I have arrived in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday at 9:30 am (1:30 CST USA) after leaving Montgomery on Monday at 12:30! A very long travel! Now comes the struggle through jet lag!
After settling in, running errands, and checking in with several contacts, we met for the evening Bible class. We had 13 present, and it was a very good discussion. The topic of the study on this trip is “The history of the Churches of Christ in Ukraine.” It has been a rewarding study as I prepared the material, and now presenting it helps me appreciate the point that Inspiration makes in Colossians 1:23, “the hope of the gospel…which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven.” The initial reception of the gospel, then the apostasy from fidelity to God, the evil of corruption in structure, teaching, doctrinal modifications, the corruption of simple New Testament worship, and a list of other tragic details mark the departure from God’s Truth. Within the Eastern European locations, there arose cries to “reform” the Orthodox Church and eventually efforts leading to a “restoration” of New Testament Christianity. The scenario that many have studied in the restoration efforts in the USA has been replicated throughout the world (and in fact some efforts predate the USA actions!).
The class was well received, and all look forward to the classes as the topic continues to develop.
The transportation gauntlet from Montgomery to Ivano-Frankivsk was challenged by several announcements: “due to possible weather delays in Atlanta, our flight may be delayed”; “due to equipment problem we will be delayed for 10 minutes (that was 40 minutes after the scheduled departure time)”; “the departure time to Paris has been delayed because we cannot find a cleaning crew to prepare the aircraft”; “We found a cleaning crew but now there is an electronic issue.” And there were other announcements, but they are lost in the fog of jet lag!
“Through your prayers” (Phlm 22), this trip will see multiple successes as “doors of opportunity” open (Colossians 4:3)!
Thank you for your constant prayers and support that makes these efforts possible!
John L. Kachelman, Jr., UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL
