Since sending the last post it has been constant motion. I am writing this post from Kramatorsk, Ukraine having arrived here early this afternoon after leaving Kyiv early this morning. I left Kherson on 20 October at 7:00 p.m. and spent a long night on the train. I arrived early in Kyiv on 21 October around 5:30 a.m. where I spent the next few hours making stops at various locations sending communications to various locations in Ukraine. Then arising 22 October at 4:30 a.m. I left on the “fast” train to Kramatorsk. As such was all a scamper and scurry and still a blur in my mind, I am not sure exactly how accurate all of that is…
I arrived and was met by Vlad and it was so good to see him after nearly 2 years absence. We went to the church building and there met more beloved brethren (Oksana, Olga, Valentina, and many more) as they had various classes being taught.
At the church building I also met up with Jeff Abrams (Tuscumbia, AL) and Kenneth Murphy (Mobile, AL). They have been here the last ten days and left on the afternoon train to Kyiv.
Vlad asked me to teach the adult class tonight. They are studying through the Major Prophets and just finished Ezekiel and were ready to begin in Daniel. So I got to teach an introduction to Daniel and focused on his character and how that challenges Christians today. At first the class started slim but it grew and we had a good number at the end.
The situation in Kramatorsk is very good. At the beginning of Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine this city was taken over by the Separatists but the army of Ukraine retook Kramatorsk last summer and things have returned to normal. I had no problem getting into the area and Jeff and Kenneth said the same. When the Separatists took over the Church removed the sign from the building so it would not be seized and shuttered for the Russian Orthodox Church but now the sign is back and it is much larger.
The impact that is made…Today’s emails brought a number of communications but there were two that summarize the urgency of our efforts. One was from Anna whom I mentioned in an earlier report from Zaporozhye (I will pass along her complete letter with the final trip report). The second was from a friend in DC with whom I have seen actions in several nations. These simply highlight the desperate needs found in Ukraine at this time. These also highlight the trust and confidence that is held in the way the Lord’s Church works! Thank you for your partnership that makes such a good impact for our Almighty God!
“This is Anna, I’m from Zaporozhye. We say, ‘do not have to run after the departing train.’ You went from Zaporozhye, but I decided to write. After leaving, it was even colder and the sun was gone. It’s raining. I read your trip reports on Ukraine…Your mission is remarkable. It’s great that you are doing for the people. Our government is busy fighting for a place…We have nobody to help us…I am praying and hoping for your help. Your help is essential for us.”
“Hi John, My office has received a request to provide assistance to a boy in Ukraine, and has asked if I know anyone that is still working there that might help. They are sketchy on the details, but apparently an 11 year old boy has lost three limbs “in the fighting” (which makes me think it’s in Eastern Ukraine) and needs some assistance…I wanted to touch base with you to see if you’d be willing to look into this, and if it would be ok to provide your contact information to our folks here at State? I thought it best to check in first, and it’s always good to hear news of my colleagues.”
And more good news greeted my ears as I walked into the Kramatorsk church of Christ meeting place and was greeted with such wonderful love. Among those with excited exclamations was Olya who told me that she reads the web site posts and is so grateful for what is posted and the wonderful help that is given to Ukraine. Thank you Olya as that means so much and helps ease the efforts and energies required!
Tomorrow (Friday) I will go see how distribution has developed on two containers we have shipped into Kramatorsk. The most recent container delivered was loaded out of Columbus, MS. It has just cleared Customs and distribution is beginning tomorrow.
Please continue praying for our efforts.
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Kramatorsk, Ukraine
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