Fall Mission Trip Report 8

Photo: Renovation in Ivano-Frankivsk of a building that will be used by the State Rehabilitation Institution “Center for Complex Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities”

This is a great story of what happens when East Meets West!

A number of years ago in Kramatorsk we shipped benevolent aid to help a number of hospitals and clinics that Vlad Paziy had identified. The volume of containers shipped was amazing. The results of these shipments were to be far-reaching.

One of the clinics to which our commodities were given was a large rehabilitation center where patients received physical, emotional, and vocational therapy. They had a huge complex (5,000 sq. meters) that was five stories tall. This is a State sponsored entity and has assisted many including high profile politicians. Being a State sponsored entity affords significant opportunities.

When Russia invaded in February 2022 this center was threatened. The Director literally travelled all over Ukraine seeking communities that would be favorable to their work. Only Ivano-Frankivsk wanted this clinic. The city offered a building that was abandoned. It needs lots of work but is quickly being remodeled to suit the Center’s needs. They hope to open services in two months.

One day when Vlad was out he saw the Director. The Director came to him and said “I know you from Kramatorsk.” They began talking and renewed their association. The Director told Vlad of the move and plans to open the Center in Ivano-Frankivsk. She said that the war has brought tragedy to many and the urgency of rehabilitation physically, emotionally, vocationally AND spiritually is a pressing concern of the State. This is why the renovation of the Ivano-Frankivsk facility is moving fast. Vlad was told that because of previous associations he was invited to come and teach Bible classes with the troops and patients who will be there.

Vlad informed Ivan of this opportunity and Ivan was eager to see what could be done to help the Center. We visited the Center and Vlad introduced all to the Director and her Administration. We were given a tour of the facility. Ivan began telling the Director what items he had available and could immediately send, as soon as the building was functional. Ivan exchanged information with the Director and is ready to assist.

We enjoyed a cup of hot tea and discussed what items and furnishings were needed. They will begin soon with 8-9 patients. We need to supply that many hospital beds and other supplies that were requested. Basically, any physical therapy furnishings are needed. The Center was able to bring only 4 trucks with items from Kramatorsk. They hope that the Kramatorsk facility will continue to operate as well as the Ivano-Frankivsk location. There is a great need now for this with those whose lives have been destroyed by Russia’s aggression and after the war, there will be an even greater need.

The Director asked that I try to recruit PTs from the USA who can come on a short-term visit and share information and demonstrate techniques that will help the staff to be better in their jobs.

This opportunity was providentially provided and has become possible as a secure link between the East and the West! What we did in Kramatorsk many years ago has now born fruit for us in previously unimagined ways! AMAZING PROVIDENCE!

I am in the process of collecting PT furnishings to ship (CURE in Ft Smith, AR) is already “on it!” I received this note from Ron Moreton:

We are picking up two truckloads of the light weight type hospital beds next week. We have several pieces of PT equipment & wheel chairs. I have not seen beds but it’s around 200.
Ron Moreton

Now I am searching for PT sources who can come for two-weeks and share protocols by which lives devastated by Russia’s war mongering can be rebuilt and functional. Beto and I have ideas on those able to fill this need!

As I look at this opportunity I am awed. One of the most amazing developments is how this ties together Ivan and Vlad! Many years ago, Vlad established a good repartee with the Center. Because of him there was trust and confidence. Many years ago, Ivan registered the NGO “Christian Mission” in Ivano-Frankivsk as a means to bring in benevolent items for the needy. Ivan has all in place and has the respect and reputation in this community to facilitate cooperation with the Administration. Now, Vlad was displaced by the war and settled in Ivano-Frankivsk where he has been able to connect Ivan and the congregation with this opportunity. Together Ivan and Vlad will make a SIGNIFICANT impact for the Lord with their team work!

And the bottom line is that the Lord’s Church is positioned to assist untold numbers physically, emotionally, vocationally and spiritually!