For nearly three years, 66-year-old Franklin citizen Loren Kennedy has been voluntarily traveling to the frontlines of Ukraine. He takes to that far-off, war-torn country not only humanitarian aid but also hope.
His missionary journey began more than 30 years ago on the western coast of Africa. It was there that he founded Sanctuary Relief, a nonprofit that now focuses its efforts in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion began, Kennedy and his team have helped more than 58,000 Ukrainians.
A father of six and grandfather of 11, Kennedy chooses to live part-time amid a war zone, facing daily missile strikes, artillery fire, and the devastation of towns reduced to ashes.
“This is not only a physical war — it’s a spiritual one,” Kennedy explained. “I don’t ask, ‘God, why?’ I understand this is a battle between good and evil.”
Together with his Ukrainian team, Kennedy travels to some of the most affected cities and villages near the front line. Volunteers give out food packages, hygiene supplies, and Bibles, while also sharing the message of the Gospel. In each city, the team working with Kennedy provide between 300 to 400 food packages at a time.
“We buy the food in Ukrainian stores to support the country’s economy,” Kennedy said. “That’s just as important as the aid itself.”
Over the course of three years, Kennedy has visited nearly 200 cities across Ukraine.
He refers to his mission in Ukraine as a “bridge of hope.” The idea is simple: humanitarian aid becomes the bridge people cross toward spiritual healing, through prayer, assemblies, and Biblical scripture.
“I see smiles and joy on people’s faces every time I finish preaching,” Kennedy shared. “I believe in the message I carry. I believe there’s something better ahead for them.”
Kennedy and his team always begin when people assemble by meeting basic needs: food, hygiene, emotional support. Only afterwards do they begin sharing the Gospel.
“It’s Biblical,” he said. “Jesus fed those who were physically hungry… We do the same. And it opens hearts.”
A key part of the mission involves personal prayers with those in need. “People are crying and smiling. Ukrainians truly respond to what I share with them,” Kennedy said.
Affected Ukrainians open up about their losses, including loved ones killed in action, sons abducted and taken to Russia, homes destroyed, and families forced underground.
“I don’t talk to them about hell, because Ukrainians are already living in it. I talk about a loving God who has a beautiful plan for them. I talk about hope, repentance, and grace.”
Kennedy further noted that he has never experienced any form of hostility from Ukrainians. “It’s the opposite; Ukrainians are incredibly sincere and generous. They often offer donations themselves to support our mission.”
Local governments, too, have recognized his work and sometimes helped organize community meetings with his team.
Kennedy is headed back in June. This time, he plans to launch a new initiative: working specifically with Ukrainian veterans, particularly in the city of Lviv in western Ukraine.
Sanctuary Relief is funded through donations. Every dollar goes directly toward aid for Ukrainian communities. Kennedy is available to speak at churches, community groups, or anywhere people want to hear about his mission work in Ukraine. Visit sanctuaryrelief.com; email [email protected], or call (904)755-2145.
About Daryna Thiemann
“I have a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in international political relations. I was born and raised in Ukraine, in the grand and picturesque city of Kyiv. For me, home always meant peace, harmony, and love — until one morning when I woke to the sound of explosions and my brother’s words: ‘The war has started.’ Sirens wailing. Faces frightened. Sounds of artillery shelling and gunfire relentlessly thundering. I’ll never forget the moment I no longer felt safe in my own home. All that filled my mind was the need to escape — to get as far away as possible. It took seven hours to leave the city, a drive that usually took three. Empty gas stations with no water, and four days spent in a line of cars waiting to cross the Polish border. I was convinced my life could end at any moment — that I wouldn’t live to see my 21st birthday, but God had other plans. Today, 5,000 miles separate me from my family and the place I love the most. But Macon Sense gave me a chance to write again; not just as a journalist, but as someone who has lived the terrifying reality of war.”