Feature Photo: A personal hygiene bag is given to a wounded soldier.
Note: For those viewing this on their phones, the slideshow on the website is much more convenient.
In December 2024 we loaded several containers that had personal hygiene bags. One of these containers went to Ivano-Frankivsk. It went to the Regional Hospital where Dr Gary Jerkins had arranged for cataract surgical microscopes, lab equipment, supplies, etc. to be received. All went well and the hospital was very thankful for the commodities it received and the other commodities went to Gif and Nickoli for distribution. Most of these hospital supplies had come from C.U.R.E. (WestArk Church of Christ, Ft. Smith, AK) and the World Cataract Foundation (Memphis, TN). We also had Family Buckets and personal hygiene supplies During my trip we are delivering the remnants of this shipment. Although the reports are brief, they were intense and every second was crammed with action. The brevity masks significant particulars.
Hospital visits
The war has had a seismic impact upon the healthcare systems in Ukraine. The local hospitals are filled with not only citizens but the military overflow. I have been visiting a number of these hospitals and eyeballing the distribution of the supplies and commodities sent. The adaptation, innovation and advances of Ukraine’s medical branches is amazing. I have seen new developments in battlefield triage and then in post-triage that are almost unbelievable. The impact of our shipments is only exceeded by the sincere gratitude expressed by the hospitals’ physicians, staff, patients and the patients’ families.
In the below photos you can see the unloading of personal hygiene bags, and food that was purchased for the patients.
Distribution Center visit
I visited a unique center of distribution. Instead of giving away walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, etc., this center “loans” the devices out for a period of time and once no longer needed the devices are returned and placed back into the supply bins for others to use. They have a contract that is signed by the recipient. There is a willingness of all to help make this program work so as many as are in need can access the equipment. The Director was very appreciative for the items we have shipped and he said to please give his expression of gratitude to all who help make these shipments possible.
The Director Sergii began this center on his own. We came in contact with him and offered to give him some equipment to meld into his system. He looked skeptical and asked, “Why do you just give away these things?” He expected something untoward on our part. We replied, “We give these things in the Name of The Lord and do not expect anything in return. We do it because the gospel tells us to do it.” His skepticism was not satisfied as his only dealings with “religious” groups revealed their carnal motives. He does not charge anything for helping others. His work is supported by businessmen. But he was willing to “try” us. He has now been convinced of our sincerity. He said that if the gospel is powerful enough to move us to give away such items, then he wants to make that message known to others. He accessed “The Gospel of John” in Ukrainian and began putting these out for others to take. Thus far he has given away 1,700 copies of John’s Gospel account! He is sincere and refreshing. We continue talking and working!
Here are a few of the approved photos…
Please continue praying for our efforts!
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
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