Wise Carpenter: Mentorship, Faith, and Hope for Ukrainian Boys

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In this episode, Eric sits down with Vitaliy Andriiets, the founder of Wise Carpenter, a ministry in Ukraine dedicated to mentoring boys—especially those growing up without fathers. Vitaliy shares his own journey of growing up fatherless and how it shaped his passion for equipping young men with both practical skills and a strong foundation in faith.  

Through hands-on workshops, Wise Carpenter teaches boys not only how to work with their hands but also how to embrace their value and purpose. As the war in Ukraine continues, the need for mentorship has never been greater, with many boys facing life without their fathers due to military service or loss. Vitaliy discusses how the ministry has expanded—tripling in size—and the growing impact it has on families and communities.  

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of discipleship, community, and stepping up for the next generation. Vitaliy also shares urgent needs, from financial support to prayer, as Wise Carpenter prepares for camps and continues its vital work.  

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about resilience, faith, and the role of mentorship in shaping young lives.

Takeaways

• Vitaliy grew up without a father and aims to provide mentorship to boys in similar situations.
• Wise Carpenter started as a local initiative to help boys learn practical skills and biblical principles.
• The workshops focus on hands-on activities, teaching boys to work with their hands and understand their value.
• Faith integration is key, with biblical teachings incorporated into the workshops.
• The ministry has expanded significantly, tripling its branches since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
• Families report positive changes in their boys, including increased responsibility and affection towards their parents.
• The ongoing war has created new challenges, with many boys losing their fathers or living without them due to military service.
• Vitaliy emphasizes the need for community support and the role of men in mentoring boys.
• Financial support is crucial for the ministry’s operations and upcoming camps for boys.
• Prayer is essential for the ministry’s success and the peace of families in Ukraine.

Get Involved

Wise Carpenter is stepping into the gap with practical mentorship, discipleship, and hope. The impact on boys and families has been transformational, but the need is great. With support from Josiah Venture and others, Wise Carpenter is tripling its reach—but they need partners to keep going. Whether through prayer, financial giving, or simply spreading the word, you can be part of mentoring a generation and rebuilding lives. Come build with us.

To support the ministry of Wise Carpenter, please visit their ministry support page through Josiah Venture.

About

Wise Carpenter was founded by Vitaliy, a Ukrainian missionary and disciple-maker, who, after being displaced by war in 2014, found new purpose in Cherkasy. Inspired by his faith and missionary work in Kenya, India, and Sierra Leone, Vitaliy launched Wise Carpenter in 2017—a workshop where Christian men mentor boys and young men through hands-on skills and biblical teaching. Today, Wise Carpenter operates 12 workshops across Ukraine, equipping churches to disciple the next generation. In partnership with Epokha, Vitaliy envisions expanding this movement throughout Ukraine and beyond, empowering men to raise godly young leaders across Central and Eastern Europe.

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