Dear friends,

September gave us some meaningful milestones at Chazak Academy and Chazak Rescue. We want to walk you through what we’ve been up to. And, invite you in, because nothing in this work happens without partnership.

Chazak Academy

Class 4 stepped into 2.1 Leadership Training this month. They weren’t just practicing skills, they were really learning what it looks like to lead with responsibility. The training asked them to think beyond their own roles or ‘tasks’ and see the weight of guiding others.

Between leadership classes, the team moved into a week of War Zone Safety Training. Long days were spent building habits of awareness, learning how to make wise decisions in uncertain situations, and practicing skills that prepare them for the kinds of environments our responders often step into. We can’t share much from the week so future cadets can walk into it with fresh eyes, but what we can say is that it was real, it was challenging, and it grew Class 4 in important ways. We will be releasing a video recap of this training as well, so stay tuned for that!

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Chazak Rescue

At the same time, Rescue worked side by side with Class 4 to pack Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) for our upcoming deployment into Ukraine. These kits are filled with tourniquets, trauma dressings, chest seals, bandages, and other supplies that give civilians a chance to survive when help is far away.

This work is part of Project Nightingale, where our team will be teaching Stop-the-Bleed to civilians. Pastors in Ukraine have asked for this training as the number of injuries from shrapnel and explosions continues to rise. One pastor told us that nearly every person in his church carries scars from shrapnel, and many had lost loved ones because no one knew how to stop the bleeding in time.

Our team will show Ukrainians, young and old, how to stop massive bleeding through wound packing, pressure, and tourniquets. Alongside the teaching, we’ll be giving away the IFAKs that were packed with Class 4. The team also paused to pray over the kits, asking that they would be ready when they are needed most.

So far, $12,500 has been raised toward our $60,000 goal. Every gift goes directly to equipping civilians with training and supplies that save lives, and any leftover funds will go toward our next Ukraine deployment. You can give here.

Awareness Event: Sharing the Story Together

We’re also looking forward to our upcoming Chazak Rescue Awareness Event on October 24, 2025, at New Covenant Mennonite Church in Lancaster. This will be a night of stories, updates, and vision. We’ll talk about Ukraine, as well as our recent work in Myanmar & Sudan. It’s a chance to come together, hear what God is doing, and see how you can be part of it. If you’re local, bring friends. You can learn more or sign up here: chazakrescue.org.

September reminded us again that the work we are called to is about showing up. Preparing. Serving. Bringing help where help feels far away.

We’re grateful for every person who has chosen to walk with us in this mission. If you’d like to partner with us for Ukraine, you can give here. If you’re close to Lancaster, come join us at the Awareness Event. Together, we can keep finishing the mission.