Kherson
For many years we have worked in Kherson and had developed very good contacts and a secure network. This city has now been occupied by Russian invaders. Here is a brief update on the situation from a trusted friend inside the city. At this point Russia is not allowing anyone to evacuate the occupied territory.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine and began shelling the Kherson Region and occupied it in a week. All infrastructure is under the control of the Russian Federation. During this period of occupation, all resources have been exhausted, including food and medical preparations of Kherson and the Region.
It is impossible to import products from other territories, since the troops of the Russian Federation do not provide green corridors. They have turned off the connection and the Internet.
A humanitarian catastrophe is imminent. Residents of the Kherson Region began the evacuation at one’s own risk, columns of cars numbered up to 1,000 units, residents, if possible, went to other Regions, as well as to other countries. But at the moment now all exit and entry are closed.
Food products are imported from the Russian Federation, but they are of low quality and at very high prices. The Russian Federation is trying to introduce its own currency (rubles), but they are very bad at it.
Residents of Kherson go to peaceful rallies under the banner ‘Kherson is Ukraine.’
Previously, we received humanitarian supplies from you through the Black Sea, but at the moment this is not possible, since Russian ships are in the Black Sea and are shelling the city of Odessa. They shoot not only at strategic targets, but also at houses and civilians.
Delivering cargo to Odessa is unrealistic. There are a lot of bombs (ie “mines”) in the sea and the ports of Odessa are not functioning.
A BIG request to you – give an information block that the entire Kherson Region has been under occupation since February 24; that many villages have been wiped off the face of the earth and people have ended up on the street.
If possible, we can receive funds and can purchase medicines that are much needed for hospitals, the elderly, and also purchase food for nursing homes and home for the disabled.
Thanks for the help!
Best regards,
E.L.
Loading in Montgomery, AL
Wednesday, we loaded a container for Lysets, Ukraine out of Montgomery. This container was stuffed with medical supplies that had been donated. Due to the transportation problems in the USA, we had to reschedule several times. Finally, we nailed down Wednesday as the loading at 10:00 a.m. but then received word the truck would be late. We eventually got it loaded with 1,829 boxes. Because it was medical supplies the value was over one-million USD! Here are photos of the loading.
Loading in Huntsville, AL
Wednesday also brought the loading of a container that congregations in north Alabama had collected. WILL TUCKER (Chase Park Church of Christ) coordinated this loading. This was another loading that had to be rescheduled but ultimately happened. This container contained: Family Buckets, Hygiene Bags; Pots & Pans; Blankets and linens; 3 electric wheelchairs; and other commodities urgently needed! Here is a photo of those who helped Will load the container.
We continue to schedule loadings at various locations. The cost has really increased due to the fuel situation. In Ukraine, fuel is being prioritized and reserved for military and medical needs. This has increased our costs significantly. Hopefully, Charita and I will be able to find a solution.
God’s providential will is opening opportunities and we are eager to meet and discuss these! I have several reporting trips planned and would love to try and come and tell you about our work together. Let me know if you would like for me to come and visit and inform the brethren about our help to the nation — and our brethren — in Ukraine.
Continue praying for our efforts—YOU are a significant partner in the Lord’s work.
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
(Montgomery, AL)
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