Photo: Beto’s VISA is aa reality! It was granted in the after-working hours late. We are thankful to all our friends who assisted in this accomplishment.
We have arrived in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine! Actually, we limped into town as the gear-shifter linkage kept vibrating loose. Thankfully Perry & Maxim were able to shade-tree mechanic it with Velcro that Perry had and zip-ties that I had in my roller! We are in the process of getting the schedule set and activities started. Here are the first impressions from Roberto (Beto) and Perry as they spent the first nights in Warsaw. The grand accomplishment was the getting of the VISA for Beto. This was an action involving a number of critical friends.
As a side note regarding our shipments Charita set this note:
Let me tell you how fortunate that we loaded all containers out of Montgomery with the soup broth and medical supplies last week. Today I got an email that railroads are going on strike, and as of Monday, all railroads will be closed. So, I spent all day rearranging and rebooking all loadings for next week, including Holly Springs. This is going to put one more dent in all future shipments; prices will go up again ☹
From Beto:
On April 20, of this year I was denied entry to Ukranine at the Lubrcza (Poland) border. Today, September 14, I was granted a 90-day visa, with the option to extend the date! This was only possible because a many of God’s saints prayed to our Father to make this possible. God remove all obstacles. He touched His servant Charita’s heart; she made calls to “the right people” to make it possible. Before Russian started the invasion, Mexico was among a short number of countries whose citizens could apply online and obtain an e-visa with not much a requirement. I flew to Ukraine’s embassy in Washington, DC and I was unsuccessful (too many requirements). Then Charita came into play. She is the coordinator for logistics in shipping the containers to Ukraine, usually via Poland, and then transport the cargo into Ukraine for distribution. She had the necessary contacts to operate in my behalf. And I hope I am worth the pain and effort on many!
I am specially indebted to sister Tatyana Zozulina who was with the group that went to sort out meds for distribution in conflict areas of the country. Tatyana made a strong effort with the border guards to allowed them to let me in the country. God had other plans for me a that time as I came to see later. This time, she renewed the effort and spent all day getting me an appointment with the Ukrainian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. Spend hours making calls, taking Ubers to get the necessary things required. An embassy agent, who assisted us in the morning and guided us on how to proceed, returned later in the afternoon to “take care” of my visa staying pass the closing hours to make it happen for us. This official, who required from me of everything needed to get a visa, went beyond his obligation. I was required to apply weeks before a planned trip; I would have to wait at least a couple of weeks to be granted a visa, etc. At the end, after putting the document in my hand, he went on to express the deep-felt gratitude of people of other countries who extended a hand of friendship and offer help in the country’s most dangerous time of its short-lived existence as a free country!
May God bless our efforts in Ukraine, may we not be short-sighted and miss the opportunity to permit that evil triumph in the region to our detriment. That God allow us to show His love, compassion through what we do in His name. And may Ukrainians get to hear His life saving grace of His good News, the gospel!
In Him, Roberto, Beto, Santiago
From Perry
Today was a relaxed day in Warsaw while John, Tonya and Roberto worked on getting Beto a Ukraine VISA. It took running around but successful. I stayed back at the airport hotel and studied lessons. We will leave tomorrow for Ivano-Frankivsk. Attached are just a few pictures of the different food we ate and at the table are Tanya, John, Maximum our driver and Roberto. Continue praying for our efforts!
John L. Kachelman, Jr. Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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