During a Bible Winter Camp in Ukraine earlier this month retired firefighter Tom Roth from Oregon got seriously ill with pneumonia. He was rushed to hospital in Kyiv, but a few days later he passed away.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Many people impacted by the life of a much loved US missionary to Ukraine gathered recently to pay tribute to his life during a memorial service in Kyiv.
On Thursday Jan 15 retired firefighter Tom Roth passed away aged 68 after battling double pneumonia. During a Bible winter camp run by Christian charity Mercy Projects he was rushed to hospital but a few days later he passed away.
For several years Tom had regularly travelled to Ukraine to volunteer on Mercy Projects summer and winter camps. He also ministered on the frontlines when the war started and he sponsored multiple families through the charity.
Mercy Projects Founder Jeff Thompson shared this update on Tom’s passing:
Our hearts really go out to the family. He had a tremendous legacy here in Ukraine. Well over ten years has been coming to Ukraine. He was man that was serving Jesus and loving people.
And this is what some of those at the memorial service had to share about his life:
Tom for me was a grandfather I could never have dreamed of.
He would always sacrifice himself and he was never about himself. He was always about others and about Jesus Christ.
The thing I remember was that he always believed in me.
I real value that he was generous, faithful and how he loved kids.
While so many are devastated at this loss, they along with the team at Mercy Projects remain committed to continuing the legacy he leaves behind seeing many more young people accept Christ and achieve their full potential in reaching others.
Peter Wooding reporting for the Global News Alliance in Ukraine.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Jeff Thompson – Mercy Projects Founder
Recording Location
Ukraine
Organization featured in this Story
Mercy Projects – www.mercyprojects.org
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