Mourning the Loss of Our Founder
It is with great sorrow that I share the news of the passing of the founder of Music Mission Kiev, Roger McMurrin, on Tuesday, December 12. His wife, Diane and sons Marc and Matthew were at his side. This year marked the 30th anniversary of Roger and Diane’s move to Kyiv to begin MMK.
The memorial service for Roger McMurrin will be on Thursday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. EST with a reception following. The service will be held at Redeemer OPC (22 S. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45440). The service will be live streamed at https://daytonopc.org/live/. The family has asked in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Music Mission Kiev at musicmissionkiev.org/give.
Several of the MMK Board of Directors will be with me in attending Roger’s service. We are grateful to continue leading this legacy Roger and Diane created in Ukraine. Reading the tributes and comments from many men and women in Ukraine has been humbling and inspiring. What an example of love and grace Roger and Diane demonstrated over many years in the US and Ukraine.
This picture is from the KSOC concert in Montreat, NC on September 30 of this year. The ladies were so happy to see and talk with Roger, Diane, Marc, and Matt. It was a glorious time. His parting words the next day as the KSOC headed to their next concert was, “if you don’t know Jesus, give your life to him, and you will get to spend eternity with Him. Jesus is the only way to heaven.” Roger consistently pointed toward Jesus.
I last saw Roger and Diane in Xenia, Ohio on October 3. He appeared strong and spoke briefly at the beginning of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performance by our ladies. The singers were inspired to perform before Roger and Diane again, knowing they started the KSOC in 1992. Although they had traveled nine hours by bus for the concert, having Roger there clearly invigorated them to a powerful performance through music.
Roger’s message was always “love for God and love for others.” His life’s sacrificial actions matched those words, and we are all the better for it. He will be sorely missed, and his life’s work now continues through us.
Please continue praying for Diane and the family for peace and comfort. Your prayers and love will bless them.
Greg Kannon
CEO | Music Mission Kiev