Last pictures and stories tonight from Kharkiv...
#1 Bombing this weekend- mostly residential- 10 more people killed, first accounts are not always complete...
#2 Nothing of military value in this poor person's house...but here in Kharkiv it is largely psychological warfare and with many it is working. Of the 1.8 million in the City- 800,000 have left!
#3 It was a great time in church with standing room only! At least half of the members have left town but more than that number have filled in with those left homeless from the bombing and new refugees from other cities...two young men gave their lives to Jesus at the end!
#4 This woman is 85 years old, lives in Kharkiv and has a Russian passport! She was afraid to register for food and medicine here because of her passport, but I have not heard of anyone being denied for this reason. Her granddaughter in Moscow, called Dr. Lev who is a friend, and asked for help! When the grandmother saw the packages she was so surprised and grateful! They even left some candy for her which is one of the touches no one expects but always puts them over the moon! The greatest thing about each visit that I have seen so far, is the value of human contact. Being able to see and touch others when they are locked in their Apts. like this woman, for two months. They can hardly believe people would risk going out and then seeing Americans, they can't believe why we would actually be here! There is much love and joy in these deliveries, beyond anything I could have expected!
#5 Parts of the City of Kharkiv have been so bombed out that they have no electricity or gas so this creative brother found another way to make do!
#6 More residential bombing this weekend...
#7 Walk through Gorkie Park- the mayor asked everyone to stay indoors today but our hosts were feeling a little defiant and took us through one of Europe's most beautiful parks (I felt the Lord's Ok about this too)- it was also bombed earlier! The bomb blasts around us were close and loud...so we only stayed about 20 minutes.
#8 Gorkie Park...
Finally, I would like to inlude a letter Dr. Lev wrote to Jerry which sheds more light for all of us on the mission God has called this team to do together in Ukraine...
Dear Jerry,
We thank the Lord for giving us another day and leading us on the right path.
I would like to very much appreciate your words of support and encouragement in every situation and your mentorship of me.
In this terrible war that is happening now on the territory of Ukraine, we need to remain human and not forget our human essence, and we must not forget to find time with the Lord and thank Him for everything, our lives, and our safety.
Despite this horror, day by day, we can help and save one life, one family at a time. And this contribution of supporting only one person helps Christ love and mercy. We shout treat others us it would be so Jesus. Today we were in the Oleksiivka district of the city of Kharkiv, and this is the place where volunteers are still going with caution. And I would like to share two stories.
Today we helped Masha's Koneva grandmother's close relatives with food and essential medicines. This is a beautiful woman, 85 years old, Aza, who was left with almost no medication and with a minimum amount of food due to many factors. And she was so grateful to God for sending us to her. And it was also with great joy that we could help our friend Masha’s Sheverdina to 16-year-old Ksiusha, who had been under the occupation all the time since the beginning of the war. Yesterday, her hometown Russkaia Lazova (you can see where it is on the map), was liberated from occupation. She was able to board an evacuation train and get to Lviv. When my brother-in-law Yevheni met her, they offered her to rest, take a shower, and ate together, and in the evening, my brother Maksym, who came to Lviv for only two days, took her to a bus to Poland. It is always necessary to show how God loves us. In God’s love, Lev
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Just thought you would like to know that I got WORDLE in 3 tries today. Like I said...my biggest challenge today.
I’ve just gotta say… I’m awed by this courage and helpfulness. Also by the lack of complaining about conditions. I know Jesus commands us to give Him our troubles, but these all are so painful. Especially living a nightmare that can’t be woken up from. So I pray to better understand the realities of this world, and God’s economy that trumps them.
I pray that Mr. Putin’s heart changes by noon (no particular reason for noon except I ask that it be sooner rather than later). I pray for stamina, guidance and resources for Pastor Jerry and Rolfe Carawan, Dr. Lev, Pastor Gennadii and his daughter Irina expecting her 5th soon (my goodness), Pastor Dema, and clarity on whether Jerry and Rolfe go to Novomoscosk to assist Stepan Bokoch.
I ask that God reassure all of their families of His plans and protection. I ask for peace and rebuilding for the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. I especially ask that visions of God’s Kingdom replace those of nightmare.
I believe a word from the Lord for you and the believers with you is from first Peter 5:8 through 11. May the Lord himself restore and strengthen and make hearts steadfast for him.
May His light shine in and through you in the darkest of hours and your faith stay unwavering as the earth rumbles below you.
Jerry and Rolfe,
These pictures even though hard to see but to see church with all believers. The biggest Highlight is seeing Gennadill,wife and his daughter of course you. Dr. Lev. Ambassador of healing for so many. I would love to meet Dr. LEV AND Gennadill and wife. Pray for them. There amazing smiles and joy in amidst the war torn country. I am with Anita we live in all comforts anyone would want. Seeing these people living from day to day is humbling.. Jerry , the sweet lady from Russia her face lights up with so much joy. YOUR days are full may God strengthen you and give you great peace. He loves you and Rolfe so much. As you would you tell us . You are God's Favorites. Blessings to both of you. Marilyn Ps. I am asking for miracle for Ukraine and Russia. Give thanks for their courage and giving hearts during this hard time. GOD IS TEACHING ALL SOMETHING IN THIS WAR. THEY ARE MY FAMILY TOO.
My biggest challenge today is if I get Wordle in 6 tries. I have all the comforts a person could want or need. No bombs bursting around me, no invading army taking all that I possess and driving me from my home. No one killing my loved ones. I have to ask why are the Ukrainians suffering so and not me? I understand that we live in a fallen world where these kinds of atrocities have happened, are happening and will continue to happen. I have said at times in my life "why me" and the answer comes back "why not you". But now I am asking "why them and not me"? What have I done to deserve all that I have - the peace, the quiet, the comforts of a land not under seige. No answer on that one. The song"Why me Lord" by Kris Kristofferson floated through my mind as I was asking this question; it's a beautiful song he wrote right after he was saved; a touching song with lyrics that stick with a person.
Why me Lord, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pleasures I've known
Tell me Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you
Or the kindness you've shown.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand.
Tell me Lord, if you think there's a way
I can try to repay
All I've taken from you
Maybe Lord, I can show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to you.
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so
Help me Jesus I know what I am
Now that I know that I've need you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand
Thank you Jerry and Rolphe for representing Jesus, JCSL and our country with such compassion, love and courage. Thank you to Sue, Leah, Jean, all the kids and grandkids for your sacrifice and courage in supporting them in their journey. Below is the link to hear the song. If you continue to listen you will hear several gospel songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtQOY-0sViQ