An Ambulance Full of Hope – Ukraine, 2026
It is now 2026. The war in Ukraine continues, and there are still countless people who face hardship every single day. People who need help, and people who continue to dedicate themselves to helping others despite everything they have been through.
We came into contact with a pastor who was tirelessly committed to helping people in the war-affected areas. He knew where the need was greatest and worked to bring food and water to people who had little or no access to the most basic necessities.
But he urgently needed a van to continue his work.
His story touched us deeply. Shortly before, he had lost his son. His son had been driving a small truck when it struck a roadside bomb, and he was killed.
It is almost impossible to imagine what such a loss means to a father.
And yet, the pastor continued.
Despite his own grief, he kept going. Not because his pain had disappeared, but because he knew there were people who needed him.
Through a large network of friends, contacts and supporters, money was raised to help provide him with a suitable vehicle. Everyone contributed in their own way — with a donation, a contact, an idea, or simply by connecting the right people.
And then, as so often happens, an unexpected door opened.
Through a contact, we heard that the foundation Music for Ukraine had received a substantial donation to purchase ambulances for Ukraine. We contacted the founder and explained the situation.
There was an ambulance available.
What had started with a request for a van had suddenly turned into something that could make an even greater difference.
One Monday morning, I drove to the Apeldoorn area. There I met the others, and from there we set off together. With several ambulances, we travelled towards Poland.
At an agreed meeting point, fourteen ambulances eventually came together.
Fourteen vehicles.
Fourteen acts of help.
Fourteen journeys destined for a place where the need was great.
From the meeting point, we continued together and eventually crossed the border from Poland into Ukraine.
The ambulances were handed over to the army, which took responsibility for their further deployment.
The vehicles were inspected. Wherever necessary, tyres were replaced and repairs were carried out. Then they were put into service almost immediately, heading to the places where they were needed most.
Standing there, the reality of what was happening began to sink in.
These were not simply fourteen ambulances.
Behind every ambulance was a story. Behind every journey were people who needed help. People who were injured, people who needed medical care, and people whose lives depended on others being willing to keep going.
And somewhere in all of this, the story of that pastor stayed with us.
A father who had lost his son, yet continued to get up every day and care for others.
Perhaps that was what touched us most.
That grief can break a person, but love for others can also give someone the strength to keep going.
This journey was deeply moving. Not only because of the distance we travelled or the fourteen ambulances that eventually entered Ukraine, but because of all the people who played their part along the way.
A network that raised money.
People who made vehicles available.
People who arranged transportation.
People who gave their time.
And people who simply asked:
“What can I do to help?”
That is how something extraordinary can happen.
Not because of one person, but because many people are willing to stand together and do what they can.
This is an action we will never forget.
Because once again, we experienced that even in times of war, grief and uncertainty, people can come together.
And that a helping hand can sometimes reach much further than we could ever have imagined.
Together, we can make a difference.