Featured Photo: Caleb Colquitt, James and Patsy Thebo stuff the container! We stuffed a container that transported 12 pallets of food for the “children of war” that are being housed in 3-4 locations and in several groups numbering 500, 125, and 200! Totals loaded: 944 pieces; total weight: 21,070; Total USD value $393,015.00.
Components Involved
When you look at the pieces of a complicated mechanism, it is unrecognizable. However, when all components are put together properly it is an amazing sight. This is a biblical principle used by Inspiration to describe how the various “parts” of a congregation can be perfectly joined together and do amazing work. “The whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
I want to describe the various “components” that are coming together in Ukraine. These position us to be able to accomplish great things for the Lord’s Church. As I sit back and look at how each supply and then join together, I am amazed! Bear with me as I try to give the briefest synopsis…
Shipping Humanitarian Aid—Galatians 6:10 is our foundation “doing good to ALL men.” We have been involved in shipping hundreds of cargo containers into Ukraine. When Russia first invaded in March 2014, we increased the number of containers. But when Russia’s full invasion started in February 2022 there was a response that permitted us to ship hundreds of containers. This has allowed us to work closely with critical contacts and establish their respect for our integrity. As one, significantly placed, said to me, “We see you are not some ‘cowboy’ disrespecting our orders.” That was a very good compliment. The stories and photos behind each container make an intriguing read, but probably not for 50 years! Through our shipments, God has opened amazing doors and now we are joined with partners positioned in amazing places and offer amazing potential!
Commodities offered—we have received unbelievable offers for commodities to ship into Ukraine. These are offered free and include any items you can imagine (hygiene supplies; food of all sorts; medical supplies and equipment; clothing; shoes; household furnishings; hospital equipment and furnishings; and the list goes on and on!)
Concepts for post-war—From the beginning I visited various hospitals where those wounded and traumatized by the war were living. It was/is heartbreaking. I immediately began to use administrative contacts to prepare for various rehabilitation efforts. If you are a regular reader of these posts then you recall official meetings discussing this need. From such meetings we are now recognized as, and encouraged to be, the coordinator of “spiritual rehabilitation” efforts. Do not lose the fact that this encompasses the ENTIRE nation! Through our shipments (and C.U.R.E.’s deliveries) we have sent multiple containers of physical rehabilitation equipment. As a result, Gif is now conducting weekly Bible classes at rehab centers in Ivano-Frankivsk! The stress upon post-war rehab is a practical point of communication and is quickly seized and desired. These actions open unimaginable opportunities that will lead to the teaching of the gospel in all parts of Ukraine.
World Bible Institute—David Hamrick and I began a branch of WBI in Ivano-Frankivsk several years ago but that effort was sabotaged and WBI withdrew. Recent developments have now made it possible for WBI to return. And NOW, we are in a much better position! WBI will have the Church building to use in its program; Gif will be involved in teaching as will a number of those visiting Ivano-Frankivsk (Perry Baker, Avery Hackney; myself and many others). WBI is the only preacher training school that offers an USA accredited diploma! Its focus is on vocational missions where graduates are not dependent upon American support. Gif (who is doing exceptionally well in “cleaning up” the troubles in the Ivano-Frankivsk congregation) is excited about the student population as it will furnish the Church an enthused and energetic working force in the community. All involved are excited about this development and the Church building is ready “for such a time as this”! When we began the construction this far-reaching impact was not considered, except in the mind of Providence!
Incredible Personnel—I cannot list all involved in this effort. But let me state that from all levels of State in Ukraine, a number of positioned folks in D.C., a myriad of others involved in military actions, medical professionals from every facet of health, an “innumerable” host of people in the USA, Great Britain and western Europe, have joined us and assisted in critical needs. And, this list continues to grow!
Components Assembled
Shipments continue—although at a much slower rate because of funding. The needs are still critical but, like all disasters, the energy regarding them is often replaced with the next disaster. We still have hundreds of children, widows, elderly and wounded in critical need of basic items. We still have offers of commodities that are given free but we have to pay shipping costs. As an example, look at the offers below which were received earlier this week. These items are urgently needed by those traumatized by Russia’s evil.
- “We have the following load available for pickup from our OKC OK Warehouse – please let me know if you want it and if so, I will send you the pickup and scheduling instructions. 2 pallets contact lenses and solution; 2 pallets assorted medical supplies; 1 pallet emergency candles; 10 pallets assorted home goods; 9 pallets school/office supplies”
- We have received 3 pallets of medical including critical cancer treatment drugs (valued at $500K+).
- We have constant offers of containers with food and clothing.
- Next week we hope to load a container stuffed with medical supplies. One who has seen this list wrote to me, “Will be waiting for your answer! Lots of frontline hospitals are in the waiting line already for this vital aid!”
- This list of offers is amazing and constant, but we are hobbled by a lack of funding.
Post-War Rehabilitation—plans are continuing and I am asked to participate in the coordination. The trust that has been built by our compliance to the regulations during war time. I continue communication with various Regions about this action. Here is a snippet from communication this week:
“Dear John, I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am reaching out to you for your help. As Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom, thousands are in need of both physical, spiritual and psychological rehabilitation. And you with Church of Christ can greatly assist in spiritual rehabilitation. To address this urgent need, we are initiating the construction of a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Center. This center will provide essential medical treatment, psychological support, and professional reintegration programs. And you will have opportunity to help these with their spiritual rehabilitation. Your support can truly change lives. We are open to collaboration and would be happy to discuss all possible ways for you to get involved. You, and Church of Christ, are greatly needed.”
Just imagine the doors that will open to teach the New Testament Gospel. Even more exciting is the fact those involved in this center will come from all parts of Ukraine and as they return, hopefully they will take the gospel’s message and establish congregations!
Components Fully Assembled
As all components are “coming together” we see each being “perfectly joined together.” The shipments and unrestricted distribution resulted in a respect and recognition that is amazing. Doors are being opened!
As we work in the various rehab centers, we will teach the New Testament Gospel. Honest and sincere hearts will respond becoming New Testament Christians. From that point they will have at least two options: they will return to their towns and villages rejoicing in their new found faith and taking the Church with them (Acts 8:39b) and faithful brethren can visit and “confirm” as is the New Testament pattern. Or, if accepted, they can study with WBI in the Ivano-Frankivsk Church building, graduate with an accredited diploma and then go out to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. The various rehab centers will help identify those with “fire in their bones” to serve the Lord feeding the student population of WBI-IF!
Prayers Requested
I leave for Ukraine on 13 April after morning worship. My trip will encompass a crammed full schedule. Tanya is currenting finalizing appointments but new requests are constant. Please pray that God will open doors for the Gospel during my trip. You can receive auto-updates by subscribing at my website (https://www.kachelman.com/ukraine/blog/register/)
Please help us continue to progress in this amazing work!
“(P)raying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3).
John L. Kachelman, Jr. Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
You must be logged in to post a comment.