Fall 2025-Spring 2026 Medical Mission
We are continually humbled by the ways God chooses to use Holding Ukraine for His purposes, often in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine. Each year, we find ourselves stretched and blessed in new directions, and we are reminded that it is not by our own strength, but by His grace that we are able to serve.
To share a bit of background, one of our board members also serves on the board of Options in New Braunfels, a remarkable nonprofit dedicated to providing women with life-affirming alternatives to abortion. Their ministry has seen a 99% success rate, which is a testament to God’s work through them.
Recently, they had a sonogram machine that, while still in excellent condition, had been replaced by newer technology. In a spirit of generosity, they asked if we could help send it to Ukraine, and we felt deeply honored to say yes. With grateful hearts, we prepared the sonogram and ten cases of donated medical supplies from Janice Rice, trusting that God would guide each step.
As we reached out to the lead nurse at a hospital we had served last year, we learned that no one was currently trained to use the equipment. Yet, in God’s perfect timing, the hospital director shared that a new doctor—qualified and ready—was joining their team but lacked the necessary equipment. It was clear to us that God had orchestrated this connection, aligning needs and resources in a way only He could.
Despite facing many obstacles and setbacks in our efforts to deliver the supplies to Ukraine, we witnessed God’s faithfulness through the perseverance of our dear friend Mike Guinn. Over three months, Mike overcame challenge after challenge, securing the paperwork and shipping details. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, but even more so for God’s provision and guidance throughout the process.
Finally, the day arrived for the truck to collect the pallets of supplies and the sonogram machine, joining other shipments already in route to Tennessee. After a brief stop in New Jersey, the destination is a hospital in the Zhytomyr region, where the need is great. We pray that God will bless our journey this summer, allowing us to witness firsthand how He is using these gifts to bring hope and healing.
We recognize that every step of this journey is a testament to God’s sovereignty and love. We are simply vessels, grateful and humbled to be part of His work in Ukraine. May He continue to stretch us, bless us, and use us for His glory.
Please help us Pray for 2026
We are grateful to share that we are currently in conversations with several churches across Ukraine to host another seminar focused on PTSD and Trauma training for their pastors and church leaders. As these partnerships develop, we are also preparing to minister in hospitals that care for wounded soldiers—offering emotional and spiritual support where it is needed most. We ask for your continued prayers as we seek God’s guidance in these important opportunities.
Mission Trip June-July 2025
Update
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world:he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12
The Light. Jeff's wife Daniella thoughtfully had mugs made bearing the verse John 8:12, which were shared with everyone in attendance. Throughout the week, conversations, devotions, and prayers all centered around one powerful them: being The Light of God.
As the days unfolded, it was remarkable to witness how that Light sparked new ministries, gave hope to those wrestling with pain and desperation, and offered guidance in our shared mission. God's presence brought solace and strength to each attendee, these individuals who will go on to shape the future of this nation. His Light is shining brightly across Ukraine, growing with every heart it touches.
We began our journey June 13th in Zhytomyr with a moving conference for 151 gathered souls—a safe space to confront and start healing from the heartache of war and the weight of PTSD. In this intimate setting, the stirring words of our featured speakers, Jeff Bergmann (a retired professor from West Point Academy) and Susan Habegger (the inspiring Founder of Thrive Life Skills), helped the attendees toward recovery and resilience.
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In parallel to the conference, a compassionate food trailer made its way to three local hospitals caring for Ukraine’s wounded soldiers. This humble yet heartfelt gesture was our way of saying, “You are not forgotten. Your pain is shared, and your life is cherished.” Serving nourishing meals became an act of gentle kindness during adversity. We were able to serve and minister to over 600 wounded veterans and staff.
Guiding this outreach with part of the team was Ohio Pastor David Williams—a nurturing minister whose wisdom and empathetic heart speak directly to those battling the invisible scars of trauma along with Mike Guinn who has church planted several churches in Ukraine; both are retired military. Their ministry is devoted to soothing the harrowing effects of PTSD and the lingering horror of war, offering comfort and the promise of a new beginning to every soul in need.
Once the Zhytomyr conference has ignited hope, Susan continued her journey to Lviv with three intimate seminars. You are Seen. You are Known. You are Loved: Two 2-day seminars with Save A Life Ministry, ministers to women in challenging situations of pregnancy. Many of these young women may feel shame, feel unseen, and feel unloved—even unworthy of love. Soul to Soul When The Soldier Comes Home: A 3-day seminar as requested by Clear Vision (a partner nonprofit in Ukraine), beginning a series based on our call to mentor one another for spiritual and emotional health.
This series will center on the unique challenge for the soldier, the family, and the community to find peace, individually and with each other.
At the same time, Jeff Bergmann took his message of healing to Mykolaiv, leading a conference of 120 pastors, church leaders, and lay ministers. He was able to equip these spiritual leaders with the empathy, understanding, and practical tools needed to minister to a community struggling with identity loss and the profound tragedy of shattered lives. Our hope is that, through dedicated prayer and shared wisdom, every participant will become a beacon of light in the darkness left by conflict.
Our mission was more than an event—it is a heartfelt call to restore dignity, to mend broken spirits, and to stand together in the face of overwhelming sorrow. Each moment and every act of kindness is infused with the belief that healing is possible, even after the deepest pain.
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