Director passes unexpectedly
Dr. Oleg Kolbach had been a Luke Society ministry partner since 2007. He is survived by his wife, Irina.
RIVNE, UKRAINE—With heavy hearts we are devastated to share news of the passing of Luke Society ministry director Dr. Oleg Kolbach of Rivne, Ukraine.
Kolbach died unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 13. He was 44.
Kolbach was the medical driver behind The Right Way ministry in Rivne, a drug and alcohol abuse rehab center which seeks to bring the light of Jesus Christ into wayward souls. He was assisted in the ministry by co-director Rev. Vitaly Korsunsky and 16 staff members.
The Luke Society has partnered with The Right Way since 2007.
“Our hearts are saddened as we receive news of this loss,” said Luke Society executive director Dr. Brent Van Andel. “It is a devastating event that we cannot understand completely. However, God is still in control. We can trust him as we walk with our brothers and sisters through this terrible tragedy.”
For the last several years, Kolbach, a highly-regarded doctor, was also providing mental health care in the local government hospital as a psychiatrist.
After Kolbach lost his mother when he was just 2 years old, his grandfather, a pastor, became a significant spiritual influence for him. Eastern Europe Regional Coordinator Dr. Pal Oroszi said Kolbach always felt his life’s calling was to help people suffering with addictions.
“With the help and support of the Luke Society, the dream became reality,” Oroszi said. “The Doot Rehabilitation Center in Rivne became the place like the Bethesda where hundreds of addicted young lives became clean and received a chance for renewed life. Oleg loved these people, understood their problems, thoughts and he liked to be with them. He was like an umbrella for the Doot Center — always was there if somebody needed help and if the work of the rehab faced some difficulties.”
Kolbach is survived by his wife of 11 years, Irina, and children, Alexander, 10, and Kira, 7.
We ask you to join us in prayer for the Kolbach family in this difficult time. Also pray for the Korsunsky and Oroszi families who are grieving the loss of a dear friend. The PMT for The Right Way also developed close relationships with the Kolbachs. Pray for Judy Doot (Oak Brook, Ill.), Dr. Rick and Ellen Hamilton (Grandville, Mich.) and Cal and Marcy Tameling (Elmhurst, Ill.).
Pray for wisdom in the complex questions facing the future of the ministry.