A group of people, mostly women, are gathered outdoors in a snowy park. Some are standing in line, while others are talking or standing near tables with boxes. The scene appears to be a community event or outdoor market during winter.

With no electricity and heat many people are struggling to stay alive. Alternate heat is hard in an apartments. Churches in Ukraine are finding those in need and sharing warm food and generators to recharge phones and battery banks. These people are being given not only hot food for the day supplies for later also.

A young girl with a fur-lined hooded coat, colorful scarf, and boots, holding a plush fish in a crowded room with stacks of boxes and clothing; a woman with a yellow hat and black jacket is smiling nearby.

Brave volunteers load food and warm clothing and deliver them to high-risk areas so families who cannot leave can survive. They move carefully through active danger to keep people fed and warm.

A dirt pathway leading to a village with tents and smoke rising in the background, with several people walking and lights illuminating the scene during dusk.

God is Moving

Vadim is a pastor in Ukraine who serves refugees and regularly travels into front line areas to deliver food and share the gospel. Every trip requires passing military checkpoints, where there are no guarantees—even for those legally exempt.

After my last visit, Vadim was taken into forced military service and held in a military tent camp. All we could do was pray.

On Christmas Eve, Vadim was asked to share at a small meal the men had put together. He shared the Christmas story and the message of salvation. All 39 men present gave their lives to Christ.

Vadim later wrote, “I now understand why I am here. God used me, even in this hard time.”

After nearly two weeks, Vadim was released and returned to his family—and to the ongoing risks of following God’s call.

Four people standing in front of an open delivery truck filled with boxes and bags, on a snowy day.
A smiling women receiving aid at warehouse.

Ukraine Conditions Now

Currently large portions of Ukraine only get power occasionally. A large portion of people live in apartment buildings that have no options for heat either. Winter has been rough with temperatures dropping into the single digits and snow. Our warehouse in Cherkasy feeds thousands of displaced Ukrainians every month. Pastors risk their lives on bad snowy roads with drones flying overhead to get food to remote locations. The vehicles constantly break down due to poor roads.

A woman and a young child receiving aid in a village near the front lines

The psychological toll of war weighs heavily on children. From care packages to therapy sessions, we work to help them cope with the effects of growing up in a war zone.

Pastors praying before heading out to help others.

Supporting Pastors In War Zones

Being a pastor in a war zone is exhausting.

Sleepless nights are common, with drones flying overhead and the constant uncertainty of when they might strike. Every trip to the front lines requires trusting God to protect not only themselves, but their families as well.

Many pastors face the heartbreak of turning people away who desperately need food—simply because supplies have run out. At the same time, they work day jobs to support their families and their churches. The strain is relentless. Most are exhausted, and few ever truly rest.

We try to take these pastors to quieter areas of Ukraine for a few days every few months to support their physical and mental recovery. The change is remarkable. As they step out of the danger zone, their bodies begin to relax. They sleep through the night. Their smiles return. Strength and health begin to be restored.

These moments of rest help them return ready to continue serving—grounded, renewed, and strengthened for the work ahead.