The Above Photo: Yuri Ivanovich presents me with two loaves of unleavened bread and a box of potatoes cakes that his wife (Olga) had cooked for me. Yuri Ivanovich is the Director and Chief Doctor of the Proflictorium in which I was lodged on this visit.
We left Kherson early in the morning going to the bus station to take a bus to Zaporozhye. I had asked about the time the bus ride would take and was told it would be either 7 hours or 9 hours. I was more concerned about the size of the bus as the last time I took a bus from Kherson to Zaporozhye it was a van and I had to hold all of my luggage. Thankfully the bus this time was one of the large “touring” busses!
Upon arriving in Zaporozhye we were met by Alexander and Evgeniy. We enjoyed a good meal and were taken to the lodging. Saturday was a treat as a picnic was planned on one of the river islands. The temps were cold and the wind was blowing—ideal picnic weather! I had been told that they were making that special fish soup that I love. After arriving by boat everyone started preparing the food. The ladies started cutting the salo and onions and other things. Some of the men started a fire and cooked the fish soup and pilaf (Anatoly had promised me they would have the rice pilaf and so it was a must on the menu) and others looked for the right spot on the river bank to fish. The day was sunny and that was good as it helped add heat to the lingering winter’s cold.
On Sunday we enjoyed worshipping with the Church in Zaporozhye. The congregation is very “young” in its membership and that is encouraging. There are two preachers working with this congregation (Yuri & Andrew). One young man (also named Andrew) had been immersed during the week and was introduced to the Church by preacher Andrew. It was pointed out that the new brother in the Lord had many challenges but was eager to accept those challenges for the Lord. Andrew pointed out that one of the challenges the new brother faced was his resolve to stop smoking and Andrew remarked that he must be doing that as he could not smell smoke on him. Andrew (the new brother in the Lord) had asked if he could read a Psalm and he did so. The singing, Bible study, Communion, Offering, and praying were all uplifting.
At the end of the assembly Yuri presented a end of the quarter financial report to the congregation of what the congregation had given and how it had been spent. The report was impressive as it showed the sacrifice of these brethren in their service to the Lord. The assembly was delightful and the brethren were encouraging!
Following the assembly, we were taken to another location and another picnic. I was promised grilled shish-kabobs! As things were packed, I was told that all of the salo that had not been consumed yesterday had been kept in the van and was ready for today’s meal. Upon arrival the men discovered a pond and wanted to fish. They caught 3 large carp so the menu changed—grilled fish, baked fish, stewed fish and fish soup!
Monday is a travel day from Zaporozhye to Ivano-Frankivsk. It will be via airplane this time. The flight is an early flight departing ZAP. There is no direct so you go to Kyiv and connect to Ivano-Frankivsk. So…getting up time is set for 3:00 a.m. then travel to Kyiv and wait until the connecting flight departs!
Pray for our on-going efforts!
John L. Kachelman, Jr. Zaporozhye, Ukraine
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