David and Karen Melin
After serving as a full-time pastor in Minnesota for 32 years, I now have the joy and privilege of ministering as a teaching missionary with Kontaktmission. Since 2002, I have been teaching at the Kremenchuk Evangelical Seminary in Ukraine — a work that has deeply shaped my heart and calling. In 2022, the Lord opened doors for me to begin teaching in Piedras Negras, Mexico, serving pastors and leaders in the state of Coahuila. Each year, I embark on four teaching trips between Ukraine and Mexico, investing in the training of church leaders who will impact generations to come.
I am the author of two biblical commentaries on Psalms and Proverbs, published in both Russian and English, with upcoming editions soon to be available in Ukrainian and Spanish.
Since 1982, I have been blessed to walk this journey of life and ministry alongside my wonderful wife, Karen. Together, we are grateful for our four grown children and eight beloved grandchildren.
When not teaching or traveling, I continue to serve the local church as an interim pastor in a rural Baptist congregation in east-central Minnesota. Additionally, I consider it a sacred privilege to support families in times of loss through my work with Olson and Swanson Funeral Chapels in Rush City and Pine City, Minnesota.
Equipping Shepherds for a Growing Harvest
The evangelical church in Ukraine continues to grow, and with that growth comes a vital need—well-trained pastors and church leaders grounded in sound theology. Alongside this, there is a significant shortage of solid, theologically rich resources in the Ukrainian language. I’ve had the privilege of serving in both areas: as a professor equipping leaders in the classroom, and as an author providing biblical commentaries for use in churches and seminaries.
For seven years, I also served on the board of READ Ministries, a faithful organization that has invested in theological training and resource distribution throughout Ukraine for over 20 years.
A similar need exists in Mexico. In the state of Coahuila, many Baptist churches are without a pastor, and many who do serve have not had access to formal theological education. In response to this need, I’ve partnered with missionaries Ken and Leah Spieler to provide practical, Bible-based training. Together, we organize all-day seminars that bring pastors and church leaders from across the region to a central location for teaching, encouragement, and equipping.
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Whether you’re an individual passionate about Christian education or a church seeking to make a lasting impact, we invite you to take two simple yet powerful steps to support our mission.
The first step is easy and takes just 20 seconds—but it makes an eternal difference. Choose one of our four prayer requests and lift it up to our Heavenly Father right now. Go ahead—we’ll wait for you to come back…
Welcome back! Now, we invite you to take the next step: Partner with us financially to help make this vital mission a reality. Your support equips teachers, empowers students, and strengthens Christian education in Germany. Together, we can ensure that the next generation grows in both knowledge and faith. Will you join us in this incredible journey?
Prayer Needs
1. Pray for the churches and leaders in Ukraine as they minister to the internally displaced people during a time of war.
2. Pray for the end of the war with Russia.
Pray for the training of pastors and church leaders in Mexico.
3. Pray for translation and publication of my commentaries on Psalms and Proverbs in Spanish.
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