Mike and I looked at each other Wednesday and both asked “What day is this?”
The schedule has been its usual crunch and actions are constantly bombarding us. We continue to hear news from the war zones in the east and the hospitals where the wounded are sent when their conditions are stabilized. There is a constant visibility of how the nation of Ukraine is pulling together to assist in this “David vs Goliath” confrontation.
Under Yanukovich there was a plan to eviscerate the army of Ukraine and just hand over the entire nation to Putin following the invasion and seizure of Crimea. Following the “return” of Ukraine to Russia there would be an invasion of Moldova and the Baltics. All was to have been accomplished in quick order before NATO or any of the western nations had time to get their committees together and discuss what to do in the UN Security Council (of which Russia would use its permanent VETO to stymie any real reprisals). All elements of this carefully crafted plan was upset when the students of Kyiv began their protests in Kyiv’s Maidan (MY-DON).
Now there is a real war. Ukraine’s military was weakened and ill-prepared. There has been advances made in the military status but it is still inadequate. Recruits are coming from all regions of Ukraine—but they receive only 4 weeks combat training and then are sent to the eastern war zones.
As the elections on 26 October draw closer the apprehension that Russia’s evil will increase grows. It is suspected that Russian offensives will increase so that the pro-Russian terrorists will be able to seize as much territory as possible and say that the elections were invalid because not “all” Ukraine voted—of course their folly is at once exposed because they say the territory they hold is not “Ukraine” but they admit that it is Ukraine.
We have committed to pay transport of the 23 metric tones of canned foods, flour, and dry food that is available in Germany. This cost is only for the transportation cost of $4,000.00. All commodities are being donated. That amount has already been wired from Searcy to cover the cost.
It is a bargain that I cannot pass up (you do the math and see if you can beat it!). As I calculate the conversion from 23 metric tones to the US “short” ton that gives me 50,692 POUNDS of food for $4,000.00! I do not yet have a total value on this container but should know soon. The food should now be loaded and on its way into Ukraine. Mike and I will be able to “eyeball” it before we leave. There is another container of hospital/medical supplies available in The Netherlands. I am getting specs on this container.
If you can assist us in paying shipping costs for these relief items that European nations are willing to donate to Ukraine and which will cost ONLY transportation costs (as all services associated with it are volunteered), please send your donations to: UKRAINE RELIEF/COLLEGE CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2934 East Moore Street, Searcy, Arkansas 72143.
The day in Kyiv, before leaving for Ivano-Frankivsk, was full of activity and good meetings. Mike and I met with a group that is housing children displaced from Donetsk and Lugansk. These children have been housed in a summer camp but cannot leave. Some have parents but others have no idea where their parents are at this time. Upon our return to Kyiv we will be taken to the various locations and I will send you some pictures.
Our arrival in Ivano-Frankivsk was met with a warm welcome from Ivan and Andrew who greeted us and took us to our lodging. That day had been exhausting and it was good to stretch out and sleep. The next morning came early as we had a planning meeting at the Church’s meeting place.
Wednesday we were told that there are a number of individuals interested in being immersed. At least three in Ivano-Frankivsk and two in Krivy Rog. During our visits and studies we will be talking with these more and urging them not to wait but to respond to the gospel’s call of salvation quickly—“Behold NOW is the time!”
It was really good to see JOHN DURHAM when I arrived at the Church’s building. John is here teaching English in a local school. His presence is a great help and encouragement to the Church here. I have heard several members comment on how they appreciate John’s presence and teaching.
Our first class (Wednesday) went well and we had a room full. We have begun our study of Colossians! After class I met with the taxi driver Volodya about obeying the gospel. Those who have been reading reports from previous trips will remember the story of taxi driver Volodya and his journey to faith. He says he is most willing to obey God and wants to be immersed. We discussed the urgency and reasons and consequent changes and blessings in his life and are leaving it up to him to tell us when!
Our class on Thursday night was once again well attended. We began a discussion of the text of Colossians and examined 1:1, 2.
Another expressed a desire to be immersed Thursday night. it was Galina. And then after our class another (Misha) talked with Ivan and said he would like to be immersed. This will bring the total wanting to obey the gospel in Ivano-Frankivsk to FIVE! Ivan is careful to make sure these are not feeling pressured into be baptized and that the decision is made from their study of the New Testament. Each is urged to look at the necessity to be placed “into Christ” as soon as possible and not to delay this decision.
The daytime hours are being spent in travel and inspection of distribution locations. Once again we are hearing expressions of gratitude that attempt to express the unspeakable emotions that result because we are concerned and trying to help. Perhaps these words that I received in an email today help you to understand the depth of gratitude: “Hello John! I have a list of our most critical needs for the moment. I am well aware that it might be very hard to find all the items in this list. We’ll be glad to get anything. Thank you again for your help. You can’t even imagine what your support means to us in Ukraine.”
Good things continue to happen on this trip! I have just sent pictures of this trip that soon should be posted for you to view.
Be sure to tell others they register for automatic updates or can read posted updates on this mission trip at: www.kachelman.com/ukraine/blog
Thank you for your financial support and prayers for the brethren in Ukraine and for the welfare of the Lord’s Church in Ukraine!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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