This faith story was shared with us by Pastor Alex:

“I am a long-time ministry partner with Door of Hope International, serving Christians who are suffering on the frontlines of Eastern Ukraine. By profession I am a doctor, and I also pastor a church. Since the war began, I have been serving in another role as well—driving an ambulance to help evacuate wounded civilians and bring them to hospitals.

On February 24, 2022, I awoke at 4 a.m. to the sound of a Russian missile strike nearby. Our house shook like an earthquake. In that moment, everything changed. Constant rocket attacks and airstrikes followed—day after day, without pause.

My wife, daughter, and I knew we had to make a difficult decision. At a family meeting we agreed that my wife and daughter should evacuate to Poland. But the journey across Ukraine seemed almost impossible. Gas stations were closed, millions of people were fleeing west, and checkpoints slowed every road. By God’s provision I was able to find fuel, and after praying together, we began the journey.

What should normally take a couple of days took nearly a week. Traffic was overwhelming, roads were blocked, and at times we were able to drive only a few hundred kilometers in a day. One night we reached the city of Dnipro with nowhere to stay. Hungry and exhausted, we prayed. I called a pastor I knew, and within an hour a local church welcomed us into their building. They fed us, gave us a place to rest, and even helped us with fuel. Everywhere along the journey Christians opened their doors to us. Their kindness and sacrifice showed the true love of Christ.

At one checkpoint we waited for 12 hours. When we finally passed through, gunfire broke out nearby. By God’s mercy we remained alive and unharmed.

When we reached the border, I said goodbye to my wife and daughter as they crossed into safety. I made the decision to return to the frontlines to help people there. At that moment we did not know if we would ever see each other again. It was painful and frightening, but we trusted the Lord.

I returned to my city and began to help evacuate civilians and serve the local population right in the middle of the war. During this time I often risked my life. I have driven wounded people to hospitals and helped rescue others from dangerous areas. There were even drone strikes targeting the vehicle I used for evacuations. Yet by God’s mercy, I am still alive and unharmed.

Today my family has returned home, and I continue serving those in need. I focus mostly on helping people and children who have evacuated from the front line or returned from occupation. And in all of this, I see the mercy of God.”