Church in Chernivtsi

There were about 400 people at the 1st Baptist church today! I think my first time there was in 1998- we have had a very sweet friendship from the beginning and it is more meaningful than ever.  I was shaking hands with folks on my way into the building when a large man I didn't know came up and said, I've been thinking about you all week and kept saying to myself, why isn't jerry here?  He should be here! And he said, I came to church this morning and you are here! Thank you for being here even during War!  I get misty-eyed when others start to water up, when we see each other again for the first time- this is a sacred experience we are walking through together...  About 1/2 of the congregation has left the Country as the War continues to heat up!  But more than that number have come from the East where the fighting is most fierce and the bombing is a constant!   At first the church would only let believers into the Services but that quickly changed and now all are welcome, all get food packets, clothes etc. 1st Baptist is very conservative but now refugees from the East have been coming to church- with tattoos, earrings, bringing their small pets, and smoking outside the building!  I love it, I think that is exactly who Jesus would invite! And many are inviting Jesus into their hearts for the first time, all ages!!   There is a lot of confusion about major decisions, like leaving the Country- their homes, church, job, family members etc. I was asked last Sunday and this one as well to help officiate a wedding- but is this the best time to marry?  There are many different opinions and thoughts!  So I felt like the Lord wanted them to hear how you can always know the right thing to do! Listen to Jesus and follow Him!  So I talked about hearing the voice of the Shepherd, and His promise to speak and to lead!  It seemed to be the right word in season and God really blessed the time!