Featured Photo: While the others are in Ivano-Frankivsk busily engaged in actions there, I traveled 3-4 hours with a group to distribute shipment items and that much time returning. The photo you see has Ruslan and Alena after the distribution is finished. Alena is a member of the village we visited—bright “celestial blue” eyes, a radiant smile and a love for people! She and her family received canned goods, rice meals, clothing and hygiene items.
The thought came to me as we were driving down the road with our group of the day…we had an Egyptian driving, a Persian directing the route, a Pole sitting and talking with a Ukrainian. And…an American totally oblivious to all that was going on…he was just doing as he was told. The conversation was in Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and an occasional south Alabama English!
Here is a brief report on activities that have happened.
Chip’s Thoughts…
John this will be short and sweet. Well our plan from last night had 2 possibilities for today. The visit with the Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk could not be scheduled today. So Lunch with an older shut in couple was accepted, Luba and Yaroslav. The Lunch spread was the usual big Ukrainian spread with soup, vegetables, bake chicken, meat wrap, and desert yes we were filled.
We then spent time together discussing their journey to become immersed Christians and members of the Ivano-Frankivsk church and their lives before that. The husband was 96.5 years old and they had been married almost 50 years. He was a retired research dentist with a storied life. Luba tells of reading her Bible and seeing the things it said. Then meeting and studying and in 2016 choosing to be immersed. And she is affecting the future because her youngest grandchild who lives in Berlin has been immersed.
I remembered as a youth my Mom hosting visiting preachers during revival meetings and now I can say I understand how those ministers felt seeing the faith of those whom they visited.
I feel this was a productive day helping tilling the good soil and hoping for 100-fold harvests.
Where’s GIF? Rumor has him arriving tomorrow! Please keep praying for this mission, this team, our safety, and our leader John K.
The next day…
Well he’s here! Our great mission team minister, the great Andrew Gifford, the Gif Man is in the house!! Today I would liken to half time and a college football locker room meeting. We all were together having a locker room meeting to discuss the execution of the game plan so far and to adjust and FINISH strong in the 2nd half or in our case the next 7 days! The 3rd quarter begins tomorrow at 9:30AM back to Yaremche. Meetings and discussions with Victoria and Alexander and some of their IDPs. And for Larry Stowe in Montgomery see pics of how I dress in up-coming reports!
Perry’s Thoughts…
Inna let us know that Ivan is still traying to get meetings with Lubov and the Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk. We will be leaving early tomorrow morning for Zelena to see Bogdan, Galena and family and encourage them but most of all I’m personally excited to see my dear friends.
The word “Flexible” is becoming frequent on this trip because the plans Ivan has, he unfortunately keeps changing which is frustrating for all. Chip and I did enjoy visiting memorial parks that honor the fallen soldiers from the first invasion of Russian in 2014 and the current war. Chip also is spending time going over his lesson for Wednesday because our trip to Zelena will take the full day.
Remember our mission in prayers asking God to grant us success and to open doors of opportunity! Colossians 4:2-4
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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