2nd Day in Kharkiv...

McDonald's has done a good job in Ukraine!  They are kind of an expensive meal here but a favorite with almost everyone!  As soon as the War started, on Feb. 24th, they closed all their stores but have continued paying all their employees full salaries!  They also offer transfers to any employee wanting to go to any other McDonald's in Europe !  

Last week before this new round of intense bombing, McDonald's decided to open a couple stores in Kiev, the Capitol!  People were ecstatic and long lines serpentined around the stores!  They said it wasn't really so much about the food but because something joyful and familiar was back!!  It made it seem like everything was going to be OK and would soon be normal again!    

They told me you are like McDonald's for us!  When we see you it makes us feel like things are more normal and the way they are supposed to be... This was very encouraging to me because there are many needs here and I think that I brought less money to help on this trip than any time in the last 30 years!  A few friends back in Seattle gave sacrificially to send what they could and it has been enough for the most important needs, but where we have tried to help in the past, it was just not possible this time. Nevertheless, people keep saying, "God will provide, but you are what we need here with us now!"  By God's grace He has already done more than I would ever have thought possible in this short time- Eph. 3:20...  

Central Baptist in Kharkiv has been hosting people for months now- a few living in the church basement but 100's being fed and their most immediate needs cared for!  The people have responded in kind and they start waiting in line at 6 am to get a seat for a 10 am church Service three mornings a week!  There are usually 350-400 in attendance and this last Monday they had to close the gates and turn another 100 away! I was asked to speak at this morning's Service.  God's gracious Spirit was with us and people were all in with the message!  When I stepped down the applause was raucous- for which they were soundly rebuked because, "There is no clapping in Church!"  I thought they were just excited about the message God has given us in Christ but it was a little intense for a while!  

After that I was asked to speak at another meeting and now we have returned back to our home base to get ready for the next five days.  Today is a fasting day for most of us and it is a blessing to honor God in this way!  

Tomorrow we leave at 7 am to drive a couple hours away to Izyum (E-zoom). (*That's 9pm tonight Seattle time)  They were liberated from Russian occupation just last month.  They have suffered greatly and asked several times if we could take one of the days we are here to be with them to share and bring encouragement!  There were two full congregations there at the start of the War, now there are only 30-40 people left and one of the church buildings has been completely destroyed!  We had to get special permission from the military to enter the region because it has not yet been cleared of land mines.   

The people in Izyum will be with us as long as we can stay but we were infomed that we must leave by evening when our pass expires. We have been quickly trying to gather up supplies to help them with their most critical needs- sugar, bread, onions, carrots, potatoes etc. When the Russian army left, what they didn't destroy they took with them- clothes, winter coats and one of their greatest needs- shoes!  I have been trying to put together what money we have left to offer, which came to about $500- not alot, but everything helps!  

I am so grateful for your prayers and fasting- it makes a greater difference than you'll ever know this side of heaven!  I am counting on those precious prayers continuing!!  Tomorrow I will be in Izyum as I mentioned, Saturday I have a couple sessions at a regional pastors conference, Sunday preaching at two morning Services (sprinting from one church to another). I am talking about God's love and forgiving your enemies,  not an easy topic these days, but our God has been miraculous! Then a large family gathering with the Pilipenko's our hosts.  Monday another early church Service at a church I have never been to before, lunch at the regional pastor's home( great friends), meeting with more dear friends and finally, I think, Tuesday morning another church Service and leaving for a new city- Dnepro / Novomoscosk which have been facing new shelling.  

I have great joy in my heart for all the Lord is doing and a constant, abiding peace that passes all understanding! This has been really important not only for me, but because there is alot of fear wherever we have  gone!  When we are just following Jesus with peace, people see that it is possible and it changes the whole setting!  

I am sorry this entry is so long!  My hope was to send shorter ones daily but with the situation here I just try to get a few moments whenever the Lord provides the space so that you dear partners in this critical work can stay up to date as much as possible...   

I hope that you know how much you are loved!  In Jesus,  jerry