Love Does - Ukraine
During times of crisis, the global church demonstrates its unwavering commitment to serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. The invasion of Ukraine unleashed a large-scale humanitarian crisis on multiple fronts, and the global church's response has been nothing short of remarkable. It is truly inspiring to witness firsthand the reactions of those who have embraced the calling of Jesus, despite facing tremendously difficult situations.
I had the privilege of visiting Warsaw, Poland, with Love Does, an organization founded by Bob Goff in San Diego in 2002. Their mission is to embody the hands and feet of Jesus globally, as well as within the United States, with a specific focus on education in challenging regions during difficult times. Shortly after Russia's invasion, the Love Does team traveled to Ukraine to assess how they could best assist and demonstrate God's love to those suffering from the conflict. They connected with Life Church in Warsaw, which was already actively engaged in humanitarian efforts on the ground, collecting baby formula and dispatching supplies into the conflict zone in Ukraine. This collaboration was a powerful display of the global church in action, with aid flowing from a church in Poland to a church in Ukraine, truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Soon after Love Does arrived in Warsaw, the leadership of both Life Church and Love Does recognized the urgent need for a school after visiting children in a refugee center. This is where the story becomes even more incredible. Thousands of children who had escaped the war were sitting in refugee centers, devoid of hope for the future and experiencing profound emotional distress. This was a moment for the church to rise up! Life Church, in partnership with Love Does, answered this call. They swiftly organized and hired staff to establish a school for refugee children, taught by refugee teachers. They enlisted church members who had not initially envisioned themselves running or administrating a school but felt a divine call to contribute to this significant endeavor. These leaders are truly amazing. I was able to meet them during my trip to Warsaw and was stunned by their drive, intellectual ability, and their heartfelt commitment to helping their neighbors. The children they are assisting are not even Polish citizens, making this an extraordinary example of the selfless love that can only originate from Jesus.
Love Does Primary School Class 2025
I attended the second graduation of these students and was deeply moved by their resilience. I met students and teachers who had endured war and been exposed to unimaginable circumstances, yet they were once again dreaming about their futures. I spoke to children and learned of their stories of bravery and overcoming adversity. Some had tragically lost parents, and some of their homes in Ukraine are now under Russian occupation.
Love Does Graduation
This experience serves as a powerful reminder to all of us in America that God is actively working in Ukraine. He is transforming a horrific situation, filled with immense pain, into a new global revival. We have brothers and sisters on the front lines, working in incredibly difficult and emotionally draining circumstances. God is in the business of restoration, and the global church is at the forefront of this profound movement worldwide. Witnessing this work firsthand through Love Does and Life Church was truly inspiring. The school has already positively impacted over 1,000 students since its inception and is well-positioned to continue serving as the hands and feet of Jesus during these incredibly challenging times.
Love Does School Staff
Meanwhile, the team decided to expand their efforts, transforming the truckloads of baby formula flowing to Ukraine into a full-blown boutique in Lutsk, Ukraine. This dedicated space provides displaced pregnant women with critical supplies, including baby clothes, hygiene products, nursing essentials, and books on motherhood. The boutique is celebrating one year in operation in September 2025 and has already helped over 1,000 Ukrainian women with these much-needed supplies! Ukraine is not forgotten and God is moving through amazing organizations and amazing people stepping up to meet this challenge.
Love Does Graduate
Love Does Boutique in Lutsk
Love Does Boutique in Lutsk
It was an eye-opening experience to witness the hope in the staff and students amidst the war and devastation. It is clear God is still at work in Ukraine and is using the local church and those willing to help the hurting. There is still much to be done as Ukraine remains in the news. Displaced children in Warsaw need education and hope through the school, and desperate mothers in Lusk, Ukraine, need tangible assistance and prayer. This is a moment for the church to selflessly rise up and help those in need, being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are suffering.
If you would like to join the cause or for more information, please visit https://lovedoes.org/poland/, https://lifekosciol.pl/, and https://lovedoes.org/ukraine/.
