We have been on the ground since the start of this war.
Church Missions is the pathway to come to Ukraine and be the hands and feet of Jesus. We have learned through missionary work that being the hands and feet of Jesus can mean many different things. We can be prudent in our planning and diligent in our work, but our Lord makes divine appointments.
Through the mission fields of humanitarian aid, post-traumatic stress clinics, medical training, evacuations, and the Faithful Heart Homes Project, Christians can act on their calling to serve in the life skills that God has provided them.
FAQs
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Yes, most American Cell providers will work in Ukraine, but you will pay a day rate depending on your provider. For example, AT&T has a $10-dollar international plan for up to 10 days, which is one flat rate of $100 a month. Contact your service provider and advise them that you will travel to Ukraine.
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Yes. However, if your cell phone is not unlocked (paid for in full and unlocked by the provider), you cannot put a Ukraine sim card in your phone. The SIM cards are cheap, and you can get a plan for under $25.
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Signal (for communicated encrypted)
Google Maps (for navigation, download the maps also for Ukraine)
Google Translate (for translations, download Ukrainian and Russian)
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No, we will provide you with body armor. If you would like to bring a helmet, you can. You can also bring your own body armor. However, some airports have confiscated body armor coming into Poland.
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Bring enough cash for souvenirs, gas station stops, and miscellaneous items in street markets. The cost of living is lower here in Ukraine; on average, $1 equals 40 Ukraine dollars/UAH. You can access ATMs that only give you Ukraine Dollars/UAH. However, contact your bank and advise them that you will travel to Ukraine.
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No, you will be staying in safe houses along your route.
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No. There are several checkpoints you will have to go through coming back from east Ukraine. Therefore, having things that are obviously exploded ordnances (artillery rounds, rocket fuses, ammunition boxes) will be confiscated.
Packing List
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1 large pack/duffel bag/suitcase
1 day bag/backpack (large enough to hold 1 change of clothes/hygiene gear)
1 satchel/shoulder bag (to hold important documents, passport)
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1 waterproof jacket
1 hoodie/sweat top (can be purchased from Triple A Authority)
2 sets of long johns
Beanie/Scarf/Gloves
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4 pairs of pants
4 shirts
4-6 pairs of socks
4-6 sets of undergarments
2 pairs of shoes
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Sleeping Bag
Shower shoes/flip flops (can be purchased cheap in country)
Power Bank
Flash light/head lamp
Hygiene kit
European plug adapter (can be purchased locally)
Knife/Gerber
Do & Don'ts
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Do not post on social media about your detailed activities prior to or during your stay in Ukraine. The last thing you want to be responsible for is endangering the team or providing intelligence to Russia through your pictures/comments.
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Obey all instructions given by staff members. The staff members are seasoned veterans of Ukraine and they will be able to guide you in your journey. Usually, if they tell you something (For example: put your cell phone on airplane mode) it is for a reason. If you have further questions, just ask and they will explain.
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Do not take pictures/videos of roadblocks or military personnel/vehicles. This will cause you to be detained/searched/ and possibly kicked out of the country.
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Do not be out past curfew. All of Ukraine has a curfew that is 2300 hours every day. For the most part, your schedule is planned and we have accounted for this not to happen.
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Do not drive vehicles in a reckless manner (situation dictates). These vehicles are the bloodlines of this organization. Fuel and vehicle maintenance is the biggest expense for this ministry. If you break a vehicle due to carelessness, you will be held accountable (common sense applies).
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Do not be afraid to grow spiritually here. Answer the Holy Spirit in every opportunity you have to share the gospel, pray, or just speak up and tell others what God has put on your heart.
