Featured Photo: Zhovkva, Ukraine
We visited the town of Zhovkva, Ukraine where our shipments have been instrumental in helping restore the hospital complex to working order. The hospital was almost bankrupt and in such great disrepair that it could not function leaving the town and surrounding community with no medical facility. The Chief Doctor (Eugene) was brought in to help restore the hospital’s quality and he has done a great job.
The town was founded in 1368! The population is around 15,000 but since the war began the population has declined. In the graveyard we saw a number of graves marked with the Ukrainian flag signifying that the one buried there had been killed in the war. In the city’s main square there is the common display of memorial posters listing those killed in the war that lived in this town.
Zhovka has a most interesting history and a search on the internet will yield a number of interesting reads. Here is one such site. Below are various photos from this historic location.
We were given a complete tour of the hospital and shown how our containers have assisted to a great degree. Different individuals reported to us on their department’s operations and needs. Our supplies are helpful because their gift allows the budget to be used in purchasing equipment that is needed. If the budget had to be used to purchase the supplies we send, there would be no improvements!
Several doctors showed us the old equipment they use and they say they are able to keep it in working order. One doctor told us that he had worked in hospitals in Germany and western Europe before returning to Ukraine and the difference in equipment was shocking. Perry and I likened it to a situation where a mechanic has access to all power tools and compressor driven tools but then is placed in a situation where he has only a pair of pilers and screwdrivers. Or, going from the latest computer back to a manual typewriter!
An interesting point that I thought showed respect…in out initial meeting and discussions on the plans for the day, I was asked about the lunch menu and then was added, “You want no alcohol?” I affirmed that negative! It seems that word had preceded our arrival instructing them to offer no alcoholic drinks. Also, as we sat to eat lunch, I was asked to offer a prayer for the food. The invitation was translated something like this, “Will you say some good words for the food before we eat?”
As we left, I could not help but think that here s another wonderful community that is receptive and respectful to the Lord’s Church!
And…this is made possible by your generosity in supporting our efforts in collecting, shipping and funding various actions that are often unseen! THANK YOU!
Pray for our success in seeing and taking advantage of the “open doors” that are before us!
John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL 36109
