Report #18| Sunday & Leaving

Featured Photo: Tanya and Jared after our last Lord’s Day assembly in the Church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine for this trip.

Once again, the Lord’s Day assembly with the Church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk was a time of joy-filled greetings, good conversations, warm embraces and an environment that helps strengthen members to return to the cares of the world with a focused faith!

This will be our final trip report for Spring 2024. So much has been accomplished on multi-fronts. We have attempted to highlight some of the most significant actions in these reports but be assured that what was accomplished was much more than what was reported. We were able to continue plans for the rehabilitation projects. The physical therapy and vocational therapy sections are making amazing progress. Much more about these as we have approval to reveal.

Emotional and Behavioral Rehabilitation Projects

I’m thrilled that Dr. Gary Jerkins and John Durham have arrived in Ivano-Frankivsk and are setting up matters for the conference that begins Friday. They are bringing professionals from Vanderbilt University who are eager to assist in the rehabilitation efforts of Families, PTSD and all related matters. Our efforts in these projects have been constant and last year we were donated a container of pharmaceuticals with application to these challenges. We divided the container into four sections where capable professionals could use them.

This weekend is planned to present a conference for the medical professionals who will work with us in the emotional rehabilitation efforts. Gary sent me this note: “Hey John — our Team arrived in IF and the schedule is full for Wednesday in preparation for the Conference— we have closed registration as we are already beyond capacity — proving the need for this type of material—also good that Gif is attending — Lots to do — I think we made our trip too short, not leaving enough time for follow up conversations and relationship building. Thanks again —J”

We are already seeing positive results from this as doors for teaching God’s Gospel of Peace are being opened to us. Gif begins the first classes at one of our rehabilitation centers this week!

So much more to say…so much more to do…pray that the Lord of harvest sends laborers as the fields are white unto harvest!

A quick sermon

I am constantly reminded of the Sergeant’s command prior to mission ops, “MISSION #1!” It is so easy to allow our focus to be diverted and energies spent in useless activities (like a dog chasing its tail). Nehemiah’s words should replay constantly when Satan tries to divert your attention from Mission #1—“I am doing a great work and am unable to come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

Here is an inescapable fact…you have only a certain amount of allotted time on this earth. Satan will try to divert your thoughts, energies and entire life so you fail to use your allotted time on earth wisely and even possibly hinder others from seizing opportunities. Remember “MISSION #1” is your focus—some find it inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it is biblical! (Matthew 25 has three parables teaching this truth).

Here are the “final” words from the team as this mission trip concludes.

Avery

In my years in missions I have been blessed to travel to 18 countries on 5 continents. From the jungles of Southeast Asia to the plains of Africa I have never met people who exemplify the power of the Gospel more than the brethren in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. While being faced with unimaginable circumstances the brethren are still joyous and ready to serve the Lord! Over the past few days I have made friendships certain to last a lifetime and I cannot wait until I can return to visit these wonderful Christians. I look forward to seeing the Church grow throughout Ukraine thanks to the hard work of the brethren in Ivano-Frankivsk. To God be the Glory!

Whitney

Today was our last Sunday in Ivano-Frankivsk. We met at the new church building which is coming along very nicely! Almost all of the humanitarian aid that was sent to the church is gone! It has been sent to many different areas of the country and I’m sure is helping many lives. When we pulled up to the church building, I noticed that there were storks roosted on top of the chimney. It is said in Ukraine that having storks is a sign of good luck. Soon there will be baby storks as well. I feel as if this new life is hopefully also an allegory for the Church. As we left today, we had so many warm goodbyes and I’ve personally made much deeper connections with the members here than I did last year. Our being here has definitely encouraged them and hopefully the lessons that our group has given has ignited a spirit of confidence to do what is needed to make their community a better place. I will miss them all dearly and I would like to ask for your prayers to keep them encouraged in this dark time and to help them to be the light of God in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Jared

This Sunday was our last day with the Church at Ivano-Frankivsk. It’s always such a blessing to worship with them. I preached this Sunday, which always presents a challenge when you have to speak with a translator. Sasha did a great job as always, but I am still not used to pauses in the lesson that I have to make regularly.

Pasha has made a lot of progress at the Church and building/renovations are going really well. I think next time that we come we may not recognize the building due to how quickly and efficiently Pasha works.

It has been a great trip and I am pleased with the progress that has been made with the students at the school. After speaking with the teachers, we know that we are welcome back at any time so we look forward to the relationship between the church and the school to grow in the future.

Highlighting Avery’s point…

“I have never met people who exemplify the power of the Gospel more than the brethren in Ukraine…I look forward to seeing the Church grow throughout Ukraine thanks to the hard work of the brethren in Ivano-Frankivsk.”

Thank you to all who have helped financially support this trip; who have earnestly prayed for our safety and successes; who have sent encouraging words; who have continued working at home so more is able to be done!

Continue praying for us as we are now in the midst of travel back to the USA! Even though we are leaving, there are amazing opportunities that continue to present themselves! This Friday Gif will have the first group Bible study from our planning of the rehabilitation project. The factor that still is exciting is the one that surfaced on my January visit—the churches of Christ have been asked to coordinate Bible studies so that the proper spiritual rehabilitation will occur!

John L. Kachelman, Jr., Dalraida Church of Christ, P. O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109