The last two days have been spent in Lviv, Ukraine. Lviv is known for a number of facts: it is recognized as one of the leading centers for Ukrainian independence since the 1920s; it is recognized as one of the most westernized cities of Ukraine and resembles Poland in many aspects; it is generally spoken of as “the capitol of western Ukraine.” Because of these features it is not surprising to observe a strong support of Ukraine as it continues to deal with the Russian invasion and occupation that is entering the third year.
We have long sought an established congregation in Lviv but the reticence of those in the east leaving the east to live in the west has stymied any real efforts. Some years ago there was suppose to be a congregation active in Lviv but it was a farce as the preacher never left Donetsk but sent back reports as if things were blowing and going in Lviv!
Now we can confidently state that there is an active congregation in Lviv! Several months ago brother Denis Sopelnik sent word to me that three graduates of the BVBIU had moved to Lviv and had established a sound and vibrant congregation. Last month came news that the congregation’s first immersion had occurred and the second is to take place in tomorrow’s assembly there.
Three brothers in the Lord (Dima, Stas, and Bogdan) had moved and started the congregation. You may remember these from Vladimir Paziy’s reports from Kramatorsk as each had been very involved and active in that congregation. Dima and Stas are married and Bogdan is to wed in July.
I was not the only American present these last two days. Jon & Amber White are in Lviv until July working on a Fullbright Grant. Jon is a professor of engineering at Harding and was accepted in the Fullbright program and “happened” to end up in Lviv at the same time Dima, Stas, and Bogdan were beginning the congregation. Joining us was another American—George Spurlock from Mobile, AL. George has been involved with Jeff Abrams and the good work he does with the summer camp in Kramatorsk. I discovered that George had been encouraging Dima, Stas, and Bogdan and his counsel has been invaluable.
I had taken three members of the Ivano-Frankivsk congregation to the meeting so we could begin a networking and cooperation in gospel efforts to spread the pure New Testament Word throughout western Ukraine. Joining me from Ivano-Frankivsk were Volodya (the taxi driver), Ruslan, and Tanya (of course she was needed to help us communicate!).
Jon and Amber says that the congregation in Lviv has really “saved” them while working in Lviv. The congregation has provided a “home” and “family.”
My purpose for going to Lviv was not only to greet the new congregation but to discuss with them the arrival of clothing for displaced people and solicit their help in distribution. This is the shipment that the USAF will fly into air bases in Germany and then truck the shipment into Lviv. This is the very first shipment that the USAF is making into Ukraine so there remain a number of unknowns as this point. Hopefully this will go very well and we will be able to establish a monthly or bi-monthly schedule. If this regular schedule does develop it appears that shipments will go into Lviv. So the establishment of this congregation was as some might say very fortuitous but I choose to see it as providential!
We thoroughly enjoyed the time together. We were led in a number of hymns and spiritual songs by Bogdan and then Dima and Stas greeted us. We had a wonderful fellowship meal prepared largely by George who had brought Jiffy mix, bacon, brown sugar and other ingredients with him from Mobile!
Our meeting was very good and laid the foundation for cooperation and partnership based upon the Bible.
Volodya is very knowledgeable of Lviv and he took us on a personally guided tour during the brief time we were there. We arrived back at the hotel late last night and got up to return to Ivano-Frankivsk this morning.
But before we returned Volodya wanted to take me to a café that celebrates the resistance of Ukraine to Russian occupation and control. It is fashioned as the resistance cells of the 1920’s Freedom Fighters.
Throughout the maze of underground tunnels you will find wireless radios, guns, and other memorabilia from such covert operations. In order to gain access you have to give the pass code and then an armed guard lets you inside.
Once inside a false bookcase swings out and you go down steps into the tunneled maze where you are served.
As I was about to leave the door sentry wanted to have his photo made with me (If you will look at his shirt you will see that he has the blue/yellow patch of Ukraine’s flag and the red/black patch of Ukraine’s Freedom fighters). He had greeted me with the Ukrainian freedom mantra “Glory to Ukraine” to which you reply “Glory to the heroes.” And then others add “Glory to the nation” to which is replied “Death to our enemies!” (Of course this is spoken in Ukrainian). He and I had exchanged these expression and so he said I was officially recruited as a member of the underground Freedom Fighters!
In the morning I will assembled with the Ivano-Frankivsk brethren the last time on this trip. Following our worship assembly we have planned another congregational fellowship meal. The sun is shining and the temps have warmed so hopefully we will be able to have that cookout that everyone loves!
Pray for our efforts as we continue this trip!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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