Tatyana Molodyk was the pastor of the Saratov United
Methodist Church until August 2013.
In her early career she was a computer engineer with no intentions of
becoming a pastor. While hosting an
American visitor, Tatyana observed that he prayed every day and was genuinely
happy. Tatyana became interested in his
way of life and beliefs. Before
returning to America he presented Tatyana with a gift…a Bible.
Leaders of the Methodist Church and ministers of the General
Board of Global Ministry approached her to see if she was willing to start a
Methodist church. As time passed she
became more vested in the project becoming an ordained Methodist minister in
1999.
After construction of the new church building, it was the
responsibility of the congregation to complete the interior. With limited resources and a small
congregation, progress was slow. For
additional income, they rented a room in the church to an art teacher. Tatyana took the art class, learning the
skill of collage. That skill resulted in
the beginning of Marfa Ministry.
Tatyana is still supportive of Methodist Churches in the Eurasian Conference so Marfa Ministry continues to sell her artwork. The church building in Saratov is near completion so currently proceeds from sales go to the Moscow Theological Seminary.
Tatyana is still supportive of Methodist Churches in the Eurasian Conference so Marfa Ministry continues to sell her artwork. The church building in Saratov is near completion so currently proceeds from sales go to the Moscow Theological Seminary.
Pastor Igor's work, being all one of a kind, has been popular at mission fairs in the United States. He makes and paints boxes and eggs. The art is incredibly detailed, bright, colorful and traditionally Ukranian. Last year's supply sold out at the end of the season.
The children in Khabarovsk, Russia are becoming artists. Assistant Pastor Galina Rychkova teaches art classes to children who are on the streets in Khabarovsk. As a result of this relationship some children are coming to worship and bringing other family members. Marfa Ministry reproduces their artwork to make journals and note cards. Proceeds from this project will go for continued outreach.
When Rev. Tatyana Molodyk was pastor of the Saratov UMC, the ladies of the church began making products for sale also. Olga, who is a tailor by trade, has an amazing gift for detail. Her handmade tapestry bags sell out every year. Other ladies in the church also make household products that are both beautiful and useful. These items are always crowd-pleasers at the mission fairs.
Tailor Olga with Vladimir and Masha. |
Katya and her family. |
Katya shopping with Janet for towel fabric. |