Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
The amazing intricacies of each operation are awe-inspiring. Behind every report posted on this website are countless faces, exhausted energies, and providential connections. The actions reported are not the product of one person. No singular figure is the linchpin. Everyone involved is as critical as each part in the process. Stepping back and looking at the overall action is really interesting. There is no such thing as “luck” or “chance.”
I love the exclamation of William Cowper’s 18th-century hymn asserting: “With never-failing skill, He fashions all his bright designs and works his sov’reign will.” It is the providential working of God Almighty that led Paul to state: “For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me” (Colossians 1:29).
These thoughts frame the content of this post.
Charita Shteynberg and I have worked since the days of the USDOS SMTP efforts. After that program ceased, we began independent efforts to continue shipping humanitarian aid to over 40 nations in the world. Jerry Max Morgan and I have been partners in the gospel’s outreach in Ukraine for more years than either of us can remember. Jerry Moore is Jerry Max’s son-in-law and an elder of the Holly Springs (MS) Church of Christ. Behind each of us is an army of volunteers, supporters, and faithful brethren throughout the USA and in many other nations. BUT! As Cowper’s hymn says, weaving it all together is the invisible, sovereign hand of God Almighty working His sovereign will. Just sit back and contemplate this fact and be awed!
Charita has many connections that have offered, and continue to offer, significant donations for us to ship in the Lord’s Name. A lab operating in PA and NJ contacted Charita about a Blood Mobile they were willing to donate. Charita contacted Jerry asking if Holly Springs (World/Ukraine Missions) could help with shipping costs. Thanks to generous donors, they agreed to pay half, and I told Charita that Montgomery (Ukraine Missions) would pay the remainder.
Then we needed a consignee and location to which we could ship the Blood Mobile. I contacted Dr. Denys. He’s a cardiologist at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Hospital as well as a professor in the Medical Institute. Dr. Denys is also a critical component in the “Galaxy Center.” This center was established by brethren from Nashville, TN (Gary Jerkins, John Durham, and Ron Swang, just to name three of the many involved) to address the emotional well-being of children suffering from PTSD from Russia’s invasion.
Read through Dr. Denys’ communication with me and appreciate the invisible working of His sovereign will.
“Dear John, Tomorrow I will have a meeting with the administration of the hospital in Tysmenytsia, where I work. You were here and helped us organize support for the hospital during the COVID period with the supplies that Churches of Christ shipped to us. We truly appreciated your help then, and I still remember that time very well. While thinking about the needs of our hospitals and medical teams, I also started thinking about one more idea regarding the blood mobile (vehicle).
Our medical university has a university clinic, and some of the doctors working there are also members of our teaching staff. From time to time, they travel to remote communities and villages to provide medical consultations and assistance.
This made me wonder whether a vehicle like this could potentially be useful for our university. It could serve not only as transportation for our medical teams, but also provide an opportunity to carry out additional examinations and certain medical services directly during these outreach visits.
I have not discussed this idea with the university administration yet. At this stage, it is only something I have been thinking about, and I don’t want to approach the administration before knowing whether this could even be a possibility.
So, may I ask whether you would be open to considering the possibility of transferring the vehicle to our medical university? If you think this could be an option, I could then raise the idea with our university administration and find out whether they would be interested and whether there would be a practical way for us to use and maintain it.
Of course, I completely understand that there may be other considerations on your side, and I don’t want to put any pressure on you. I simply thought it might be worth exploring, given the outreach work our university clinic already does. What do you think? Warm regards, Denys”
My reply to Dr. Denys was absolutely yes! It would be a great mobile clinic going into the villages. After further communication, the following was reported:
“Dear John, over the past few days, I have had several discussions with the university and different hospitals to find the most suitable recipient for the vehicle.
Just yesterday, I spoke with Mr. Stanislav, who represents the First Volunteer Surgical Hospital Charity Organization (БО «Перший добровольчий хірургічний шпиталь»).
It is a 24/7 orthopedic and trauma hospital with 14 beds. Mr. Stanislav is the head of the hospital and would be delighted to receive the vehicle. He expressed his sincere gratitude for this opportunity and is very willing to move forward.
I am adding him to this email thread so that you can communicate directly. He will be the main contact person responsible for coordinating all the arrangements and formalities related to the vehicle’s delivery.
John, thank you again, and all associated with your work, for your incredible generosity and for the continued efforts under the name of Churches of Christ to support medical care in Ukraine. I am very glad that, after all these discussions, we have found a hospital where this vehicle will be genuinely welcomed and put to good use in helping patients. With sincere gratitude and best regards, Denys”
This action, and all others, is not a simple process.
After delivery we will have the the van painted with a message regarding those who donated it to the Region! Close your eyes and see it navigating the streets and villages with that message!
Two texts come to mind:
- Isaiah 46:10, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
- Ephesians 1:11, “According to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will.”
“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!
John L. Kachelman, Jr., UKRAINE MISSIONS, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL
