Our Story: From Refugees to Missionaries
A Legacy of Mercy Born in 1992
The story of Emmanuel Mercy Mission began following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Our founders fled religious persecution and political instability, arriving in the United States as refugees.
Settling in the Pacific Northwest, they experienced firsthand the challenges of starting over in a new land. More importantly, they experienced the overwhelming kindness and support of the American community.
In July 1992, driven by a deep sense of gratitude, they incorporated Emmanuel Mercy Mission in the State of Oregon. What started as a grateful response to their own rescue transformed into a lifelong ministry dedicated to serving individuals caught in severe, sudden international crisis zones.
The birthplace of our mission: The residence of Valentina Ovcharenko, where the packing of our first humanitarian aid shipments began on August 1, 1992.
Our Story: From Refugees to Missionaries
A Legacy of Mercy Born in 1992
The story of Emmanuel Mercy Mission began following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Our founders fled religious persecution and political instability, arriving in the United States as refugees.
Settling in the Pacific Northwest, they experienced firsthand the challenges of starting over in a new land. More importantly, they experienced the overwhelming kindness and support of the American community.
In July 1992, driven by a deep sense of gratitude, they incorporated Emmanuel Mercy Mission in the State of Oregon. What started as a grateful response to their own rescue transformed into a lifelong ministry dedicated to serving individuals caught in severe, sudden international crisis zones.
EMMANUEL: God is with us
MERCY: To freely give kindness and love to those in need
MISSION: In ministry to share the love of Jesus to the world
Our Promise to You
We promise to use your money with care and to help people in crisis quickly. We promise to make sure that your dollar is used to the maximum for those in need. We promise to be completely transparent and accountable.
📋 Public Disclosures & Financial Accountability (IRS Form 990 Logs):