Saving Lives, Sharing Hope: Tourniquets and the Gospel in Ukraine
At the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Sheila and her husband knew they couldn't sit idly by. Through a missionary friend, they learned of an opportunity to go and serve those affected by the war by transporting food and vital supplies to Ukraine. Their involvement didn’t end there. Shortly after returning to the U.S., Sheila met Heidi, who also felt compelled to support Ukrainians in any way she could.
At first, they cast their nets far and wide, gathering all sorts of non-perishables to send to those in need. With other organizations sending clothing, blankets, and the like, Sheila and Heidi eventually narrowed their focus to the single, most requested item in Ukraine: a tourniquet. Over time, their streamlined efforts developed into a non-profit, Operation Neighbor.
Tourniquets are the top life-saving tool in a war zone, capable of stopping even severe bleeding when pressure alone isn’t enough. Sadly, many well-meaning individuals and organizations send cheaply made tourniquets, causing more harm than good. With inferior materials, they are extremely prone to breaking after only an hour of use. This is a waste of resources and a danger for the user, who would then be at risk of bleeding out. To give users the best chance at survival, Operation Neighbor purchases and distributes only the highest quality devices.
The tourniquets have saved many lives. In one instance, a man shot by a Russian sniper only survived because of the ministry’s tourniquet. Though badly injured, he continues to recover through therapy. The war is not only affecting soldiers, but civilians as well. Early on, a grocery store was bombed while a young mother was shopping. She lost her leg instantly in the explosion. A soldier crawled over and helped apply a tourniquet, saving her life. Today, she is back home with her family and moving forward.
Beyond physical needs, the ministry also prioritizes spiritual and emotional well-being. First, Heidi and Sheila place stickers on each tourniquet that read, “Find Hope through Jesus.” Once packaged, the tourniquets are taken to Ukraine by trusted, faith-filled volunteers in Operation Neighbor’s network. These volunteers not only ensure the supplies reach those in need, but also take the opportunity to share the hope of Christ and the message of the Gospel. In fact, many of the Ukrainian volunteers are missionaries, chaplains, and pastors.
Pastor Vasyl is one such volunteer. About every three weeks, he makes the long drive to the front lines to deliver supplies. Motivated by genuine compassion, he goes and spends hours in foxholes to be with the soldiers. He’s discovered that around 3 a.m., hearts begin to open. Oftentimes, the soldiers avoid going to the chaplain so as to not appear weak in front of their comrades. So instead of sleeping, Pastor Vasyl stays with them—listening, encouraging, and sharing hope for as long as they’re willing to talk.
State-side, Heidi and Sheila are the primary volunteers, packaging tourniquets, sharing at events, building support partnerships, and managing their social media presence. As the ministry endeavors to expand and host more events, additional volunteers are welcomed to participate. In particular, one of the most pressing needs is a dedicated volunteer to oversee the website, QR code system, and social media platforms—essential tools for raising awareness and sharing the hope of the Gospel.
Operation Neighbor also wants others to know that the needs in Ukraine remain urgent. Though the war may no longer dominate headlines, the situation on the ground is still dire. Families, soldiers, business owners, and ministry leaders alike continue to face tremendous upheaval. Please keep praying for Ukraine, for Operation Neighbor, and for the ongoing growth and impact of their work. Above all, we praise God that He is faithful.
