In the photo to right (and featured image), we see the distribution of medical supplies shipped into Ukraine and stored by the Church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk (see a couple other pics at end of post). The supplies stored in Ivano-Frankivsk are now almost gone. But, more will be enroute soon!
I awoke today in Columbia, TN visiting my daughters and their families this week and was thankful to be able to meet with the Graymere Church here last night. They are already working hard to get buckets together and it is exciting to see the enthusiasm and support in TN for our friends in Ukraine. Everyone wants to do something to help! It is such a blessing to be part of the Lord’s Church in times like this.
Loading Containers This Week
This Monday, we will finish wrapping pallets of urgently requested medical supplies that will be airlifted into Poland and used there and in parts of Ukraine. The next day, Tuesday March 8, we will load a container out of Montgomery, AL that will be 100% medical supplies and a container out of Holly Springs, MS that will have Family Buckets, clothing and other relief items. Then, Holly Springs, MS will load two more containers one on Wednesday and another on Thursday. These containers will be airlifted into Poland and then transported into Ukraine on an aircraft dedicated for this use by Ukraine International Airlines.
Help Needed This Week
This week, in Montgomery, AL, Andrew “GIF” Gifford is coordinating a group from UAB Medical School which will be pulling the commodities urgent commodities requested for the airlift. He will be at the warehouse this Saturday. Although we expect about 20 medical students, we would welcome any others who would like to help. Please contact Gif if you would like to jump in and lend a hand!
We really need help on Monday and Tuesday mornings to help finalize the items that will be loaded on the container on Tuesday afternoon! If you are able to help please come to warehouse starting at 9:00 AM on both mornings!
On Tuesday, we need help to load the container at 1:00 PM. We will be filling the container with medical supplies and other hospital fixings!
Donations for Relief
We continue receiving donations that are used 100% for relief effort purchases—I want to state that ALL donated funds are used in the relief efforts. All our workers are volunteers! Your donated funds are helping fill Family Buckets and Personal Hygiene Bags, pay for transportation, and providing financial assistance to those in Ukraine/Poland/Moldova/Romania with basic life needs. If you know of anyone who would like to contribute financially, I am asking that they send the funds to Dalraida church of Christ, 3740 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109. You can also give online by following the link at www.dalraida.org/helpukraine.
To illustrate just how Russia’s invasion has impacted the world in which we live I want to post an edited message from the Med Student coordinating this sorting…
Hi I’m Nicholas G. first-year intern at University of Alabama family medicine program. My wife and I heard you had supplies that needed to be repackaged to prep for shipment. I’m in Tuscaloosa and was going to try and find more volunteers to assist but wanted to know how much are we dealing with. Ok I’ll post to my various groups to try and get as many people to get everything ready. Thank you again my wife is from N___hyn and her mom and dad were just handed rifles saying to have them ready even at 12 am in case Russians come through. It’s horrible and people need help.”
News from Ivan in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine…
We continue to receive emails and updates from Ukraine. Here is an update and email from Ivan Skoleba (minister in Ivano-Frankivsk):
Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to you. We are so thankful to all of you for prayers and support of this country at such a horrible time for us and the people here.
Ivan Skoleba (Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine)
Russian spies and corrupt communists were pulling our country into abyss and hopeless condition for a long time. That’s why we have to pay with our blood to be freed from slavery. We know that the Lord is on our side. That’s why we continue praying and asking the Lord to help us overcome this evil that Satan is planting through Putin and his cowardly generals.
The whole country has stood up to resist the aggressor – every village and every city has stood up to counter aggression. Men of the congregation do all we can to help the doctors who give medical aid to the wounded. We have put together all medical supplies that we had for the first aid clinics and surgeons. We also help IDP’s from Central and Eastern Ukraine.
Despite all inconveniences we continue assembling on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and prayer session on Fridays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Our sisters and children, all who wanted and were able left Ukraine. All men stayed to defend the country.
Please, continue praying for us and the country. We love you and thank God for our unity in Christ.”
News from Tanya in Worclaw, Poland:
Hi! We are finally in bed after midnight. If you think a room full of kids make a lot of noise you need to experience 6 women in a one-room apartment 😉 But, we have had a good day.
Tanya Zozulina
We did go to the train-station to see about helping with refugees. They told us to sign up our information and be ready for over the weekend. There’s an internet group where you sign up and they call you. I am also working with Maria and our refugee center here.
Heard from Igor N from Odesa. He is opening a bank account to receive relief funds since it would take a while for containers to come. He’s also thinking about opening a branch of his fund in Moldova. Well, I’m so sleepy I can’t think. Will write more tomorrow.
Great big hug and love to all American brothers and sisters who are working so hard and donating to help us in this evil time! Our bond in Christ is so comforting even in these horrible days. America! We love you! Sweet dreams!”
Please continue to pray for our friends and family in Ukraine during this time!
John Kachelman Jr.
(Columbia, TN)
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