The Church in action
There are a number of positives arising from the evil horror of Russian aggression in Ukraine. One of the most impressive “positives” is the way the Lord’s Church has emerged as a leader in relief efforts. This response has been seen on an international level with brethren from many nations joining us in the relief efforts. But the Lord’s Church has been very active in-country Ukraine in the early efforts. With the containers about to start arriving, they will be even more involved. The financial support from Churches of Christ has been wonderful and has allowed us to reach a point of involvement that previously was unimagined. This is not to say everything is smooth and no problems exist—there are troubling situations, but these are being addressed.
The efforts of our brothers in Ivano-Frankivsk are commendable. The church building that we have been working on for so many years has now become a refuge for the IDPs. The men are working to ready more rooms but there are many IDPs who are staying on the grounds and hopefully will soon be inside. The basement of the church building was turned into a bomb shelter and has housed as many as 40 at times when the alarms were sounded. The bombing and military actions of Russian troops has resulted in a massive removal of citizens from the eastern regions and many are now in Ivano-Frankivsk. We are sending funds for the Church to assist as many of these displaced people as possible.
The efforts of brethren in the USA have been amazing. The bucket challenge continues to spread throughout the nation as more and more start collecting.
The enthusiasm that congregations find in this project is reflected in this message from Glenn Mabley (AZ):
John, great news, just met with one of the elders from Mesa and Alma School. Both are excited about the program and will be participating in this humanitarian effort.
Glenn Mabley
Since Sunday, we have distributed 145 buckets and at least as many two-gallon bags for hygiene products. We will continue to call upon other congregations to assist. As a collective group we continue to work out the logistics. Will continue to pursue the bucket donations from each Home Depot. Also have another gentleman who will be approaching Lowe’s for bucket donations. Will hopefully find the news outlets receptive and get some air time in the valley. Take care.
Another container loading…this time in Montgomery AL!
The brethren at home loaded another container from Montgomery, Alabama. Special thanks to those who were able to come out and help there and all they continue to do at Dalraida as we do our best to lead many of these efforts.
Hello there! All went well at the loading today. The truck didn’t show up till a little after 10 but we had a good number of folks ready to help. It took just a few minutes over two hours to finish and we got all of the medical pallets loaded. We loaded all pallets of food. At the end of the container we were able to put about 166 buckets. Only several thousand more to go! Later today, Whitney is sending the inventory of what went on the container and also all of the pictures that she took.
Andrew (Gif) Gifford
Stewardship Factor
It is assuring to know that the funds donated are going 100% toward this relief effort. And, because of various donated commodities, the dollars donated are giving a return many times over face value! For example, the donation of 275 pallets of meds/pharms in Louisville, KY is valued at a retail price of $45+ MILLION DOLLARS! Because of YOUR donations we are able to transport and distribute these medicines to those in great need. I am uncertain about the return ratio for each dollar donated, but I think it is going to amaze you whenever we have time to calculate!
Late last night Poland time, I receive an email from Charita stating that FOUR containers of food were given to us. These are located in Utah.
Today one of the airlift medical shipments arrive in Warsaw, was cleared by Customs and is on its way into Ukraine!
Amazing continues to be the word describing actions here and there! I will be sending out a report from John Durham on the progress and work done in Romania today. We are so thankful for the efforts done both here in Poland and also in Romania and elsewhere by our brethren.
Leaving Wroclaw today and going back to Warsaw. Please keep the prayers coming!
John L. Kachelman, Jr
(Wroclaw, Poland)
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