Junior Ranger Program in Ukraine: New Life and Encouragement for Ukrainian Youth
This past August, FBR was given an opportunity to coordinate a youth camp in the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine. We have been sending teams to do frontline work in Ukraine since 2023; it is one of the many countries we operate in. This past year, our Ukraine program coordinator met a local Ukrainian team called Bible Orphan Ministry (BOM) and was impacted by his time getting to know some of the orphans at BOM’s annual summer camp. After receiving funds through a generous donation, he was able to offer a partnership with the BOM team in 2026 to facilitate their youth summer camp.
Our team’s local contact, Alla, and the BOM staff became immediate friends with a feeling like they were long-lost family members. Their hearts for the kids and their country were beautiful and full of loving service. Our team was grateful to watch their ministry in action and to be a part of it for a week at the end of FBR’s frontline mission.
Jr Ranger (FBR’s youth program) exists to serve youth in a way that introduces them to Jesus while empowering them with leadership skills to serve in their own communities. We often lean on the theme of “Strong Heart, Strong Mind, Strong Body,” with the belief that many youth are just waiting for someone to believe in them and push them to their limits to achieve things they wouldn't have thought were possible. We do this by starting each day with exercise and also building skills in self-defense and basic medical skills (Stop the Bleed). Unfortunately, in a war zone, these are practical skills, and youth learn that, even at their young age, they may have the opportunity to save a life.
After morning exercise every day, our team led a time of worship and devotions, sometimes with entertaining dramas. The majority of the kids were not Christians, but as the week went on, they became more and more engaged, especially with the new worship songs they learned.
Following our morning classes (self-defense and medical), we also facilitated swim lessons and art therapy in the afternoons. We did several field trips (to Ukrainian cultural attractions and hiking) and played fun youth group-style games.
One of the favorite events was when one team member taught the youth some survival skills, including how to build a fire. Another entertaining final event was our talent show. Alla originally worried the kids would be too shy to participate, but after a few courageous performers and some of our team showing off their skills, there was such an endless stream of acts that we eventually had to cap it. It was special seeing their confidence and excitement grow. After a week of team-building activities, they were encouraging and enthusiastic for each other, showing support for one another and celebrating their friends.
We had opportunities to be a part of a couple of “Aha!” moments, where youth were afraid to do something or felt that they were at their limit, then realized that they could actually succeed. The smiles on their faces and the confidence they walked forward with were priceless. Many of these kids are orphans, in the foster system, or have alcoholic parents who mistreat them. In just one week, we wanted to show them who they are as children of God: that they are loved, not forgotten, and actually deeply sought after by their heavenly Father.
The week culminated with some special and significant decisions. Five children decided to make a commitment to follow Jesus, and three girls who had been believers for some time chose to be baptized.
Ukraine is a beautiful country with such hospitable people and it is tragic to see the effects of war on its population. The children that we met have many difficulties that they deal with at home and the traumas of war on top of everything else feels heavy. This one week spent in a safe place away from the front was a blessing for them, and the opportunity to join them was a blessing for our team. We saw them release some of their worries, have fun, and even meet Jesus in a new way.
Three girls who were already believers made the decision to get baptized.
Thank you to people all over the world who pray for our programs and the people we engage with. Please pray for the BOM team as they continue to lead and love in Ukraine, and also for each child - that they would feel the love and presence of Jesus even in the midst of trials at home and in their country.
Thanks and God bless you,
The Free Burma Rangers.
