Andrew Kelly

andrew@jeremiahshope.org

Andrew is a native of Australia and moved with his family to Abilene, Texas in 1988.  Having grown up in two cultures, Andrew truly understands the need for cross-cultural evangelism, especially to children.

Andrews passion for missions began in 1996 when he was invited by Greg Perry of World Wide Youth Camps to serve on a six week mission effort to Slavyanogorsk, Ukraine.  Since his initial trip that summer, Andrew has continuously returned to Ukraine to work in camps and also with some of the orphanages in the Donetsk region.  The ministry in those former Communist indoctrination camps to which WWYC introduced him led Andrew to pursue a degree in Missions.  The majority of his college elective hours were also spent in courses that related to ministry among children.

While attending Abilene Christian University, Andrew continued traveling to Ukraine each year as a part of various teams organized by World Wide Youth Camps and individuals.  In addition to his ministry with WWYC, Andrew was instrumental in the forming of a ministry (Bridges to the World) which worked in Central America providing humanitarian and spiritual aid to those in need following Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Andrew moved to Mariupol, Ukraine during the summer of 2004.  He oversees the operation of the "Transitional Living Center" and works closely with the Left Bank Church of Christ (Mariupol) in their ministry with the orphanages in the Mariupol community.  He still continues to assist in the coordination of programs such as "Christmas for Kids" and summer camps for orphans in Ukraine.

Andrew attended Abilene Christian High School (graduating in 1997) and also attended Abilene Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Missions in December of 2001. 

Andrew's ministry is overseen by the Church of Christ of Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.  His support comes from the church, family and friends.