The Chronicles of Humanitarian Exchange: From Humble Beginnings

I can’t believe a year has already passed since I returned to the United States from Ukraine. I was only supposed to be away from Ukraine for six months, but COVID 19 changed all the plans I had (as I’m sure it did for everyone reading this.) On the flight back to the United States, I was going through all my experiences as a seasoned traveler and overseas missionary and how I can use them to form something to help the forgotten and impoverished peoples of the world.

First, I realized the world is a big place, and one guy may not be able to positively impact the globe by himself because, let's face it, I’m not Jesus Christ. During this 18 hour flight back to the States, it dawned on me that I needed to start a global humanitarian aid missions organization. This would take time to do the legal research, write up the organization's bylaws, policies, and fill out and submit the forms to both the federal government and the state government of Minnesota. I sadly realized during this process that I had to be physically in Minnesota to complete this and not in Ukraine, where I feel called to be.

I have personally put all my hopes, dreams, and a great deal of my finances into HE (Humanitarian Exchange LTD.) I have sent out 110 fliers and letters of partnership only to receive two rejection letters and one letter of support. It is monumentally discouraging that 97% of the churches and other organizations I sent letters to decided to ignore the information and request for partnership I sent out. I would rather receive a rejection response than crickets because at least a letter of rejection lets me know that they took the time to read my correspondence instead of filling it in the recycling bin.

It’s that one letter of support that made it financially possible for HE to be able to send out our very first aid package to Valan (not real name) in Eastern Ukraine. The aid package contained 12 socks, 4 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, undergarments, and a sweater. In total, the care package cost about 100 dollars I financed because it would have depleted HE’s total operating budget. Valan was initially going to wait for six months to receive these need items since I was supposed to return to Ukraine in June.

Finally, after months of pushing back my return date because of COVID 19, I began searching and praying for a way to send Valan the needed items because it was apparent travel was going to be globally impacted by the pandemic for an unknown amount of time. That one letter of support and financial partnership was the answer to prayer and vehicle to get Valan the first-ever Humanitarian Exchange LTD needed aid package. By the time Valan received the aid package in Eastern Ukraine he had been waiting for 11 months.

I have learned through this process that few people and organizations will actually support and partner with my calling and the mission of Humanitarian Exchange. We here at HE shall leave the door open to all who have ignored us because I believe in my heart that one day that Spirit-inspired partnerships will become a reality.

It is amazing to see what a small 501c3 Non Profit with a shoestring budget can do... Will you join us?