11/23/2025
Ukraine mission notes:
Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, we’ve been serving alongside churches in southern Ukraine to bring humanitarian aid and share the hope found only in Jesus Christ. Recently, we met with a pastor friend from a frontline region who described how dangerous travel into his city has become because of ongoing attacks on civilians. He also recounted a recent rocket attack on their church and thanked God that it happened hours before their service. Even in the midst of all this, attendance has grown as many Ukrainians are coming to Christ.
When he told us he would be returning to his city, our team unanimously decided to accompany him. He was grateful for the support, and having an extra vehicle meant more food and supplies could reach people in need. (Thanks to Iluian at Life Romania for the van). Necessary permissions were submitted on our behalf, and we were able to move forward quickly. We packed our vans and began the three-hour journey, passing through security checkpoints along the way.
As we drew closer to the city, we drove through areas where protective measures have been set up to reduce the risk of drone attacks. Not far away, a burned-out vehicle served as a sobering reminder of the danger residents face daily.
Before the war, this city had several hundred thousand residents. Today, about 65,000 remain. Many neighborhoods are abandoned, yet tens of thousands still call the area home—and every one of them needs Jesus, whether to know Him more deeply or meet Him for the first time.
Our first stop was an apartment complex housing people displaced from harder-hit neighborhoods. A crowd had already gathered, and we handed out food and prayed with them.
Next, we brought supplies to a local hospital and encouraged the nurses and staff. As first responders, we understand the weight they carry as they continue to serve under pressure.
At our third stop—a church we’ve visited for years—the pastor showed us fresh damage from a recent drone strike that landed on the roof. Despite that, men’s and women’s Bible studies had just wrapped up, and their joy was unmistakable. We shared food, prayed together, and helped them restock freezers for future food distributions.
Our fourth stop was a neighborhood near a contested riverbank. The people waiting for us barely reacted to the distant artillery—it has become part of daily life. Before distributing food, I shared a short testimony and why we serve. As the sound of artillery moved closer, we prepared to leave, but more residents arrived, so we opened the vans again and continued handing out food. Then we heard small arms fire. Our pastor friend called out to us to leave immediately. The crowd scattered, and we drove away- learning later that the soldiers nearby had been shooting at a drone.
Stop five was another church we’ve visited many times. They showed us where the rocket had impacted and the repairs they had made to the church. We unloaded most of the remaining food for distribution and prayed with their pastor before saying goodbye.
We also spent time with soldiers, praying with them, offering first aid kits, and sharing resources from REBOOT Recovery—a ministry providing Gospel-centered trauma support for soldiers and first responders. I shared three things that have helped me as a police officer facing trauma: strong brothers to talk to, physical exercise, and most importantly, a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
We ended the day at a church that has hosted us before. They welcomed us with a hot meal and a place to rest, just as they have in past trips.
One of my biggest takeaways from this journey is seeing how boldly the body of Christ is serving in the midst of conflict. The pastors and congregations we visited have embraced their circumstances and are faithfully being the hands and feet of Jesus to their hurting communities.
The work continues. Thank you for partnering with us to reach as many people as possible across Ukraine.
-Jeremiah Cook
