A full 3 days of ministry!

I am sharing 'JCSL Blog April 19' with you- this is something that Rolfe wrote to add to the blog...he is very gracious here and failed to mention the wonderful ways God is using him!

"We have enjoyed a rather full three days of ministry. Sunday, the Holy Spirit led Jerry to share a sobering challenge to be true disciples of Jesus. A strong theme the Spirit continues to press upon his people is, as true disciples of Christ, our need to be willing to forgive. As you might imagine, in this war-torn country where so much needless blood has been shed and so many atrocities cited, this a quite challenging for even the sincere in their love and faith in Christ. 
Jerry’s pastor’s heart was keenly aware of how God’s call for forgiveness from an American who does not live here or suffered the loss of a family member, their home, or seen their neighbors suffer abuse at the hands of Russian soldiers could be dismissed out of hand. The people’s anger and hatred for the enemy are palpable. 
Regardless, Jerry knowing how damaging to their faith, bitterness, and unforgiveness is, would not be deterred in sharing the absolute importance forgiveness is for the body of Christ. For their own sake and the sake of unbelievers. Hebrews 12:3 challenges us to “…consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” No one has lost more or been treated more cruelly and unjustly than Jesus! Yet, twice, while hanging on the cross in the most agonizing suffering imaginable, Jesus confirmed the essentialness of forgiveness. Jesus first forgave the thief on the cross that had earlier been cursing him, declaring, “Today you shall be with me in paradise.” Then looking upon the crowd, which included His false accusers, those who had beaten Him unrecognizably, spat upon Him, plucked out His beard, and crucified Him, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” I don’t know about you, but I am convinced by Jesus's example and want to ensure that I, too, am willing to forgive any and all offenses, no matter how slight or extreme. 
We were invited to join the pastors/elders for an evening and morning retreat Monday-Tuesday. These fine men are so very gracious and sincere in their faith. They set this retreat up just so that they could have as much time as possible to examine the Word with Pastor Jerry. 
Continuing the theme of true discipleship, the Holy Spirit enlightened us and challenged us through unpacking the Parable of the Sower. It is not as though we were not familiar with the parable, but God wanted to speak to us about things that Pastor Gregory commented that they just don’t speak about such things very often. God was tagging areas of struggle common to every believer; unforgiveness, money, and loving others. The instruction the Holy Spirit was providing was to ensure that we do not leave our first love and that we remain hot in our love for Jesus. There is so much more that probably should be said, but I will have to leave it here for now. 
We are both deeply grateful for your many prayers and intercessions! I assure you; they mean a great deal as we strive to hear God’s voice and be faithful to obey what He says. We have the privilege of worshiping at a youth/young adult etreat Thursday and Friday before we leave for Lviv on Saturday. May the kindness and thoughtfulness of your prayers for us be returned to you one-hundred fold."

The pictures are:  (1) Preaching at 2nd Baptist (2) At the Radio Station and (3) Our overnighter with the staff of Central Baptist in Chernivtsi