Pray For Visa

Applying for and obtaining visas in most countries is a complicated process of paperwork and interviews. The difficulty in Ukraine begins with understanding what the process is even supposed to look like. Over the past few years, the Ukrainian government has changed its application process every 6 months and not one single department seems to be able to answer the question "how do I apply for a visa?" Most missionaries are attempting to stretch out their current visas for as long as possible, but this isn't an option for one Open Arms team member: Chelsea.

Chelsea first came on a summer missions trip through Open Arms in the summer of 2010, but it was after her second summer with us that she decided God was calling her to full time ministry with these broken children. She made the decision to join the OA team full time and moved this past January (despite the frigid temperatures). From what was understood, Chelsea would need an invitation, with which she could go to Poland and apply for a visa that she would receive on the same day as application. Until recently, that was the plan, but the missionaries who recently attempted this process under the given invitation have been denied and an entirely new invitation must be made, processed, and taken to Poland within the next week in order for Chelsea to stay Ukraine.

Time is limited, but it is still very much possible. We are asking that you join us in prayer - pray for wisdom as our team makes travel arrangements, requests invitations, and as Chelsea makes the ultimate decision of what is best for her at this point in time. Pray for a miracle that all the necessary paperwork would come together and Chelsea would be able to remain in the country. And also, pray for encouragement to uplift Chelsea's heart in an extreme way in this uncertain situation.

Chelsea is a huge gift and asset to the OAU team and our hearts are for her to be able to stay. Please be praying for Chelsea's heart and she waits in limbo for what the future holds. She is an amazing asset to our team and as we begin plans for summer camp, girl's Bible Studies, orphanage ministries, graduation... it makes it all the harder for her to think about leaving. It you are able and would like to give towards her application process, please do so by clicking the link below or sending checks to Open Arms Ukraine, PO Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with "VISA" in the memo line of the check.