Update from Jeff Abrams
Greetings, Fellow Christians!
I’m finally home after an incredible journey to Ukraine, and though the travel time was grueling—over 100 hours on planes, trains, buses, cars, and even a bicycle—the time I spent with our faithful brethren across 14 different locations was well worth every minute. I went there to be a blessing, but as always, I came home the one most blessed—touched by the faithfulness and resilience of our brothers and sisters who stand strong in the midst of unimaginable trials.
I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights from this trip and provide an update on the ongoing and future opportunities to make a difference in Ukraine.
Every time I set foot in Ukraine, it feels like I’ve stepped into the pages of the Book of Acts. The struggles, the baptisms, the tears, and the triumphs—it’s all happening right now in Ukraine as our brethren face hardship head-on, just as the early church did. They are a family of believers who worship, fellowship, evangelize, and show benevolence in ways that are deeply inspiring.
In the middle of such darkness and evil, there exists a unique and urgent opportunity to do immense good—to bring hope, to rescue souls.
Here are the headlines from my trip:
• Russia’s deadly attacks on civilians and infrastructure have intensified across Ukraine. Our brethren are in great danger. There are more civilian casualties, more air raid sirens, more explosions, and more power outages than at any time before. Entire cities on the front lines face the desperate need for evacuation, and the memorials to the dead are growing.
• Despite these extreme challenges, the church in Ukraine is thriving. Since the full-scale invasion began, there have been at least 500 baptisms—an incredible, unprecedented number for a European country! Congregations are teaching, feeding, and sheltering their neighbors. Where evil seeks to spread, good is pushing back in powerful, abundant ways.
• Rescue Ukraine, overseen by Tuscumbia Church of Christ, continues its work with vigor and versatility. Much like a Swiss Army knife, this mission addresses multiple urgent needs in countless ways.
Here’s a glimpse of what God, through your prayers and generous support, is making possible:
• Supporting five courageous and effective Ukrainian preachers, with two more recently added. We’re planning to support another at the beginning of 2025.
• Helping Christians evacuate from frontline cities to safer locations.
• Assisting with refugee relief and outreach efforts across Ukraine, particularly for children displaced or orphaned by this war.
• Providing safe shelter and places of outreach in three major centers: Lviv, Warsaw, and Dnipro.
• Supporting an amazing children’s outreach program and school in Lviv.
• Printing and distributing 5,000 Ukrainian-language Bibles with teaching aids to guide readers in their journey to salvation. Alongside this, we’re working with Apologetics Press on a monumental Study Bible project, now in the translation phase.
• Planning the 23rd edition of Camp Amerikraine next summer, which is the largest annual gathering of Christians in Europe—a vital event for building unity and fortifying faith.
• Supporting Ukrainian Christians stateside, including facilitating a retreat in Tennessee this weekend.
In conclusion:
There are urgent, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to glorify God and make a lasting difference for the people of Ukraine. With every passing day, these opportunities could become casualties of war. Thank you for praying and giving so generously. Your support is saving lives and souls.
With love and appreciation,
Jeff
P.S. As of a few Sundays ago, I’m no longer the pulpit minister at Tuscumbia Church of Christ after 18 wonderful years. This allows me to now fully dedicate myself to “all things Ukraine.” I humbly ask for your prayers and continued support as I embark on this new chapter.
We are always seeking generous individuals and congregations to partner with us in this mission. One-time gifts are appreciated, but monthly donations are especially helpful as they allow us to plan for the future with confidence.
You can donate by visiting RescueUkraine.com or mailing your gift to:
Rescue Ukraine, Tuscumbia Church of Christ, 102 East 4th Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
P.S.S. We are organizing an event in Washington, DC to honor the memory of the hundreds of children who have been murdered in this war. These precious, innocent lives deserve to be remembered, as do the broken hearts left behind. More details to come.
Feel free to reach out to me at 256-483-7022 or email me at jeffabrams@aol.com. You can also find more information on my personal Facebook page and the Rescue Ukraine page.
