Ukraine
Rebuilding Project
the Project
After Russia launched a full scale invasion on Ukraine over four 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 four 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.
The 2026 rebuilding season has begun here in Ukraine, and a new team is now on the ground. When we first arrived, there were very few options available that could serve as a base for the team. However, we were able to find a small apartment, and after a lot of scrubbing and a few remodeling projects, we were able to turn it into a home. Though it is small, it has served us well.
There is plenty of work to keep us busy here in the village, and we have enjoyed making new friends as we install new roofs. Like last year, many of the homes here use shyfer roofing, a material that few of us had worked with before. The most common roofing material used here in Ukraine, shyfer consists of corrugated asbestos-cement sheets that are attached to the roof with specially designed broad-headed nails. Although the material was unfamiliar to many of us, we are quickly learning the basics.
For some of the houses, we are removing old shyfer and installing metal roofs. While metal roofing is more familiar to us, the process isn’t quite as efficient as it is in the States, since the sheets are not cut to size. Every roof brings its own set of challenges, but it has been fun to develop our skills and learn to work with the materials we’ve been given.
We plan to have a team on the ground for the remainder of the summer, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next few months will bring.
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.
Ever since my first visit to Ukraine, this place has held a special place in my heart. The opportunity to live and work in some of the smaller villages here has only made it even more dear. There is something about village life that feels like a trip back in time, when everything moved a little slower. Delicious food brings everyone together around the table, and work can wait while you sip your coffee or chai. Grape arbors shade the table, while rose bushes and peonies provide a beautiful backdrop.
Each morning, we are greeted with coffee and a beautiful breakfast spread. At noon, we are called off the roof to enjoy a traditional Ukrainian meal. As we finish a job and prepare to leave, hands are clasped and hugs are exchanged as we hear over and over again, “Thank you so much!” Though we came to serve, it often feels like we are the ones receiving the greater blessing.
– A Volunteer
Get involved
If you would like to partner with us in this rebuilding effort, there are opportunities to do so. The 2026 Rebuilding season has begun and we hope to continue working here as long as we can before winter weather sets in. 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: The Best Things In Life
Is it ok to say the best things in life are simple? It’s interesting to me how much of a distraction …
Ukraine Rebuild: The Families We Serve
Ukraine Rebuild: Financial Partnership Opportunity
Ukraine: Where War has Become Normal
Ukraine Rebuild: Life on the Field
Ukraine Rebuild: From A Volunteer
Ukraine Rebuild: Starting Up The Project Again
Ukraine Rebuild: Colder Weather Sets In
Stepping into Your Calling
Ukraine Rebuild: From a Volunteer
