General news and needs
Dear friends in Christ,
I know you’re busy… and the fact that you’re taking time to read this and pray about the unprecedented challenges faced by our Ukrainian brethren — is greatly appreciated. I’ve been going to Ukraine for over 32 years — I stepped down last year as a full-time preacher — to devote myself 100% to taking Jesus to Ukraine. A big part of my heart is in Ukraine. I know and love the people. They are worthy of whatever help we can provide.
I cannot adequately express my gratitude to those of you who have been a prayerful and generous supporter of our efforts to save both eternal souls and mortal lives across Ukraine. I have seen the good that your “help” has done. I have seen the souls who are now saved and the many Christians who have received all manner of life-saving assistance as they seek to survive this horrific war.
I have just returned from my fifth trip to Ukraine this year—the Bible Belt of Europe, home to more members of the Lord’s church than any European country. Every war crime known to man is being committed against the people of Ukraine. The Lord’s church is being hit especially hard — this is perhaps the greatest attack on Christianity in Europe since the days of the Roman emperors. Despite the ongoing atrocities…I continue to see the generational opportunities God is giving us to “overcome evil with good.”
In many frontline cities enduring daily attacks — I am proud to report that sounds of war have not silenced sounds of worship. I have visited many brethren who have lost everything but their faith. I have traveled with courageous preachers who risk their lives to bring both relief and the gospel to those in need. Ukraine is hurting — but Ukraine is more open to God than any country in Europe. There have been approximately 700 souls immersed into Jesus since Russia launched its full scale invasion nearly 4 years ago (7 more baptized on the day this report is being written!!!).
As you know, God calls us to step up and come to the aid of those in distress, especially those “of the household of faith.” We cannot replace all that our brethren have lost — but love prompts us to try…
• “Bear one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2);
• “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these…you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40);
• “Overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21);
• “When one member suffers, we all suffer.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
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Today a few needs needs are especially urgent:
• Housing for Displaced Families.
Many cannot return home and need safe, warm places to live — especially as winter intensifies. We are providing safe shelter in multiple places but as Russia destroys more cities, more of the power grid… we must do more… We are presently trying to raise substantial funds to purchase a large house in the city of Chernitsiv that will be home to Christians whose previous homes were destroyed.
• Support for Courageous Preachers.
We assist 12 courageous Ukrainian preachers ministering to the suffering, evangelizing, counseling, feeding, and bringing hope.
• Vehicles for Ministry.
We provide, and help maintain vehicles that preachers use to deliver benevolence, transport the vulnerable, evacuate families, carry supplies, and bring members to worship. These vehicles have become mobile tools of mercy and evangelism.
• Places for Worship.
Many homes and hometowns are now destroyed—including places of worship. We are helping provide safe, warm places where Christians can gather, worship, study God’s Word, and provide benevolence to the community.
• Funds for Camp Amerikraine 2025.
The largest annual gathering of Christians in Europe (since 2003) requires advance planning and funding. For countless children and families, the camp is a lifeline of hope, healing, and Bible teaching.
Through Rescue Ukraine, we seek to provide:
• Humanitarian and medical aid — this month over 1500 souls received extra aid and teaching
• Aid for children orphaned and/or displaced by war
• Housing and heat for hundreds displaced by war
• Food and warm clothing
• Trauma care & counseling—primarily through the good people of the Madison (Alabama) Church of Christ
• Addiction recovery and rehabilitation center (an amazing place!)
• Power sources and generators (Russia is seeking to freeze Ukrainians this winter)
• Evacuation assistance… We are continually providing escape to those in harms way
• Bibles & Bible literature (this month over 1500 more soul-saving materials distributed)
• Prison ministry for both men and women
• Support for courageous preachers
• Multiple places of worship and outreach
• Multiple ministry vehicles
• Camp Amerikraine plus other special events and retreats
What makes Rescue Ukraine unique?
We go. The war has not stopped us. We go to the frontlines—the places where both the needs and opportunities are greatest. Plus we always seek to combine the soul saving gospel with life-saving aid. The goal is to nourish both body and soul.
Our partners are Christians. We work through people who preach and teach the Word truthfully and faithfully. We have developed trusted relationships across Ukraine since 1993.
A final plea…please decide to partner with us in saving mortal lives and eternal souls.
I am asking you — humbly and urgently — to help us continue this work. Your generosity will shelter families, strengthen preachers, fortify and plant churches, bring the gospel into places where hope is scarce — and give our Ukrainian friends some much needed good news.
It’s a dark and difficult “Friday” across Ukraine—but “Sunday is coming!” Our privilege is to help our friends make to a victorious Sunday. We do need your help — your heart — your prayers.
To donate one time or monthly, please visit RescueUkraine.com
or mail a check to:
Tuscumbia Church of Christ
102 E. 4th Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
(Memo: Rescue Ukraine)
Thank you for standing with Ukraine in the name of Christ.
In Christian love,
Jeff Abrams
Rescue Ukraine
PS. For more information, please call or message me: 257-483-7022
Email: jeffabrams@aol.com
PSS. On behalf of all the souls who will learn about Jesus because of your love…
On behalf of all who will be blessed by your generosity… THANK YOU!
