We’re George and Julia Avetysian, missionaries with Cru in Ukraine. In January 2025 George became the national leader for Partner Development, a ministry that helps our staff and teams become fully funded so they can share Christ freely. Julia is also committed to developing staff and teams, especially within student ministry. Together we invest in leaders, couples and students to know Jesus and follow Him.

• George’s journey: I grew up in a Soviet‑atheist family and came to Christ in 2008 as a university freshman. God soon ignited my heart for evangelism. I joined the Cru student movement on my campus and have been serving ever since.
• Julia’s journey: I grew up in a Christian home but didn’t grasp the Great Commission until I met Cru staff at my university in 2009. Getting involved in their ministry changed everything. George and I met through Cru and married in 2012.

For years we served on campus teams in Kyiv and Odesa, sharing the Gospel with students and helping them grow in their faith. When the 2022 invasion forced us to relocate, we spent 18 months in Romania serving Ukrainian refugees. In 2023 the Lord called us back home to Ukraine, where we now focus on strengthening couples and developing church and staff leaders. Over more than 15 years of ministry, we’ve learned valuable lessons we share with others to help them reach even more people for Christ.

Our vision is that every staff member, team and our mission as a whole will be self‑sustained on the road to fulfilling the Great Commission — so everyone in Ukraine will know at least one true follower of Jesus. We rejoice to see God transform lives and multiply leaders, and this is possible only through the prayers and support of ministry partners like you.

Would you consider joining our partner team to help us equip leaders and bring the message of Christ to Ukraine

Email: georgii.avetysian@cru.org

Phone: +1 (360) 939-6689

Facebook: George Avetysian

Group: Avetysian Ministry Updates

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