Over recent weeks, we’ve received several encouraging updates from our partners in Ukraine that remind us just how interconnected physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are, especially in times of war.
One of the most moving ministries taking place is the monthly field kitchens organised by our church partners in the Sumy region. These kitchens are set up in forested areas, where teams prepare hot meals for soldiers serving nearby. But this work goes far beyond food alone. Alongside the meals, church volunteers spend time talking with the soldiers, listening to them, praying with them, sharing the hope of the gospel, and offering emotional and spiritual encouragement in an environment marked by uncertainty, fear and exhaustion.
In addition to this frontline ministry, the teams also distribute medical and first aid supplies, offering practical support to those serving under immense strain. These acts of care communicate something powerful: that these men are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
At the same time, further distributions of Tena pads and related hygiene products have continued in villages across the Sumy region, supporting civilians whose daily lives have been deeply disrupted by the war. For many, these simple but essential items restore dignity and relieve an ongoing burden. It was also encouraging to see more of our tracked items appear in the photos, helping us verify that these items are reaching those who truly need them.
Separately, medical and first aid supplies were sent to the city of Zhytomyr, accompanied by one of the chaplains and a group of medically trained believers. Together, they ministered to people there, combining professional care with prayer, presence, and compassion.
A few days later, we received a message from Georgy in Chernivtsi, one of our key contacts for coordinating humanitarian aid. He passed on greetings and gratitude from the church in Kryvyi Rih and the volunteer group serving alongside them. Recently, they have been actively working in 18 villages across the Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts (regions).
They shared how encouraged they have been to see the Lord sending sincere workers along their path, people with open hearts and ready hands, willing to serve wherever there is need. They were especially thankful to receive shipments of clothes, blankets, bed linen, and bicycles, most of which have already been distributed. The remaining items are being prepared and will be delivered as soon as weather conditions allow.
Many of their church services take place outdoors, under the open sky, regardless of whether it is snowing, raining, or freezing cold. Despite the conditions, people continue to come and listen. In the report, the teams described the joy of seeing gratitude written plainly on people’s faces, expressed not only in words, but in emotion, and of witnessing God’s love made visible through simple acts of mercy.
They also shared that they continue to pray for us, asking that God would strengthen us and fill us with peace and joy as the work continues here. Their message closed with a verse that beautifully captures the heart of this ministry:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
(Matthew 5:7, ESV)
A God Who Cares for the Whole Person
Scripture consistently shows us that God’s concern is not limited to the “spiritual” alone. Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, touched the outcast, comforted the grieving, and proclaimed the kingdom of God, often all at once. He did not separate body, mind, and soul; He ministered to the whole person.
When Elijah was exhausted, fearful, and ready to give up, God did not rebuke him with a sermon. Instead, He gave him rest, food, and water, and then spoke to him (1 Kings 19). In the Gospels, Jesus looked on the crowds and had compassion on them, not only because they were spiritually lost, but because they were weary and harassed.
This is the pattern we see reflected in these reports from Ukraine: meals prepared, medical supplies given, dignity restored through practical help, alongside prayer, presence, and the sharing of hope in Christ. These are not competing priorities – they belong together.
Mercy expressed in action becomes a living testimony of God’s love. In places marked by destruction, fear, and loss, such acts quietly declare that darkness does not have the final word.
How You Can Get Involved
This work is ongoing, and we are always grateful for those who want to stand with us in it. There are many ways to help:
- Collect or donate items such as Tena pads and mobility aids.
- Help prepare shipments, sort donations, or assist with logistics
- Pray for protection, strength, wisdom, and peace for all involved
- Support financially, particularly towards courier and transport costs
- Help in other ways, such as social media, communications, or practical support
Every contribution, whether visible or behind the scenes, plays a part in bringing light where there is so much darkness.
If you’d like to get involved, please do get in touch at [email protected], we would love to hear from you.
With Thanks
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Ballynahinch Baptist Church for their continued support and for helping to enable this work to take place.
https://www.ballynahinchbaptist.org/