolly travel to represent the ministry and encourage supporting churches.

Through three decades of faithful labor, the Lord has produced “fruit, more fruit, much fruit, and remaining fruit” in Ukraine.