For nearly two years now, Ukraine has been under attack by Russia.

The churches have been full. And now, two men from the Northland are headed over there to help during a retreat for pastors.

Pastor Brent Nelson serves at The Landing Church in Duluth. His friend, Cole Grace, is also a member there.

Both are leaving soon for Ukraine to support pastors and their families, who’ve been supporting whole communities in this crisis.

They’ve been invited by the Kyiv Theological Seminary, where Nelson has been several times before. The men will be meeting with the group away from Kyiv though.

“It’s our hope that those who come will be encouraged, and we fully anticipate we will be fully encouraged by them,” shared Nelson.

Grace added that this type of mission trip seems different than others he’s been on.

“We’re not planning to go with a program or a plan. We’re going over with a person. We genuinely hope to represent Jesus Christ,” Grace said.

They plan on documenting portions of their journey.