A Ramp for the Gospel in Ukraine
Opening Doors at UETS for Ukraine’s Wounded Warriors
The war in Ukraine has left deep scars, some visible, others carried quietly in the soul. On the eastern edge of Kyiv, tucked among quiet trees, the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary (UETS) continues to be a place of hope, learning, and spiritual restoration in the midst of upheaval. But recently, the seminary faced a painful realization: not everyone who longed for healing through theological education could enter its doors.
“We’ve had veterans come to us, asking to study theology,” one seminary leader shared. “Men and women who lost limbs in battle, some of them new believers, some just beginning to ask spiritual questions. They want to serve the church. But they can’t even get into our classrooms.”
The seminary was built in the Soviet era with little thought for accessibility. Bathrooms are narrow. Dorms are raised by steps. There are no ramps. There are no signs. And now, there is no choice. By government regulation, all Ukrainian educational institutions must be accessible by September 1 or risk losing their accreditation.
But for UETS, this isn’t just about compliance. This is about the Gospel.
UETS believes the church should be the first place that welcomes the wounded — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s why they are launching a critical effort to transform their campus into a space where wheelchair users and others with disabilities can belong, thrive, and be trained for ministry.
The upgrades are practical: renovated dorm rooms and bathrooms, ramps across campus, and new signage. The cost is significant, $50,000 to $60,000, but the vision is priceless.
Imagine a Ukrainian soldier, legs lost in combat, rolling into a classroom where he’ll be equipped to preach the Word of God. Imagine a war widow with mobility challenges, studying counseling so she can serve others who mourn. Imagine a church led by those who once felt forgotten, now empowered and included.
That’s the future UETS is building, not just more accessible buildings, but a more complete picture of the Kingdom of God.
Will you help open doors, and hearts, to a new generation of wounded healers?
