Laurie Smith
YWAM | Ukraine
Laurie, along with her family, lived in the Northern Caucasus, serving the unreached people of Eurasia up until the Russian invasion of Crimea, when our residency was cancelled. When their kids graduated in Greeley 7 years later, Laurie spent two years in YWAM Ukraine assisting widows, doing evangelism, building tiny homes for those who lost everything in the war, and hosting volunteers and new missionaries in Kyiv. (This time was marked by the passing of her husband Bryan in Kyiv in 2024).
Currently she is supporting Eurasian missions in prayer, and YWAM missionaries throughout the 10/40 window in practical ways including field retreats and visits, debriefs and hospitality.
She works in Colorado Springs primarily, and around the world with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Your prayers are essential to the seeds of the Gospel being planted in Muslim areas!
Facts About Ukraine
- About the size of Texas, Ukraine has a population of approximately 40 million people.
- The capital city of Kyiv is home to about 3 million people and has a history dating back more than 1,500 years.
- Ukraine is the world’s 4th largest exporter of food.
- Ukraine’s official language is Ukrainian, but many people also speak Russian or a blend of the two languages called Surgic.
- Russia invaded Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and then launched a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. The war is ongoing, and has resulted in many thousands of deaths, much destruction of property, and the displacement of millions of people.
Prayer Requests
- Pray that the people of Ukraine will repent and turn to Jesus, the true source of life.
- Pray for an end to the destruction and death caused by the ongoing war.
- Pray that God would give wisdom and the fear of God to the government and military leaders.
- Pray that God would continue to open doors for ministry to the people and that Laurie would be effective in ministry to them.
- Pray for her safety and the safety of those serving God alongside her.