Today was spent going to different locations in the Zaporozhye Oblast. Several distribution locations were visited and we met a number of those who were helped with items from our shipments. Early in the day I met with a number of those who had been wounded because of Russia’s war. The civilian casualty count continues to increase not only because of the shelling but because of mines. One told me that they are so happy with all the medical supplies but the doctors were especially thrilled to see the boxes of tracheotomy set ups.
In the town of Melitopol I was involved in the distribution of commodities that we had shipped. The toys had been taken and put into small gifts bags for girls and boys. There were many displaced families and children present. The parents received a family bucket and the children received toys.
One lady that works with families with many children was present and told me that they were so grateful for the clothing, furniture, toys and all other things. She said, “In fact if it had not been for you they would have nothing—churches of Christ have set their lives upright again. Thank you!”
The distribution in Melitopol was in a single room that was very crowded. In fact it was difficult to turn around because of the number of people present. Consequently it was difficult to get photos of all involved but we did manage to get some good shots. Thankfully others had cameras and were taking photos and I should get copies of those photos.
Tomorrow is the celebration of “Victory Day” (the equivalent to our “V.E. Day” in the USA). Today was celebrated as “Remembrance and Reconciliation Day” and is to cause people to think back on the evils of WW2.
An interesting twist to this year’s Victory day celebration is that Ukraine has officially adopted the western Red Poppy bloom as its symbol of remembering the war. Several news articles have appeared in the last weeks discussing this and you can search them out and read more about this. This change is seen as another gesture to Putin’s Russia that Ukraine is no longer in subservience and is not wearing the Russian black/orange victory ribbon but the red poppy bloom. In the photos you will see several with the red poppy blooms.
I continue meeting with various officials and groups that are begging us for more of everything we ship. Today one person said that they could use an entire container of chairs because everyone is needing them. I met with two gentlemen this evening who are going to join with me and try to get the US government to turn loose the surplus supplies in San Antonio. These are out-dated, stockpiled and gathering dust but are what is needed desperately over here—first aid kits, tents, blankets, mobile medical units, generators, etc. We plan to write the US Congress about these items and ask them to assist. I will be asking you to join with us in this project and contact your Congressman and Senators.
Throughout all of the events and activities here I am happy to say the focus on the Lord’s Church has not dimmed but has grown brighter. In that last discussion tonight, one of the officials remarked, “We must not forget that the most crucial element is the spiritual—if we lose sight of that then all is lost.”
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Zaporozhye, Ukraine
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