Photo: The Village name in the center of town. The town was established as a health center in 1827.
We were recently treated with wonderful hospitality and warmth as we met with the Administration and Council members in this renown town. This location has a reputation for embracing visitors and assisting those struggling with life’s traumas. This reputation is certainly validated by the manner in which those impacted by the invasion and terrorism of Russia have been harmed.
Upon entering the Mayor’s office, we were introduced and I was told that they had been reading of all that we have accomplished in Ukraine that is posted on the internet. Evidentially a number of locations that have received assistance have posted appreciation and the scope is very impressive. They expressed a great appreciation for what the Lord’s People have done. There were several questions about the Church and its locations in Ukraine. We had a good discussion on this topic and as we walked through the town the discussion continued (John 13:35).
The village of Truskavets is located in the Lviv Oblast. Its normal population is 20,000. It is a worldwide recognized center for health issues.
The health resort is described in this manner: The treasures that make this all possible are the fourteen streams and underground mineral springs, the deposits of mountain wax, and “Barbara” salt. It has the finest mineral water that owes its curative properties to substances that originate from petrol. These molecules, as a rule, break apart when they come in contact with oxygen, which is why you need to drink the water immediately. It is also advisable drink it out of special cups, to avoid damaging your enamel. This miracle water helps to fight against diseases of the kidney (and kidney stones in particular), liver, bile ducts; it cleanses your body of nuclides and chemical waste; and it improves one’s metabolism. Truskavets’ sanatoriums and clinics also help to cure cardiovascular illnesses and help to cleanse the endocrine system, digestive organs, and many others (https://discover-ukraine.info/index/western-ukraine/truskavets).
I visited this location on Monday. The Russian invasion has dramatically impacted this city. At the beginning 50,000+ displaced people fled to this location in western Ukraine. The displaced population still remains high and is as much as the usual population. Can you imagine your town suddenly almost tripling its population?
I was visiting to discuss how we can assist in the rehabilitation programs. There are several military hospitals in the area that specialize in rehabilitation and physical therapy. There is a need for basic equipment and trained personnel to help the current staff learn current procedures. I was shown the rehab center for the military and it was greatly lacking.
The first stop in my visit was at the mineral springs house where I was given two different types of mineral water. The first was water that was to help stir and heal my digestive systems. I was told, “In this water are micro-organisms that will swim around and stir up your digestive system.” The second water soon followed. However, all I can remember of that water was how salty it was—I was still contemplating exactly how my digestive system would be stirred up by those swimming micro-organisms.
And, we were cautioned not to let the water touch our teeth or else they would be ruined. The man guiding us said not to worry because it would not hurt it one time “or even ten times.”
We were taken to the town’s museum where IDPs were working on items to send to the frontlines. It was impressive to se the workers so busily engaged. They were making camouflage netting, undershirts, balaclavas, first aid kit pouches and other garments needed by the troops. They showed me how the town is raising funds to purchase boots from Spain. They are trying to prepare the troops for the coming winter. The finished work is amazing and is all compliant with NATO protocol’s for troop equipment and dress.
These IDPs are all volunteers who come early every day and stay after all others have left.
There is a great need for rehabilitation and physical therapy treatments in Ukraine. The Russian invasion has not only devastated many cities and infrastructures but it has caused deep and lasting damage to the physical bodies of countless citizens. We are being begged to assist these damaged to reclaim what movement and mobility is possible. In addition to helping the physical we are being asked to help heal the spiritual body as well. Only the truth of God’s Word can offer that healing!
Continue praying for our efforts,
John L Kachelman Jr Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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