Feature Photo: Here is the class photo of those attending a Bible study in one of the two therapy clinics that we have been invited to teach regular Bible classes.
We continue enjoying the invitations to present Bible study classes at the State rehabilitation centers in Ivano-Frankivsk. Readers of these posts will remember that these classes began because Vladimir Paziy met the Director on a parking lot in Ivano-Frankivsk. We had previously worked with Vlad and the Center when they were in Kramatorsk. Vlad had coordinated efforts with the State Rehab Center and we shipped multiple containers to assist them in their work. The war forced them to look for other locations and it just “happened” that the Ivano-Frankivsk Administration offered them a building to remodel and it just “happened” that Vlad and Svetlana met in a parking lot to discover they were both IDPs in Ivano-Frankivsk, and it just “happened” that Gif moved into the apartment that Svetlana’s daughter’s family was vacating for another apartment in the same building.
I love Paul’s comment to Philemon on the way things “happen.” “For perhaps it was for this reason” that Onesimus had met Paul in Rome and had obeyed the gospel and was thus returning in repentance to Philemon. The providential working of God certainly “moves in a mysterious way His wonders to impart” and even an inspired Apostle could not be absolutely certain, but took solace by faith in the way God arranges earthly events.
Through our involvement in the two clinics in Ivano-Frankivsk we have established a very good reputation (thanks to Gif and Perry!) and doors continue to open for actions in other locations. And….it all started many years ago as we coordinated shipments into Kramatorsk and it was crystalized by Vlad meeting Svetlana in a parking lot and Gif being present to teach Bible classes! Rejoice saying, “Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14).
We just need those willing to move to these locations and work for the Lord. But as we discovered in 1994, many are willing to serve God in the “big” cities where amenities are plentiful, but few are willing to move to the towns and villages where the greatest needs exist! And so, as I visit these “lesser desired living locations,” I am reminded of the Lord’s exhortation, “Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:36-38).
In these rehab classes we are always free to choose what we teach. Tonight, I chose to discuss Lamentations 3. This is a chapter that I personally find encouraging. In the midst of trauma, turmoil, destruction, and the loss of everything perceived as valuable, God remains “faithful.” Hence, the hymn proclaiming “Great is Thy faithfulness” is one of my favorites.
The context of Lamentations 3 is applicable to citizens of any nation. The words of Jeremiah’s desperation are shared by every reader.
It was a wonderful class. Afterwards Gif asked those present to tell their names and from where they came. We had a good representation of all over Ukraine.
Please continue praying for our efforts! Tonight was a wonderful way to use my last night in Ivano-Frankivsk. Early in the morning I will be leaving for Poland and have several appointments scheduled there. Then I will be returning to Montgomery and will advise upon my return.
Thank you for all who financially support these efforts and for all who continue fervent in prayer!
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
Here are a few of the approved photos…
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