Featured Photo: A scene from one of our locations where the children impacted by war are living. Most have lost at least one parent; some have both parents in the military; several have parents who are now invalids in hospitals; some were separated from parents and have no idea if their parents are still living. “I saved the poor who cried for help, and the orphan who had no helper” (Job 29:12).
The suffocating heat and humidity are constants during summer. These miserable temps remind me of the “dog days of summer” phrase. Contrary to hysterics, our ecological era is NOT impacted by any unusual warming or “climate change.” Recently I heard it announced that that day was the “seventh hottest on record” and the record was over 50 years old!
I first learned this phrase when I was in BOY Scouts and preparing for a merit badge achievement. The “dog days” refer to the period when the brightest star, Sirus (known as the “dog star), rises in the nighttime sky. It is part of pagan vocabulary and its etymology is hardly known today.
The pagan ignorance incorporated the stars as a major part of their religions. In Greek Mythology, Canis Major represented the dog “Laelaps,” who was a gift from Zeus to Europa. Laelaps was renowned for speed and Zeus honored him by elevating it to the constellations. The ancients noticed that Sirius, rose with the Sun during this period. Thus, was borne “the dog days.” In the southern hemisphere the appearance of Sirius marks the beginning of winter’s cold. This fact does nothing to assuage the misery of heart and humidity in the northern hemisphere!
Thankfully, we have the true knowledge of the constellations, “God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also (Genesis 1:16). Sadly, man’s willing ignorance of God’s revelation only encourages foolishness! OK, enough on this intriguing aside…
Our Efforts:
The Lord’s work continues in Ukraine. During the summer months we focused on various areas: we were asked to assist in some of the civil defense needs; we continued with Bible studies in PT Clinics; and, helped the children traumatized by the Russian evils. Because of our reputation and cooperation, a number of groups asked for our help with food, clothing, shoes, psychological counsel, and health issues.
Gif visited the USA and reported how our efforts in shipping benevolent items were critical and opening doors of opportunity. Gif especially observed how the buckets are constantly requested.
Here is a comment received from one of the groups we are assisting. The number of children assisted is 300+. I will visit this group on my upcoming trip.
Appreciation received:
“Good evening, our dear friend John, I am sending you the receipts for the money that we received on 06.12.25 and 07.08.25. As you know this money was used to purchase food for the children we have been helping all summer. It is good to see smiles on some of their faces! Many have seen horrible things and awaken screaming at night. Some sit in silence. Some go about life but appear to have no spirit of life inside their body. You will soon see some of these yourself.
What we bought: Chicken meat, minced meat, butter, sunflower oil, pasta, vermicelli, eggs, sugar, buckwheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, flour, sausages, hard cheese, milk, sausage, yogurt, bananas, pears, cottage cheese, sour cream, cabbage, potatoes, tea, canned meat, peppers, eggplants.
Thank you very much for allowing us to organize activity and feeding for children and for making sure that our children are happy, happy and have the opportunity to rest and reboot away from the shelling. We are sincerely grateful to you for taking care of our children.
God’s blessings to you. Mykola and Halyna”
A container is scheduled to arrive in the next few days bringing assistance a number of the orphan homes I reported on during my spring trip. When the container is unloaded and distributed, we will post photos that have been approved.
Regarding photos:
Let me again explain why we restrict posting photos. Photos are mined by Evil. Photos can reveal data that is used in evil ways. The facial recognition ability of militarized programs is shocking. Within minutes the location, parents, hometown, status of parents, and even relatives are available. Those who indiscriminately post photos on social media and websites are aiding evil. There is an expectation that all foreigners posting photos will be responsible and considerate of their actions. Please understand this fact, those who use photos to raise funds or enhance their “status” are under “suspicion.” Any posting on websites and social media are also recorded.
Tragically war is a money-making evil. Photos of those suffering are emotional triggers for fundraising. This is why Gif and I note that the photos we post have been approved. After the war has ended be watching to see the prosecution of those who have parleyed the trauma of victims (especially children and the elderly) for profit. This is a tragic fact.
Regarding the war’s ending:
Many are asking about the recent developments promising “peace.” I pray for peace. I pray for justice. I pray that the open doors will yield an abundant harvest for the Lord.
Ever since 1994 and especially from the first invasion in 2014 I, and the supporters of these efforts, have worked constantly to collect, send, distribute, and communicate the love of the Lord to those in despair. God has blessed us with amazing connections and amazing moments to seize amazing opportunities. Thanks to SeaStar Kids in Ivano-Frankivsk and a number of therapy clinics throughout the nation, we have a great beginning for a fabulous future!
The lyrics of Julia Ward Howe, from another era of war’s horrors, are appropriate: “He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah!”
The war WILL end. As soon as “peace” is declared (possibly even before any formal document is signed), international actions will be initiated for post-war operations. For years I have been in contact with the “Ministry of Reintegration” discussing what events, personnel, and needs will be priority.
Among the first actions in Ukraine will be investigations and adjudication of those who violated the Laws of Ukraine. Those who thought the Law was inconsequential will face the reality of their foolishness. Those who bribed, lied and violated the Law will be held accountable.
Among the first actions in the USA will be the recension of the TPS (or as Biden’s administration termed it U4U). Its recension will be based upon the oft repeated statements that the requirements for Ukrainian TPS will not exist. Those in the USA, under U4U, will be require to deport possibly even before their approved date. The deportation could come within weeks of announcements.
The “sponsors” will be responsible for how the approved TPS conduct themselves. It is a very real possibility, given the current environment in the USA regarding aliens, that should those whose TPS have been rescinded but who do not leave, will face criminal charges and confinement in one of the “illegal alien holding camps.” The sponsors could be charged with human trafficking since the “alien” they brought did not leave as directed.
This may sound harsh, but these are the terms that were agreed at the beginning. As has been announced by the current Administration, “TPS (U4U) is temporary. When the need is no longer present TPS will be rescinded. This is a TEMPORARY status.”
The Christian’s life is not a stroll through a rose garden. It is a daily struggle with devilish elements, people and issues that challenge and discourage us. Like Israel at Socoh. Every day Goliath stepped forward and the Israeli’s stepped backward. Inspiration states the Israeli camp was “dismayed and very fearful” (I Samuel 17:11). Surrounded by defeat and blinded by evil’s deception, Israel failed to focus on God. Then comes David’s confidence (verses 26-37), “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and rids Israel of the disgrace…May no one’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine…The Lord who saved me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, He will save me from the hand of this Philistine.”
David’s confidence supports us as we continue efforts. We are determined to adhere to the Laws of the lands where we work and to publish and maintain the Laws of the Almighty God!
Our efforts continue. We continue having incredible donations of critically needed commodities. But our funds for shipping are lacking. Will you either sponsor a shipment or gather several individuals and congregations to sponsor a container?
John L. Kachelman, Jr. Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085 Montgomery, AL 36109
