Featured Photo: C.U.R.E. delivered a Gaylord Box of shoes to the Montgomery, AL warehouse. These shoes were shipped, sorted, cleaned, and distributed in the Kherson Region!
John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The Lord’s Church MUST be an active force OUTSIDE of the congregation! Tragically, many think their focus is only on the inside. The congregation begins to believe and act as though they are to be served, rather than serving others outside the congregation. They are guilty of “hiding their light under a bushel.” By doing this, the local church is subtly trained to look only to itself, and the power of the gospel is neutered!
When first established (Acts 2) the Lord’s Church impacted the outward culture. This impact is fittingly stated in Acts 17:6, “These have turned the world upside down!” The light was not hidden; its impact was recognized. It did not cower in silence, being overcome by darkness. The Lord’s Church today should make the same cultural impact!
This impact is mirrored in our efforts. The shipments cannot be ignored. The positive impact of our benevolence cannot be dismissed.
We are following the principle of Ecclesiastes 11:1: “Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.” Read the summaries of actions below and rejoice in the light overcoming darkness!
Follow-up on the Petriv elderly home visit:
Following the posting of Trip Report #8, I received word that a faithful brother was sending money so the washing machine could be bought for the Petriv Elderly Home. In addition to the funds necessary to buy the washing machine, additional funds were being sent to help repair the stoves or be used where the greatest need existed. I received this report:
“The administration of the social services facility sincerely thanks you for the financial assistance provided to help purchase a new clothes washing machine. The spending budget was $700 USD. The Director searched and found one within that price. It was strong enough to do the job for the home’s laundry. She had some money left and used that to purchase detergents and other necessary supplies. So from the 700 USD budget, she had 26 hryvnia left (John’s note: this is about $0.59!).
It was good news that an extra $300 USD was included (bringing the total to $1,000 USD). We explained that this amount could be used to help repair or replace one of the stoves. But the Director asked to inform you that the funds will be used to purchase a suitable refrigerator and a meat grinder. An electric stove is also needed, but its purchase is not a top priority at the moment.”
Follow up on “children are eliminated” (Trip Report #12):
I received an encouraging email from a faithful brother in Virginia. He is trying to send out word of the need to help provide food and essentials for the children we have relocated from the hottest spots. How encouraging! Prayerfully, hearts will be moved and God will provide what is needed for this upcoming winter.
Request from the Children’s Oncologists:
Yesterday I received the note below and a list of items critically needed. I am posting it here so it can be known. Hopefully we will be loading another container for Ivano-Frankivsk soon, and these requests can be sent!
“This is a request from the children’s oncology department in Ivano-Frankyvsk. All medical supplies must have a good shelf life; otherwise, they won’t be accepted.
- Central Venous Catheterization Kit Model
- Certofix®️ Mono Paed, size 20G Urinary Catheters Types
- Foley and Nelaton Sizes: Pediatric Ch 6, Ch 8, Ch 10 Pediatric Urine Collection Bags Types: Leg bags (wearable) and bedside bags 9
- Hygiene, Oral Care, and Disinfection Medical/Surgical Gloves Sterile: sizes 7.0, 7.5, and others. Non-sterile gloves: sizes 7.0, 7.5, and others
- Oral Care Products: Foam swabs for treating the oral mucosa; Protective balm/gel for lips and the oral cavity
- Waterless cleansing and hygiene products: Body cleansing wipes/gloves; Shampoo caps for hair washing
- General hygiene and disinfectant products
- Disposable absorbent underpads
- Medicomp swabs (sizes 5 × 5 cm, 10 × 10 cm)
- Disposable alcohol wipes
- Bedside disinfectants (for rapid disinfection of surfaces and hands)
- Bags for the disposal of Category B medical waste”
Actions reported from four hot spots of the war:
“Hello John, we have new photos from the front lines in the Donetsk, Kherson, Dnipro, and Kharkiv Regions, where we are working with our volunteer partners. You will remember these people and places. Thanks for your support!”
See some of the photos in the slideshow at the end.
There is comfort, security, and victory!
For all involved in actions that take the Lord’s Church out into the world’s culture, here are Inspiration’s words to cheer you on when times become discouraging!
“His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand” (Psalm 91:4-7; 121:8).
“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
