Since 2015
Alys is originally from Syracuse, NY and grew up in a Christian home where missionaries were welcome. She was drawn to mission conferences in her youth, and it was after her first short-term project in Ukraine the summer of 2005, that it became clear the Lord was calling her to full-time missions. Her love for children was what drove her to serve and in the spring of 2006 she joined New International. Following two months that same fall, under the care of a local church in Ukraine, she learned of the needs of many disabled children.
The orphanage in the town of Oleshky, outside the city of Kherson, Ukraine, is the home to about 160 mentally and/or physically disabled children. The orphans in this state run institute began as the focus of Alys' ministry. Full-time work for her started in July of 2008. Showering the children with love and teaching basic skills has encouraged these kids who are in many ways the outcasts of a post-socialist society. But these little ones are precious in God's sight.
As the local body of Christ grows in Kherson, Alys hopes to continue to provide opportunities for believers to serve these children in their community.
One significant way this is becoming possible is through the Stephen's Home project, the first Christ centered, family, group home that is just about completed outside of Kherson in the village of Darivka. Through PROMISE, a Ukrainian non-profit charity, this family group home for mentally and physically challenged young orphaned men is becoming a reality. The property for Naomi's Home, the next group home for young orphaned women has been purchased right around the corner from Stephen's Home.
Getting these young adults out of the adult institutions, with deplorable conditions, that they were placed in at 18 years of age is the primary goal. Stephen's and Naomi's Homes will be places where love and joy will abound, that only the Lord can give to those who have been without hope for so very long. nsdoma.blogspot.com
As the Lord taught us to love the least of these, He led me to them and they are so desperate for love, in whatever manner it is expressed. The children are treasures waiting to be discovered and the joy on their faces expresses the treasure within as it unfolds."
With New International since 2006
