Report #3—September 28, 2021
Photo: Flag presentation in Yaremche, Ukraine. Chip McEwen had worked hard to get three flags (2 that flew over the D.C. Capitol Building and 1 that flew over the Alabama State Capitol). Chip was excited about personally presenting these but a positive test kept him from the trip!
Today was spent on the road to Yaremche and visiting with Andrew Ivanovych. I have known Andrew for many years and all memories are most pleasant. He was the architecture and contractor for our building complex. He got us off to a great beginning by overcoming the obstacles and paperwork and necessary certificates of permission to begin construction. Andrew volunteered his lawyer when the Ivano-Frankivsk congregation was being criminally denied registration. A number reading this report have enjoyed his hospitality in the old army trucks that took you up and down the mountains. Andrew has always been a steady support and helper.
In the last election Andrew was elected Mayor of Yaremche (so I’ll call him “Mayor Andrew” from now on to distinguish between our brother Andrew). From the Ivano-Frankivsk congregation Andrew and Marina have been working in Yaremche for several years. With Mayor Andrew’s assistance and encouragement this work is about to develop to a greater degree.
For those who read the newsletters, you will recall Ivan discussing the final approval on two containers that had been stalled for seven months by Kyiv. It was Mayor Andrew’s assistance and contacts that were the leverage for that final approval and distribution.
While I was up in the village a group from there was in the warehouse loading items from the last shipment. These items will go to hospitals in the area.
There are plans to establish a fulltime work in Yaremche in the near future. Andrew & Marina have been going, visiting and working in the community for several years. The time seems opportune to establish a permanent presence with located workers.
Tomorrow I was to have spent the day in the village Zelena but it has been postponed due to illness. I am excited about being there. Doug & Caleb spent a week there on a previous visit. When they arrived, there was no Church there. Since their initial teaching and work a congregation has begun.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support that makes this mission trip possible!
John L Kachelman Jr Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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