Photo: The Church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine September 18, 2022
The Lord’s Day in Ivano-Frankivsk dawned rainy and cold. The city was to have extended the trolley bus stop to the Church building by this time but the war has delayed that infrastructure development. Given the devastation in the east the improvement of any infrastructure in the west is an unreal expectation. So the big issue is transportation to and from the assemblies. Right now I have been paying for the rental of a 20+ passenger bus. We waited for the bus in the drizzling rain and eventually located it and climbed aboard.
The assembly filled up and considering the weather there was a very good crowd. Perry, Beto and I all spoke but Perry and I spoke briefly and Beto had the lion’s share of time. His lesson was very good. We are trying to address the fears, uncertainties, and conflicts that are present because of the war. There are ample texts from Scripture that give us good counsel.
Following the assembly there was a fellowship gathering where Tanya was able to share with the Church some tasty Polish sweets. There was also a very nice tort (cake) that had been brought. And, of course there was coffee and hot tea.
The gathering was a delightful refuge from the outside rain.
Perry Baker’s thoughts on Sunday and Monday
Sunday Sept. 18, 2022
It was a blessing to worship with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Ivano-Frankivsk, with a total of 35. Ivan introduced us and opened with prayer and led some songs. John greeted the congregation on behalf of the elders and the American brothers and sisters Dalriada, Wetumpka, Alabama and Nolin Hills, Tennessee. John and I said a few words and Beto delivered the message. Following the Lord’s Supper and closing prayer the Ladies served tea and cake for everyone. It was wonderful because they Have only been worshiping in the new building for a few weeks. We had a late lunch and then went back to the hotel. That evening John & I had a meeting with Ivan & Vlad. Tanya interpreted. This lasted until about 10:30 and then John & I recapped what new got from it. Praying all is resolved.
Monday Sept. 19, 2022
We were delayed leaving for a short time because Beto thought he had lost his passport and money. He went through his luggage three times and nothing, so we were about to go to the restaurant that we were at last, but he then decided to go and look one more time with two sets of eyes. It was found! What a relief. We were then on the road to Zelena! Stopped and bought groceries, and arrived at the lodge at 1:30 pm. We were met by Petro (Peter) whose son owns the chalet. Had lunch and discussed our plan for the week. Ivan will make contact with the local priest of the village, out of respect, and the school master. We visited in the late afternoon with Bogdan and his wife Galyna who own a lumber mill. We met them Sunday at church. We met their son Peter & Julia, their daughter-in-law. It was a wonderful visit capped off with coffee, homemade honey, cow cheese, wild mushroom in a very tasting sauce which tasted like cream of mushroom soup. I withheld the temptation by not having the sweets she also served. We returned to the chalet. A great start for the week ahead!
Continue praying for our efforts!
John L Kachelman, Jr Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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