Bags Packed & Containers Loaded

Featured Photo: Here is a team loading a container filled with medical supplies heading into Ukraine!

Within the last days before leaving for Ukraine, we loaded three cargo containers, unloaded another 53-foot trailer from Houston, TX and loaded 15 pallets going to California where they will be shipped into Ukraine! An amazing feat but totally exhausting.

In finishing my notes on “Diving Deeply into Romans,” I have been reminded of how wonderfully the Koine Greek communicates Inspiration’s message. The pressured events of these last few days, before I leave for Ukraine, reminds me of Paul’s comment in 2 Corinthians 11:28, “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.” I appreciate Paul’s confession about his personal struggles. The Apostle struggled with pressures from without and within. The constant turmoil had to take a toll on him. Look at some of the specifics:

“Daily” is a term that one has noted is “hyperbolically equivalent to without intermission.” There was no cessation to this upheaval in Paul’s life–no time out! No R&R! Imagine his situation.
“Pressure” is from a Greek term communicating “a gathering together or combining against or at. Hence, a hostile banding together or concourse.

Paul struggled daily with a constant barrage of negatives that combined to weigh his spirit. This relentlessness urged him to give-up! But, thankfully he refused and such gives Christians strong incentives to remain focused and stubborn in following God’s objectives.

Look at the amazing results from our constant activities the past few days…As noted above, we loaded THREE 40-foot High Cube cargo containers, then we unloaded another 53-foot trailer from Houston, TX and then loaded 15 pallets going to California where they will be shipped into Ukraine!

Look at the amazing amount of supplies that were shipped:

Total of the supplies shipped in the containers: 71,108 pounds!
Total number of pieces shipped: 4,598

I hurriedly post this as I am going with Dalraida’s group to the Atlanta Lads to Leaders conference this weekend. We have FORTY going to the gathering this year. Our participants have diligently prepared, carefully studied, and boldly rehearsed for their events. The presence of those who are involved is a great encouragement to the congregation!

After returning late Saturday night, I will worship with the Church at Dalraida and then begin my travels taking me to Poland and then Ivano-Frankivsk and from there other locations. I am excited about seeing Gif and hearing of his good work. We could not have a better person serving in Ivano-Frankivsk than Gif! Later in April, Jared and Whitney will be coming to join the work in Ivano-Frankivsk and the community is very excited about their return. Also joining us will be Avery Hackney from the Arnold, MO congregation in south St. Louis. Having lived in St. Louis for almost 9 years, I was often associated with the good Arnold congregation.

So…all is ready…bags are packed…the schedule is set (as much as possible)…exciting opportunities are being confirmed!

As usual I, and the others with us, will be sending back the update reports as often as possible on the trip and they will be posted on this site.