Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Shores of Hope

Ministering on the Shore with Jesus

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by Sharon K. Williams

Shores of Hope, a Mosaic Partner in Ministry in West Palm Beach, Florida, ministers with Slavic refugees by supporting their immigration journey in the United States. Pavel and Marina Gailans are finding ways to introduce their new friends to Jesus.

“Most new immigrants will not come to a church service but will come to an informal, informational, family-oriented event at our house,” Pavel says. “As people get to know us and become our friends, they open their hearts and minds to good news and love of God, which will hopefully encourage them receive God’s salvation.”

This ministry, supported in part by a Missions Operational Grant, is reminiscent of Jesus’ lakeshore ministry with Gentiles in the region of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21–38). Most of Jesus’ teachings did not happen in a synagogue. His strategy involved going to the people. With just seven loaves of bread, a few fish, and prayer, Jesus brought healing, teaching, and nourishment to over 4,000 people in the region.

During the year, the Gailans host several gatherings in their home for up to 40 adults and children. The international group is predominantly Slavic, and they speak several languages. Everyone shares food of their national flavors, which is an incredible way of bonding new friendships. They gather in the living room to share updates on things that have happened since their last meeting. They welcome new people who have recently entered the United States. Many Ukrainian and Russian refugees are facing uncertainties. So every gathering is a great source of encouragement and inspiration.

Special occasions like birthdays are celebrated with gifts. The children also receive presents on special occasions. These community-building times of sharing are incredible moments to express appreciation for each person. Every gathering is a unique opportunity to share about the love of God.

The Gailans worship the Lord with other believers too. Pavel preaches at two churches every Sunday. Marina also meets with Slavic women and some children approximately three Sundays a month.

Meeting people where they are and addressing their needs with God’s love creates bonding and trust.

Sharon K. Williams

Sharon K. Williams serves as the minister of worship with the Nueva Vida Norristown (PA) New Life Mennonite congregation.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Giving Hope and Uniting People in West Palm Beach

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by Andrés Castillo

In February I spent a day brushing up on my Russian at the home of Pavel and Marina, leaders of the Shores of Hope community in West Palm Beach, Florida. Shores of Hope is a ministry that accompanies and ministers to Ukrainian and Russian refugees in the area, as well as other Russian speakers who grew up in the USSR.  

I watched as Tajik friends cooked an aromatic feast of plov (pilaf) and okroshka soup. Homemade Pad Thai joined the spread later. I joined Pavel in a surprise duet—him on balalaika, me on guitar—of Russian folk songs. Monolingual English speakers, second-generation Russian-Americans, first-generation Russian immigrants and Tajiks sat around the living room and shared what was on our hearts and minds and learned about each other’s lives. 

Shores of Hope community members from Tajikistan serve homemade Plov (rice pilaf). Photo by Pavel Gailans.

It was international yet intimate. 

Shores of Hope’s partnership with Mosaic was clear after the first Support Group meeting with Mosaic staff members. At the meeting, Pavel told Shores of Hope’s story: 

“Giving hope and uniting people is our motto,” Pavel says. “We began to meet a lot of people from Ukraine and Russia who were seeking refuge in the U.S. We felt heartbroken about the situation. 

Shores of Hope community members gather in Marina and Pavel’s living room to share what is on their hearts and minds. Photo by Marina Gailans.

We became part of a small Slavic bible study. We asked them if they would be interested in helping spread the Gospel here in Florida and we organized a Christmas concert. 

People in Ukraine are fleeing war, and they need someone that will just love them. The Christmas concert made us realize that God wants us to do this. 

We were in awe of seeing different doors open. We were able to meet many families and welcome them into our home, just to have dinner or talk. Many immigrant families are interested in coming to our home for events.” 

Pavel also shared other aspects of Shores of Hope’s mission: 

“One of our hopes is not just to raise funds for refugee families, but also start a business club to help them learn about the U.S. economic system and what they want to do. 

We also want to address issues related to the war. We are against this war, and we have intentional, challenging conversations in our home with Ukrainians and Russians alike. 

We embrace those who are connected somehow to the Russian language or have an interest in our culture. Meetings and events are held in Russian, and you will find that there is a strong connection between those who grew up in the Soviet Union.” 

Marina and Pavel are currently awaiting work authorization, which will help them financially and make certain processes more efficient. They will continue to host gatherings in their home and minister to the Shores of Hope community.

Drane Reynolds from Homestead Mennonite Church prays for the meal in English while Pavel interprets into Russian. Photo by Andrés Castillo.

“I have very little free time, but I feel blessed to live here in the U.S. and have certain freedoms,” shares Pavel. “We never dreamed that we would know you [Mosaic]. We are grateful that you and MCUSA want to be a part of our lives and believe in what we do. It’s divine encouragement for us.” 

Marina and Pavel have been married nearly 25 years and have two children, Pavel (11) and Anastasia (9). Marina enjoys managing Airbnb properties, but for most of her life she has been involved in ministry and enjoys that even more. Pavel studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He recently took up a chaplaincy role at a hospice facility and an interim pastorship at Homestead (FL).  

Andrés Castillo

Andrés Castillo is the Intercultural Communication Associate for the Conference. Andrés lives in Philadelphia, PA, and currently attends Methacton Mennonite Church. He loves trying new food, learning languages, playing music, and exploring new places.