On my last trip to Ukraine, I had the opportunity to visit with many frontline military soldiers. What I found is that there is a larger humanitarian aid & mental health issue among them than I originally realized and one that I find difficult to express. I believe these men and women on the frontlines to be the future of Ukraine, and ultimately feel that they will be the change agents for a better and more stable Europe in the future. For each village, city, community, and church to thrive in Eastern Europe, it is vital to have leaders who have developed in the trenches. The men and women that are now and will be battle-hardened veterans of war will be the very ones who lead with character and integrity in the forefront of politics and faith once this war ends. After visiting with them, I was driven even more to support their day to day efforts in practical ways.

Most nonprofits are wary of this type of project, but I know that we as an organization can help. I believe that we must help them prepare for what happens after the war and proactively support them before they enter back into society with the trauma of war bearing down on them. Our plan is to effectively connect them to the local church and their faith through serving their needs now and building those relationships with a community of believers while they are at war.

Our plan is a Winter Warrior Project - we are excited to serve these men and women that are currently serving their country and their communities. One of the requests that I received from soldiers while over there was backpacks and warm gear - they are in need of the most basic supplies, especially now as they are heading into winter. Our hope is to provide as many men and women with a 40 L military grade backpack along with items that will help them enter the winter combat zone such as a winter balaclava, fleece beanie, neck gaiter, gloves, cold-weather socks, and a Bible. We hope to provide additional hygiene items as well.