Another day in Kharkiv

Once again, Pastor Jerry has sent us some wonderful stories to go along with each of the pictures above!

Ukrainians are big people- I don’t think I’m from that stock! These guys are dear leaders of the children’s club!

Sergei and Sveta are the key leaders and initiators of the children’s club!  The idea came to them while they and other families were spending weeks at a time in underground subway tunnels- terrible experience, especially for the kids! 

Most of the kids at the children’s club are from very poor families and/ or have significant learning disabilities! I think our time together was my favorite experience so far!!

There were about 70 kids at the kids club and 30 parents who all seemed to be quite needy as well! This sweet girl, I believe has CP, it was hard for her to walk- but she came over at the end of the meeting and said you are so kind and have such kind eyes!  My grandpa just died and you remind me of him- “I need a hug from you! Is it possible?!” So, we prayed and hugged…That was the highlight of my day!

There was a big bomb last night while we were at a restaurant-  they go on intermittently through the day and night! This picture is from a bombing this afternoon here in Kharkiv.  The Russian army primarily targets places where people gather- restaurants, schools, shopping centers, high rise apartments! Now schools are only meeting on-line!  This bombing is meant to terrorize the people and after two and a half years there are many casualties both physically and psychologically!  But the people are courageous and very strong in heart! They love their Country!

It was a very blessed day today ( Tuesday, May 14th).  Rolfe and I spoke at three different groups and everyone of them was wonderful!  Too much to tell, but one touching story was a woman who was late for the first meeting and tried to explain why, as she did, she said the reason was a problem with her shoes!  Many of the poor we work with here, only have one pair and sometimes they are held together with tape or twine. As she was explaining she couldn’t keep from crying! I was thinking of all the excuses we might have for being late, how many times have you heard someone say, “my only pair of shoes are broken!”? 

The news was very sobering today. Russian troops have taken more villages around our city here in Kharkiv.  They are bombing bridges, roads and different avenues that people use to escape!  The regional government has told everyone here to gas up for a quick exit if it becomes necessary!