Don’t Can’t Hometown Kick-Off
On August 13th, Mariner’s Church in Irvine hosted the hometown launch of “Don’t Can’t: Run to the Front,” an event led by Reaching Beyond Ourselves (RBO) executive directors Ryan and Mila Birtcher. The choice of venue was particularly meaningful, as the Birtchers not only call Mariner’s Church their home church but also lead its Ukrainian Ministry. Since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Mariner’s Church and its Global Outreach team have been pivotal supporters of RBO and the Chaplains Battalion of Mariupol, contributing nearly half a million dollars in emergency support and humanitarian aid. Their efforts have been instrumental in re-establishing their partner’s communities in Western Ukraine, building long-term transitional homes, and setting up refugee centers.
The launch event was a heartwarming gathering of friends, family, and the broader RBO and Mariner’s Church communities, offering a moment for all to be introduced to the Don’t Can’t campaign, its vision and initiative’s long term goals. It was a special evening for Ryan and Mila Birtcher, who were moved by the support from their community, including attendees from RBO’s weekly Ukrainian Prayer Call and longtime friends like Connie Rutenbar, Tim Healy and Herman Brown. The event served as a significant milestone in the teams’ efforts, providing a platform to share their work and foster advocacy for Ukraine. Ryan expressed his gratitude, noting how rewarding it was to finally unveil months of hard work. The evening also left runner Nikki Chay inspired and motivated to take on the challenge, making the cause feel more tangible and real. Special thanks to Allison Crawford, Mariner’s Global Outreach pastor, whose unwavering support made the event possible and has so positively impacted Ryan and Mila’s journey.
