Restoration Mission Trip
A trip to bring healing for Ukrainian youth affected by the war.
Update: This year's trip is cancelled
Logistics in Europe have prevented this trip from happening this year. We hope to try again for this next year. Stay tuned for future opportunities to help.
Mission Opportunity
As with most wars, the hardest hit victims are youth and children. The war in Ukraine is no exception. With the help of some churches in Leipzig, Germany, and Light of the Gospel Christian Church in Kamyenka Ukraine, we are thrilled to be helping this getaway for these Ukrainian youth affected by the war. There, they will get the chance to rest and heal away from the pressures of war and loss. They will engage in a variety of activities including visiting a zoo, water park, museums, hiking in the mountains, and city tours. In addition to these, the children will participate in Bible lessons and learn biblical principles to help them find the source of joy, healing, and encouragement through this opportunity.
July 25 - August 4, 2025
Here's a video of the trip they took last year.
Who is going?
Currently Justin Moreland and his daughter, Beth Moreland are going this year, but we hope to have many more in the future. We are praying for God to lead us and explore more ways of helping in the future.
What are the Costs?
We estimate our costs for travel & to be around $2,600 a piece. However, we also want to commit to raising an extra $1000 a piece so more kids can go on this trip. So, together, we hope to raise a total need is $7,200.
Want updates?
We'd love to keep you posted on how things are going and progressing.
We are no longer taking money at this time.
Read Our Support Letter
Justin & Beth Moreland
Dear Bear Creek Church and friends,
This summer, we are planning a short-term mission trip, through Bear Creek Christian Church, to help Ukrainian youth in Germany, July 25 - August 4. Bear Creek is partnering with Light of the Gospel Christian Church in Kamyanka, Ukraine, to create this opportunity to minister to youth who have experienced the hardships of war.
The Need
As with most wars, the hardest hit victims are youth and children. The war in Ukraine is no exception. With the help of some churches in Leipzig, Germany, who have agreed to host a getaway for these Ukrainian youth affected by the war. There, they will get the chance to rest and heal away from the pressures of war and loss. They will engage in a variety of activities including visiting a zoo, water park, museums, hiking in the mountains, and city tours. In addition to these, the children will participate in Bible lessons and learn biblical principles to help them find the source of joy, healing, and encouragement.
Background
Justin has known Pastor Vadym Kulynchenko for a long time. In 1999, Justin went on a mission trip to Light of the Gospel (a sister church to his church in Owatonna MN). Vadym was an interpreter on that trip—and at the time engaged to Pastor Peter’s daughter. Since then, Vadym has been a part of many ministry initiatives centered around former Soviet republics. He has worked with sports ministry, fatherhood ministry, discipleship initiatives, and many local church ministries.
When Vadym mentioned this need, we thought it would be great to start a longer-term initiative by taking this first exploratory step. We want to help build up the church and try our best to ‘bear one another’s burdens’ (Gal. 6:2). We also want to learn from them, and explore other ways to help our brothers & sisters in Ukraine.
Why Go?
Justin: In his recent visit with us, Vadym was sharing about the trip they had recently done for Ukrainian youth. Vadym shared that he was looking for a church US church to partner with that thought it would be good I thought this would be a great opportunity to both meet some immediate needs for the kids there, but also explore longer term ways for us to help their youth find healing in Christ and be emboldened to share this hope at home.
Beth: Over the past couple of months, I have been exploring options in ministry with the Great Commission in mind (Matt. 28:19-20). I felt the need to start opening up conversations about faith and Jesus with those close to me, and I began considering alternative schooling and professions. During this time, I was offered the chance to participate in this trip. Additionally, in the past year, I have been working closely with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester. I’ve realized that the time spent with children is so meaningful, and even a week can make a difference. I pray that God will be working within the children and those involved.
How can you help
If nothing else, we most need prayer. We both feel out of our expertise in helping with trauma. With this tight timeline we are working through a lot of logistics and raising awareness. We are also trying to raise support. We’d like to raise the estimated cost of travel, $2600 + $1000 each to help Ukrainian youth go on the trip. The total for both of us plus that gift is $7,200. You can donate via the button below, or write a check to
Bear Creek Christian Church, with "Justin & Beth Mission Trip" in the memo.
Yours in Christ,
Justin & Beth Moreland