We are grateful to God for over 30 years of Gospel partnership in Eastern Europe!
1991: Our founder, Esley Patsch, made his first trip to Russia and Ukraine. During this trip, while distributing Gospel literature on the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine, he began sharing Christ with an elderly man. The man said to him, ”We need this [the hope found only in Jesus Christ]; we have been in prison all of our lives.” This was the catalyst for the beginning of Summit Missions International (SMI). Sensing a confirmation from the Lord that the USA church needed to do more in post-Soviet countries, Esley mobilized a mission trip to Ukraine and Belarus.
1992: 15,000 pairs of shoes were collected through Summit Missions International’s “Soles for Souls” campaign and shipped to those in need in Ukraine. This was the beginning of the humanitarian facet of SMI’s ministry.
1994: Summit Missions International was officially registered and recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. SMI hosted the first Bible Club program in Transnistria, igniting local churches and believers to continue this program which continues to grow, reaching thousands of children each year.
2000: Sending a construction team and pole building to Slobozia, Moldova, Summit Missions International built a church for the local group of believers to have a place to meet and conduct outreach to their surrounding community.
2006: Help the Children International was founded through the assistance of Summit Missions International. This program continues to provide social assistance and support services for orphans, vulnerable children, teens, and families, helping people find hope.
2022: When war erupted between Russia and Ukraine on February 24, 2022, SMI’s national partners were prepared to immediately respond to the vast number of displaced individuals through practical help and spiritual hope. They provided evacuation, shelter, food, and other forms of assistance while sharing the love and hope found in knowing Christ.
2024: May 2024 marked a pivotal event at Summit Missions International with the retirement of Founder Esley Patsch, a faithful servant of God with over 30 years of ministry at SMI.
Today: We look back in awe at the goodness of our great God over our many years of ministry and His faithfulness as the work of Summit Missions International continues to provide practical help and spiritual hope through partnerships with national Eastern European churches and Christian leaders. With the support of our Summit Community, we continue to pursue obedience to the Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
