About Us

Beginnings

Family of Christ was officially registered as a Ukrainian charitable foundation in 2018, but our roots were planted in 2012 when Rudolf (Rudy) Balazhinec and his friend Katty began making weekly visits to orphanages in and around Uzhhorod.

As they spent precious hours playing with the children, Rudy and Katty asked God to guide them and listened intently for His direction for their future.

Rudy and Katty were soon married, and Family of Christ grew to encompass many volunteers who dedicated countless hours to ensure residents of orphanages and nursing homes, families at risk, and babies left in hospitals had the food, medicine and warm, caring relationships we all need to survive.

Growth

After becoming registered, we added the joy of delivering presents to orphans and nursing home residents every year at Christmas. But, that was just the beginning!

We visited many people and places desperate for help and hope in equal measure. People around the world heard about the need and started sending supplies -- so much that we had to open a warehouse -- and then another -- to receive and process it all! Delivering food, clothing and medicine donated by caring people the world over to those without hope brought us great joy.

From 2018 to 2022, Family of Christ supplied the needs of more than 1,000 adults in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers and 2,000 children in orphanages, plus families at risk and homeless individuals encountered outside of the institutional setting.

Expansion

When Putin's forces invaded Ukraine and war began on February 24, 2022, our mission expanded to meet expanding needs, and our team grew in both numbers and boldness.

We believe that God has a special plan for the future of Ukraine, so every day our team awakens with the desire to bring Ukraine one step closer to victory against the Russian invaders.

In June 2022, we formed Family of Christ USA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Bloomington, Minnesota, to allow U.S. citizens to make tax-deductible donations.

Believing that God blesses us so we may bless others, in February 2023 we sent a team from Uzhhorod to southern Turkey after a massive earthquake hit the region.

Family of Christ Slovakia was opened in May 2023 with the securing of warehouse space to house supplies coming to Ukraine from the European Union.

Vision

In June 2023, Family of Christ Charitable Foundation, Family of Christ USA and Family of Christ Slovakia united under the banner Family of Christ International.

God has given us a vision for Family of Christ International beyond the borders of Ukraine to bring help, hope and healing in the name of Jesus Christ to people and places in crisis, wherever He may lead. 

We invite you to join us as together we do God's work!