{"id":12506,"date":"2026-10-21T10:04:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T15:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/?p=12506"},"modified":"2026-10-21T10:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T15:12:54","slug":"trip-report-14-the-light-shines-and-the-darkness-has-not-overcome-it-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kachelman.com\/ukraine\/blog\/2026\/10\/21\/trip-report-14-the-light-shines-and-the-darkness-has-not-overcome-it-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Trip Report # 14\u2014 \u201cThe light shines, and the darkness has not overcome it.\u201d (1)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John 1:5: \u201cThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord\u2019s 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 \u201chiding their light under a bushel.\u201d By doing this, the local church is subtly trained to look only to itself, and the power of the gospel is neutered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When first established (Acts 2) the Lord\u2019s Church impacted the outward culture. This impact is fittingly stated in Acts 17:6, \u201cThese have turned the world upside down!\u201d 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This impact is mirrored in our efforts. The shipments cannot be ignored. The positive impact of our benevolence cannot be dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are following the principle of Ecclesiastes 11:1: \u201cCast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.\u201d  Read the summaries of actions below and rejoice in the light overcoming darkness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow-up on the Petriv elderly home visit:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe 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\u2019s 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\u2019s note: this is about $0.59!).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Follow up on \u201cchildren are eliminated\u201d (Trip Report #12):<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Request from the Children\u2019s Oncologists:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a request from the children’s oncology department in Ivano-Frankyvsk. All medical supplies must have a good shelf life; otherwise, they won\u2019t be accepted.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n