The feeling when artillery fire thunders nearby is, of course, special—even though you start to get somewhat used to it after all the visits to the country. Together with my travel companions, I am about 15 kilometers from the front line. We visit several hospitals to ensure that aid in the form of hospital beds, medicines, and more reaches those in need. And it does. One of the hospitals we recently visited was quite calm and quiet that day, but just two days after our visit, a rocket took 17 lives, and 32 severely injured civilians were cared for at that very hospital.

A young Ukrainian girl left her medical studies in Canada at the start of the war and now—wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest—visits elderly people in small villages near the front lines several times a week. Their gratitude and her selfless work are deeply moving to witness. Through our medical contact, we were able to help supply her with all the medicine she needs for a long time ahead. When we met her, it turned out she is a believing Christian and had prayed to God for help to find medicine just two days before we met her. In the midst of the difficult times the people of Ukraine are going through, God is present—even in the small things—and supports these heroes—not least all the volunteers—who just keep going, day after day, month after month, serving the most vulnerable.

As you then drive westward, the roadblocks become fewer until you reach cities where the war feels distant and, on the surface, life seems to go on as usual—but even there, a drone can strike, bringing destruction and suffering.

But in the midst of it all, you see that the help with food, medicine, and so much more makes an enormous difference. Even the presence of us aid workers is so important — being there in person is a great encouragement to those who face daily danger.

And God is present. Many are turning to the churches, and new congregations have also been established.

Hope—both for today and for the future—comes from Him who loves like no other.