Report #16 – April 2, 2022

From North Alabama

Hey John, attached are some pictures from our efforts here at Chase Park and sister congregations in the area for Ukraine Relief. Here are some details of our efforts thus far:

Throughout the month of March, the north Alabama congregations, community and schools have been collecting items for the bucket and hygiene bag drive. A few weeks ago, we had two news crew come out to Chase Park as they heard about the Bucket and Hygiene Drive taking place. Since then we have had a tremendous response.

Last weekend we had our Area Wide Spring Retreat which involved several teens from the Meridianville, Owen’s Crossroads, Broad Street and Chase Park congregations. Each congregation has participated in the hygiene drive. The pictures show these teens sorting and packing hygiene bags they had collected. We had 10 large boxes filled with bags and ready to be shipped to Ukraine refugees.

Additionally we have had a great response in our bucket drive. Several congregations such as West Huntsville, Meridianville, Sherrod Avenue, Chase Park have participated. There have been numerous individuals from the community and schools who have participated. Currently we have around 500 buckets that have been filled with more to come. Our goal is to fill 800 buckets here in the north Alabama region.

We are so thankful for the efforts that continue for our Ukraine brethren and refugees. Our prayers are daily for them and for peace to come. Special thanks to John Kachelman for his continuous work in arraigning many of these efforts. The church is a wonderful and generous family. Our community’s eyes have been open to our workings and the door of opportunity is greater. May God continue to bless us and be with Ukraine.”

Will Tucker

Here are some photos showing the wonderful energy and involvement of North Alabama in Ukraine War Relief efforts!

From Middle Tennessee

Brother John,

I love to receive your reports from your trip to Poland and the efforts to help the refugees there. It is not an easy task, but faith and determination anything is possible with God’s direction. Nolen Hills church of Christ in Nolensville, TN collected supplies and I delivered 30 buckets to Graymere on Wednesday. I am planning a trip to the region on the second or third week of April. Are you still going to be around there? Is there something I can do for you while there? 

Thanks!

Roberto Santiago

Here are some photos that Roberto took of the container loading in Columbia, TN. Look at the wonderful crowd that came to help load the container!

The Mechanics of Operations

Our distribution network has resulted from an eager cooperation and partnership with critically located assets. This results from the past 28 years of involvement in Ukraine and the many contacts established during that time. Previous shipments have allowed us to understand the operational protocols necessary for smooth transportation (but not everything is smooth!). The specifics cannot be noted because of security issues. We are currently involved with at least 15 NGOs in Ukraine with whom we have previously worked. We have worked with many more but these are integrity validated. We have in place a very good association with key elements and a good communication structure. Operations, with these NGOs, are easily accomplished and reported. These are the ones that have assisted us in the past distribution of commodities in the name of the Lord’s Church. Through these the Church has received much recognition and respect for its nature and teachings. The fruits of this is evident in a number of ways that have been previously reported in my newsletters. Joining us in the distribution of War Relief commodities is the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Defense has a banner they will display when our commodities are transported and distributed. Our cooperation with these two governmental entities has been bluntly defined. We want the shipments to go to those facilities that are in need and not into some government warehouse.

The huge shipment of meds/pharms from Louisville, KY illustrates our operational protocol. We have told the Ministries that we are definitely willing to work with them IF they are able to reciprocate in the areas where we need their influence. We will allow the Ministries to direct some of these meds/pharms to locations they feel is important but the majority will be directed to our NGOs to take to the hospitals/clinics in their areas. This allows the Lord’s Church to be involved in the benevolent actions that will help highlight and gain the proper reputation and allow the Ministries to address some of their concerns. We want it known that a constant accountability is expected and any not performing satisfactorily will be immediately addressed. This has already happened on one of the airfreight shipments and such draws the line of expected accountability and agreed cooperation. The slightest hint of political posturing using these shipments will be addressed with the appropriate hammer.

Thus far our shipments have been heavily prioritized to supply food and medical supplies. Here is the breakdown on containers shipped thus far: Tents, mattresses, bedding, sleeping bags, cots: 7; Food: 9; Meds: 9 But add 11 for the huge airlift of 11 truckloads of meds/pharms from Louisville, KY—so the total meds is 20; Buckets/Hygiene: 4; Shoes: 1.

Amazing continues to be the word describing actions here and there! Please continue remembering Ukraine and all involved in the relief efforts in your prayers.

John L. Kachelman, Jr.
(Warsaw, Poland)