About Us

Partner with us in serving God’s people in Ukraine!

About Us

The Lord is our Shepherd

Since, then you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-7

Our Mission

Shepherd’s Foundation focuses on Christ-centric, socially relevant, measurable, sustainable, and reproducible mission projects that have lasting transformational effects on individuals and partner communities in Ukraine.

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of individuals and communities in Ukraine through spiritual growth and encouragement.

Our Values

Love, trust, respect, integrity, accountability, persistence, responsibility, honesty.

28

Years of ministry

321

Missions complete

2140

Volunteers

5

Fields of ministry
Wisdom

Our Lessons Learned

1

Choose faith over fear. It is God's mission and not ours.

2

Appreciate other cultures by asking questions and listening.

3

Continue to grow spiritually.

4

Appreciate the Spiritual Gifts God has given to others and seek to utilize them.

5

Persevere in tough times.

6

Encourage and equip future leaders.

7

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Our Team

Board of Directors

Lowell Becker MD

Board Member

Olivia M. Bradley

Board Member

Paul M. Floyd

President

Dr. Marshall Wade

Chair of the Board

Kyle Krecklow

Board Member

Barbara Wicklander

Administrator

Katie Bonawitz

Board Member

Prayer for new ministry

While Shepherd’s Foundation was officially founded in the spring of 1993, the roots go back to September 1990. Paul and Linda Wicklund asked their small group to pray for them to find a new ministry for their lives. At the same time, Pastor Victor Deyev, from Zolotonosha signed up to be a sister church with an American congregation and was told his church had little chance of being selected.

Establishment of the Shepherd's Foundation

These beginning partnerships forged a solid relationship between Christians in Minnesota and Ukraine. The focus on working together and community outreach attracted attention from volunteers and donors eager to help, and Shepherd’s Foundation was established as a nonprofit organization in the spring of 1993 to meet these needs.

Community work launches in Zolotonosha

In the spring of 1994, a multi-specialty team consisting of dentists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, and social workers traveled to Zolotonosha to begin community work with Shepherd’s Foundation in cooperation with the local Zolotonosha Baptist church. The trip didn’t have a specific vision for the future or master plan. These were simply dedicated volunteers inspired by Wicklund’s stories of ministry in Ukraine and curious to see how they could help. As a result of God’s leading, a number of Shepherd’s Foundation ministries developed from this short-term trip, which are still making an impact today.

Containers shipped to Cherkasy region

From 1993 through 1999, Shepherd’s Foundation shipped millions of dollars of donated medical equipment and supplies to Ukraine including food, clothes, dental equipment, church supplies, and school supplies. Over 30 containers traveled to the Cherkasy Region.

New day camp ministries

In the summer of 2003, a series of new day camps developed in Zolotonosha, including a sports camp, drama camp, English as a Second Language (ESL) camp, music camp, and cooking camp. These ministries reached out to hundreds of youth every summer providing fun, education, and a chance to hear the gospel.

Youth Center in Zolotonosha

The Youth Center built in Zolotonosha houses numerous activities for children and adults on a weekly basis, including Bible studies for youth and adults, a sports program, a craft program, and a summer athletic program.

Camp Maximum

Shepherd’s Foundation’s largest project to date. Being inspired by the story of Trout Lake Camps, the team answered the calling to transform the lives of kids and adults through fun and safe camping experiences that introduce the lifesaving message of Jesus, building a sustainable legacy of Christian camping in Ukraine.

Shepherd's Foundation readies for it's third decade of ministry

Although still a vital part of Shepherd’s Foundation ministry, Paul and Linda Wicklund retire from active leadership responsibilities. Shepherd’s Foundation looks ahead to its third decade of service following God’s leading and utilizing the energies of a devoted Ukrainian/American leadership team.

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