The Backstory

Ukraine Challenge was born in 1999. It was a “barebones” organization that continued the work of the North Carolina Baptist Men/Ukrainian Baptist Union Partnership at its conclusion in 1998. The “work” of that partnership was church construction, children/youth camps, and medical/dental ministry. Teams of volunteers under the Ukraine Challenge umbrella became the outlet that kept those ministries going. Ukraine Challenge International, Inc. became official when it was recognized by the IRS as a 501 (C)(3), Non-Profit Organization in September 2002. Prior to that time, contributions for projects were managed by First Baptist Church, Eden, North Carolina. At the beginning, the FBC congregation donated $25,000 as a “start-up” budget to be used for construction materials and resources for camps and clinics.

Ukraine Challenge is led by a slate of officers and a 6-member board of directors. Though the roots of the organization are Baptist, it operates as a nondenominational non-profit.

The goal of Ukraine Challenge is to build the Kingdom by building relationships, building lives, and building churches. The idea of “meeting needs and sharing Christ” is accomplished through actual construction or remodeling of house churches, funding youth and children’s summer camps, supporting orphanages and schools, and providing medical and dental care. There are situations of meeting immediate needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Another ministry avenue is providing college, university, and seminary scholarships.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed the landscape literally and missionally. Before the war, teams of volunteers worked shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters to accomplish the goal. Now Ukraine Challenge depends on 30+ Ukrainian ministry partners to be the hands and feet of Christ to meet the needs and share the gospel. Donations are received in the US and funds are transferred for their projects.

Anyone interested in meeting immediate needs can give through Ukraine Challenge designated “relief.” This is a tax-deductible gift and 100% of all donations goes for the specified need. Ukraine Challenge has no paid employees, only volunteers, and all administrative costs are paid by volunteers, also.

Donations can be sent directly to the address below or on the Take Action tab.

Ukraine Challenge International

315 Hermlee Street

Hot Springs, AR 71913