Report 14 | October 23, 2011
The third Lord’s Day of this visit to Ukraine was a dreary, damp, and cold day BUT the misery of the weather was soon dispelled by the warmth of the fellowship of my brethren! Even though there were still several missing because of illness, we had a good number present (13). Ivan told me that one of the newest visitors to the assemblies is a lady and her husband. They were to be present today but called saying they were still recovering from illness. Ivan hopes to take me to visit with them later this week. I was glad to hear that Ivan was feeling much better and he was in attendance and looking good. As I arrived, there were a number already present who had been visiting and talking. The fellowship is in full embrace as soon as you walk up the four flights of steps and go through the hallway door.
Our worship began with Ivan reading Psalm 139 and presenting a discussion on that. Vasya led us in some uplifting songs. Volodya prayed at the beginning. Following the Bible study we sang more and read several Scriptures and then it was my time to present a lesson. I had brought a lesson on Leviticus 10:1, 2 discussing Nadab and Abihu and how their actions were a farce and an abomination to God because they did not hallow God or give Him the honor the Almighty deserves. Their blasphemous attitudes were crystallized in the action of offering God “strange fire” which God did not command. God had given His desires in simple terms. These were understood and communicated. But these two thought they could improve on what God commanded or thought and there was nothing important in keeping the details—they were wrong. They were dead wrong! The application of this text to modern man’s worship and submission to God is evident. I chose this lesson because there were some visiting who still wrestle with understanding that the Greek Catholic Church is just as Nadab and Abihu—blasphemously contemptible to God. It is so easy to be lulled into accepting such complacency when the “little details” are ignored and think that as long as “our hearts are right” then anything we do has to be acceptable to God. Such did not work for Nadab and Abihu and it will not work today. Worship to God is a most serious endeavor and those that approach to worship must worship in spirit and in truth! The lesson went well and Ivan and Sveta said that they thought those present who are struggling with following the simplicity of the New Testament were made to think about their condition.
Of course, the Lord’s Day worship involves following the biblical command to take the Lord’s Supper every First Day of the week. It is this Communion that identifies us as a part of the Body of Christ and sanctified for God’s Kingdom. Once again there is a critical query of attitude because if one is not a part of God’s Fellowship or takes Communion in a ritualistic manner, he is condemned. I was happy to see the Communion trays from Searcy’s Bible House Bookstore fire were in use. This past summer we were asked to help clear out the Bible House Bookstore in Searcy, AR that was destroyed by fire in the spring. We were able to get Bibles that have been sent to many foreign nations. Among the items not destroyed by the fire was a section of the store where Communion trays were displayed. We got every piece that was useable and have sent them to India, Zambia, South America, Ukraine and other locations. The brethren here really appreciated the gift of these Communion sets and are proud of them.
The other day I told you of a visit to a dental office that would be manned by dentist Dr. Vasily. He is currently sharing an office with another dentist and his things keep disappearing. Dr. Vasily took me to the second floor of the women’s hospital and showed me a room that was under repairs. Ivan told me the congregation was helping and I thought he meant that some of the dental equipment we have shipped will be used there. While it is true that we are helping provide the dental equipment, what I failed to realize is that the men of the congregation are actually remodeling the room! Ruslan, Andrew, and Vasya have been going and helping with the manual labor. Ivan says the congregation does not have the money to pay for the work so they decided they would do the work along with Dr. Vasily! This dental clinic is located in one of the free hospitals and through this work the Lord’s Church is providing a desperately needed service to a group that otherwise could not have the benefits. The fact that the congregation is doing this is NOT going unnoticed by those in the community who ask why they would go to such hard labor when they will not benefit personally? I laugh at the myopia of the worldling who sees nothing but himself! No I guess I pity such as the attitude is no laughing matter. The fact that my brethren are doing this has only increased my appreciation for them. They almost have the room finished and need to work on the plumbing, finish the windows, and lay linoleum.
It is hard to believe that today begins the final week on this tour. I will have evening classes Monday-Wednesday with the Church. Ivan is trying to arrange visits with some of the distribution locations as well as some one-on-one with those he is trying to get to follow the Bible.
Great good is being accomplished! Thank you for your continued interest and prayers in the gospel’s efforts!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
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