Featured Photo: Timothy is reading a Psalm that he selected (Psalm 91). He did an outstanding job!
NOTE: With the power going off/on I think the router in the apartment has been shorted out. So my internet availability is restricted to Tanya’s hotspot on her phone.
The 07 July 2024 Lord’s Day assembly was encouraging and uplifting! We expected a number to be away because of Jeff Abrams “Americraine” church camp in Lviv. But we had 16 present and that was much more than expected. Among those present were first-time guests and then other guests who have been present every time the doors are opened. Because of those attending I preached a lesson on the story of Naaman and how that illustrates the conversion process that God requires. Also present was Natalia who was able to come but is still suffering with a broken shoulder blade.
The lesson is simple in communicating biblical truths. Three points: There must be a change in attitude—faith; there must be a change in actions—repentance; there must be a change in associations and relationships—immersion. It is a simple but compelling lesson for the true seeker.
There were some I wanted to talk with directly regarding the lesson but got buttonholed with the “clean-up” business and they left before I could get to them. ☹ Tanya remarked that she thought these were listening to the lesson carefully and responded in a positive way. Hopefully they will continue thinking and studying on the messaage.
The usual situation now is that each male member takes part in the leading of an act of worship. I was impressed with the fact that today some stepped up and made sure everything was ready for the assembly, and no one had to ask them to do this. This is a significant positive that Gif and Perry began in January and that Gif has continued to encourage. His labors are bearing good fruit!
The war with the Giant Hogweed continues. Brother Jerry Max Morgan wrote me that he has hogweed on his farm in AR. Not sure if it is “giant hogweed” that grows 8+feet tall but even a smaller variant will be dangerous. So, I guess this evil weed has spread across the ocean. I hope I can get the massive infestation bushhogged before the flowers mature and the seeds spread the poison even further. I have been sending a herbicide over that kills it but we clear our property only to have it seeded again with the breeze-borne seeds!! One of the complications in clearing the Giant Hogweed is that its dangerous sap sticks to clothing, shoes, and any tools used to cut it. And a transfer from these contaminated items is just as dangerous as actual contact with the plant. I have read that the sap compromises the DNA structure of the skin so that sunlight is not protected and the sun’s rays are permitted to burn the flesh. This is why you see such huge blisters and scarring in the photos. Hopefully I can get the fields bushhogged!
It was a great Lord’s Day with a wonderful assembly, delightful fellowship and open doors!
This week I plan to continue with efforts in Ivano-Frankivsk!
THANK YOU for your support and encouragement in so many ways!
Here are photos from the Lord’s Church assembly:
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL 36109
