Ukraine
Rebuilding Project
the Project
After Russia launched a full scale invasion on Ukraine over three years ago, they gained a lot of ground in the eastern and southern regions. Ukraine stepped up in defense and pushed the Russian army back, raising their flag in victory over the territory they had regained. But not before much of the infrastructure was destroyed and the fields mined. Now three years later, the land is still struggling to recover from the devastation of occupation. Close to the southern front are villages who suffered greatly in that initial invasion, but are now relatively safe. Many houses have been repaired, but there are still a lot of homes and summer kitchens in need of new roofs.
In June 2025, a team of five arrived in a village close to the southern front. With a couple totes of tools, varying degrees of experience, and a desire to help the locals, we launched into the process of learning all about the installation of Shyfer roofs. Shyfer, the most popular roofing material here in Ukraine, is asbestos-cement roofing sheets, often called corrugated roofing sheets or fiber cement roofing. It comes in light weight sheets that are attached to the roof using specially designed nails with a broad head. While the use of shyfer was new to all of us, we soon figured out how to install it. Our next dilemma was figuring out how to deal with buildings that were completely out of square, as well as sagging rafters/ lath. We have become experts in shimming the roofs to create a level enough place for the shyfer so it does not break easily. This project has opened many opportunities to connect with the local church and work along side them; us doing the physical work, and they being able to share the gospel with the people. We are grateful for the opportunity to help these resilient people who have suffered so much.
the vision
This mission has two main purposes: first, to share the gospel—not just through words, but through action. We're doing that by launching a rebuilding effort focused on repairing and replacing war-damaged roofs, helping families stay dry and warm as fall and winter approaches. Second, this project gives our volunteers valuable international experience. It’s been amazing to watch them move from training to real-world application—adapting to unfamiliar construction methods and working alongside local leaders as the project grows.
Ukraine. A land filled with endless wheat fields and the most beautiful sunsets. Sunflower fields and demining equipment are a common scene, the contrast of beauty and war. Although the occupation of this area ended in the fall of ’22 I was still surprised to see the devastation in many towns and villages.
I continue to be amazed at the amount of gratefulness that the locals express. I love seeing the amount of joy that comes from them everytime a new house or or summer kitchen roof is completed. One of the hardest things here has been the language barrier. Having no translator means that you attempt to learn some of the language in the short time you’re here or use Google translate. Both have worked but nothing replaces the smile when you greet them in their own language.
My time here has been too short. Many places and people will be missed. Working here in Ukraine has been a great experience. Ukraine will forever hold a special place in my heart. -A Volunteer
Get involved
If you would like to partner with us in this rebuilding effort, there are opportunities to do so. We just finished two months of rebuilding the beginning of July, and we plan to do another two months this fall hopefully starting mid August, before taking a break over the winter. The budget for the Ukraine Rebuilding Project is anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000 a month depending on a few factors such as, how big the team is each month, how many supplies or tools need to be purchased, and other variables related to logistics and travel.
ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast. Ukraine also borders Belarus to the north; Poland and Slovakia to the west; Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the southwest; and the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. Kyiv is the nation’s capital and largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, starting the largest and deadliest war in Europe since World War II, in a major escalation of the conflict between the two countries which began in 2014.
Posts
the latest updates from the field
Ukraine Rebuild: Colder Weather Sets In
As the weather begins to cool, I’m struck by how quickly time has passed since I first arrived in Ukraine. When …
Stepping into Your Calling
Ukraine Rebuild: From a Volunteer
