Novus Foundation July 2025
Poland
The war in Ukraine continues to tear at the soul of the nation, leaving devastation in its wake, especially for women and children. Yet even in the midst of sorrow, the light of God’s mercy is shining through His people. Across this battered region, partnerships are emerging that reveal His love, generosity, and compassion. The Church is becoming a beacon of relevance, and many are turning to Christ as a source of hope and healing.
One such partnership is with the Novus Foundation, led by Aneta and Pablo Montano. Their ministry spans humanitarian relief, trauma-informed psychological care, and the education of emerging church leaders. Their vision is clear: to train counselors and ministers equipped to heal hearts broken by war. Novus offers the only EU-accredited, English-language bachelor’s degree in Christian counseling, and starting in 2025, this program will also be offered in Polish.
Our partnership is grounded in a shared commitment: to equip the next generation of Christian counselors and leaders who will bring restoration and resilience to war-torn communities. We’re honored to share the stories of two students whose lives are being transformed.
Yana R., from Haivoron, Ukraine, studies online while supporting her husband, a pastor and military chaplain. Yana ministers to widows and orphans in local shelters—women and children overwhelmed by grief and loss. Yet, she lacked the training to truly help them heal. When she learned about the Novus program, the cost was beyond her means. But thanks to generous donors, Yana received a full scholarship and is now entering her second year. “I am so grateful the Lord called people from the United States to help me become one of my nation’s healers in Jesus’ name,” she says. “People ask why God hasn’t stopped this war. I don’t know. But He has put me here, and I am the face of Jesus they see.”
Tetiana P., a refugee from eastern Ukraine, now lives in Warsaw. She arrived in March 2022, alone, uncertain, and uprooted. Back home, Tetiana had been an English teacher who loved working with children. But in Poland, she was unable to continue without local credentials. Through Novus, she is studying counseling in English and preparing to serve Ukrainian women displaced by the war. She hopes to return one day and be part of her country’s emotional and spiritual rebuilding.
Looking ahead, we are amazed at how God is expanding the reach of Novus Foundation. Aneta and Pablo are praying, like Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10), that the Lord would enlarge their territory. They’ve already received 200 applications from 21 countries, including 16 outside the EU. Twenty new students will join the current cohort, bringing the student body to 40. Some will become licensed counselors, while others will become church planters. The new Polish-language program will develop church leaders within Poland. Interest is also growing in Africa, where satellite campuses are being planned for Nigeria and Ethiopia.
How You Can Help
• Pray: Ask God to guide the right students to Novus and grant wisdom to the leadership team as they discern and disciple future leaders. Pray also for the successful launch of campuses in Africa.
• Give: Ukrainian students receive full scholarships ($2,100/year), while others receive partial scholarships ($700/year). Your support can help train the next generation of global Christian healers.
• Teach: Novus seeks qualified online instructors in counseling, theology, Bible, and finance. If you’re interested in teaching a 15-week course (October–December or February–May), please contact Tom Boone at tom@theoutreachfoundation.org.
In the face of war, Novus Foundation is planting seeds of healing, one student at a time. Thank you for being part of this redemptive journey.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of Novus Foundation in Poland. All gifts of any size are welcome to help provide scholarships so more international students can attend Novus’ Theology and Counseling Studies Program. You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below or you may make an online gift via the button below.