Feature Photo: Meeting with Mayor Anatoli Romanovych in Lysets, Ukraine. (L to R: Galina, John D, Tanya, John K, Anatoli).
As John Durham and I are emerging from jet-lag our schedules are very full. A number of meetings took place today. These meetings are good as they give us opportunities to meet and discuss our efforts. Today there were four of these and I want to highlight two.
Our first meeting was with the Ivano-Frankivsk’s Head of Nationalities and Religious Department. We enjoyed a wonderful meeting with Tetiana. We outlined our plans and schedules. John Durham was able to describe the objectives of the center of behavioral studies that is being coordinated by himself, Dr. Gary Jerkins, and Dr. Ron Swang. These have assembled a great program and professional volunteer staff from the Nashville, TN area who will interface with professionals in Ivano-Frankivsk. They conducted an introductory conference on the project last October and we immediately had all available spaces reserved. The intense interest in this effort is being communicated from all levels of the government. They have begun remodeling a structure in Ivano-Frankivsk and John will begin initial activities during this visit (the teddy bear hospital!). This is a critical focus on helping children and families “repair” from the traumas of the war. After this initial start-up is working well, we will expand to other areas in Ukraine. As John pointed out, the focus is on the “whole” rehabilitation and he mentioned Gif’s position in developing and working through the spiritual facets of recovery. Gif was not able to be with us in this meeting as he had other urgent appointments requiring his presence. I was very pleased to hear Tetiana several times exclaim to me, “Thank you for bringing Gif!”
Today we also met with Mayor Anatoli Romanovych in Lysets. Anatoli has been a wonderful partner in our efforts in western Ukraine. I can truly say that without his help we would not have been able to achieve anything! Visiting with him is always a joy. Due to scheduled meetings, we only had 30 minutes to spend with him. But he invited us to come back on Monday and enjoy the delicious vareniki that his wife cooks.
We closed the day over coffee and snacks discussing the developments and opened possibilities that today has provided. Tomorrow is crammed full.
For the world this is “Holy Week” and the religious ceremonies begin in full tomorrow. It is not uncommon to hear the question, “How does the Church of Christ celebrate Easter?” That query is always welcomed and opens possibilities for discussion of how manmade dogmas have often distorted and destroyed the simplicity of the New Testament doctrine and worship.
It is really encouraging to see the great good that has transpired in the last year with the Church in Ivano-Frankivsk! THANKS GIF!!!
Please continue praying for our efforts! We continue dealing with issues that are a constant irritation and that siphons energy and mental focus from the task at hand. But your prayers are a GREAT counter to the Devil’s discouragement!
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
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