Featured Photo: In the southern regions, last year, we helped supply mini-computers to help communities withstand the drone attacks. The strikes on the power grids required a generator to keep the mini-computers running during blackouts. We were able to partner with some and provide a solar generator (see below for more details).
Our Mission Focus!
Inspiration counsels those who serve the Almighty, “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). The word translated as “establish” refers to accomplishing the mission. The plans and deliberations which brought the “works” are guaranteed to meet with a delightful fulfilment, because they are undertaken according to the will of God, and directed to the end by His Providence (this same thought is found throughout the Bible but note: Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 90:17; 1 Corinthians 3:9).
The Accomplishment!
“Sergiy let me know about a need from the community we helped with the computers last year. They need a small generator to help keep the computers running during the blackouts. Sergiy has been raising money since April but so far only has about half. I thought I’d ask, do you have some funds you can spare? If so, the Church can join with you and get them the generator before it gets really cold. What do you think?”
I told Gif to proceed and do whatever was necessary as this is a project that is critical to the safety of the communities and the medical facilities. He set back this note:
“Sergiy already got the Ecoflow solar powered generator and is taking it now. I’m attaching a picture for you. Also attaching a picture of Sergiy with the newly delivered generator. The soldiers were shocked when Sergiy brought the generator: ‘How did you get this so quickly???’
“Sergiy told them that God is making all of this work. I appreciate that message!”
And, I also appreciate the message as it confirms Proverbs 16:3. Thank you to all who help us be positioned to do this.
A Delightful Fulfillment!
On my recent trip I sent back a report on Eugene and Lada Shmel. They currently have 29 children of war from the eastern regions of Ukraine. That report was circulated and a good brother wanted to help this family. He sent a generous donation which is being wisely used for the children and to help with the construction of the additional rooms for the older boys. The first need was for all children to have proper winter footgear. They were taken to a shoe dealer and many of them we able to have their very first pair of new shoes! Here is the feedback thus far…
“Good afternoon, dear brother John, we have read everything. We would like to inform you that we help many large families with 11 to 25 children. And these funds, received are specifically intended for the Lada Shmel family, which has 29 children, to purchase winter shoes, clothing, and food for all the children. Thank you very much for your understanding. We are attaching a photo of the Shmel family.
“We would like to thank you for your concern for our children in our families. We have already received the bank wire with the funds. We are sincerely grateful and may God bless you. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to brother Tommy. We are also sending you cheques and photos; we have already purchased shoes for the children and some of the small girls got a doll. Once again, thank you from the family of Lada and Yevgeny. By the end of the month, we will purchase everything else and give you a report. May God bless you. With gratitude, Mykola and Galina.”
Below you will see photos of the children that we are permitted to post. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THESE PHOTOS AND CIRCULATE! They are approved ONLY for this posting..
The Lord’s Church in Ivano-Frankivsk
Several have asked about construction progress on the Church building. Gif sent this note that gives some answers to how the interior construction is going.
“Lots of good stuff going on here! I talked with Pasha and we will work with what we have for now, no problem. I did instruct him to take a few days off first though—he has been at the building 24/7 for almost three weeks continually working! He’s also cleared all the garbage out of the basement and laid tile on a portion of the floor there (material we already had). He keeps saying ‘we can live in this basement when I’m done!’
Pasha is finishing up with the materials we already bought. He has installed lights in the auditorium and is working on putting the paneling on the ceiling now (picture attached). I asked him to go ahead and calculate how much he would need to finish paneling the ceiling and he estimated about $3,700.00. I have around $1,800 remaining from the funds you brought (Pasha spent funds for finishing the stair tiling, basement, scaffolding, and the current auditorium work). So, we are short on funds to continue. Have any more construction funds become available? Assuming his estimate is correct, another $2,000.00 would finish the ceiling paneling. So, any good news on that front? If not, I can tell him that the next order will use all available funds, and we will have to wait and finish later.
“Finally, Spencer and Avery are here and it’s going great so far! Once they leave on Sunday, I’ll give you a full update on that. Gif”
NOTE: Spencer and Avery were in Ivano-Frankivsk exploring restarting World Bible Institute (WBI). The Church building is ideal for this purpose and there is a great eagerness to begin. The next update will give you a report on how this exciting step is developing!
As “end of year” donations are being planned, let me ask that UKRAINE MISSIONS, DALRAIDA CHURCH OF CHRIST, be included in your planning! We need the financial support to continue the work that is yielding good fruits! Will you join with us financially and “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
Below are photos mentioned above. All have been approved for publishing.
John L. Kachelman, Jr. UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, P.O. Box 3085, Montgomery, AL 36109
