Proverbs 25:25, Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.
The words of the Proverb 25:25 are very practical when one is thousands of miles away! Thus far on this trip I have received a number of such “refreshing” messages. These are encouragements and constant reminders of the bond we share in the Lord.
Thanks to the marvels of the internet I have received communication from the following nations where brethren log-on and read the reports: USA, Poland, Ukraine, India, Finland, Netherlands, Austria, Singapore, Ghana, Hungary, and Guatemala! It is amazing the scope of the partnership in these efforts.
Here are snippets of emails I have received that I want to share with you:
“Hey John, Loving that last report, very touching. Praying for you and Gif every day. Doug”
“John: Just read your report about Eugene & Lada. What wonderful folks, and what a fantastic ministry! I remember them from your reports last year. Please tell Eugene & Lade we love and respect them for the great work they are doing. Tommy, Glen Allen Church of Christ”
“Hi John. Great reporting, as usual. Thought you might want to read my perspective on your comments about those who don’t follow protocols…I believe that most Americans reading those statements will have very little idea what you are talking about, but more than that…they will not understand why you’ve written it in an email. I could be wrong. Blessings brother”
“Had a few minutes and just wanted to send a short note to wish everything is going as planned for your trip. Please tell Tanya I said hello and wish her well too. Thought you might wish to tell Nicoli that the Sylacauga Church of Christ (AL) as of today has reached 358 blankets of my 500 challenge with more still on the way! Share with the Church in Ivano-Frankivsk that I am praying for peace for Ukrainians that I hope they are all being good farmers as I encouraged them to be in my sermon during my trip last fall and hope to see the harvest their efforts will bring forth for God’s kingdom in Ukraine. Stay safe and stay well. I’ve heard more blankets are showing up in Sylacauga for Nickoli’s youngsters too. Chip”
“About 130-gallon cans green beans, corn, peaches, pineapple bits will be on Jerry’s container. John, I wish I could just go buy pallets of food. To get 500 half cup servings of food it takes 20-gallon cans! In Haiti the mountain village Church is feeding 125-145 kids on Sunday, taking care of two foster kids and paying five teachers at the Mountain Christian school. It’s great to see that members of the Ivano-Frankivsk Church of Christ are taking part in services and planting flowers. I would be interested in helping the members with gardens on the Church’s land if still available. Maybe they could can food together to do a food bank. Praying. Love you Kathy”
“Thanks, brother John. We are glad to receive encouraging news amid the frightening bad news. Bill & Lyuba”
“Hi John, I am certainly enjoying reading the emails about your trip to Ukraine. Seeing all the children that are displaced and the families that are caring for them has really touched my heart. I was wanting to personally help in some way. I was wondering what would help you and the work the most? I know the congregation is going to have a bucket drive sometime this year but I wanted to try and help in some way myself. Any feedback would be appreciated. God bless you and safe travels. Thanks for all that you do. Steve”
Rejoice in the wonderful fellowship we share in the Lord! “godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come…for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers” (1 Timothy 4:8-10).
Continue praying for our efforts. Opportunities continue to present themselves in amazing ways!
John L. Kachelman, Jr., Dalraida Church of Christ, P. O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
Sylacauga Church of Christ (AL) donations of blankets…
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