More pictures and details from our weekend - plus upcoming plans...

We drove for several hours to get very near to the front lines in Slovyansk and then to 'New York'!  In one of the pictures above, there is a large marker reading, 'Donetsk Region'.  From this point on there were very few civilian cars and many military checkpoints where they weren't trusting anybody!   The Marker is made of concrete and full of bullet holes... 

There is also a picture taken at the end of a very long day to the War Zone- dinner at Vitali and Lena's home (and 6 children!)

I was asked to speak at the Sunday Service this weekend, which was a special honor because they were baptizing new believers!  It was a great time and a significant event not only for those making a  new commitment but I challenged the whole church to renew their own place with Christ!  There are a lot of really wonderful brothers and sisters here!  

Tomorrow we leave Kharkiv and head further East to Dnepro and Novomoscosk. Our dear friends and regional pastor Stepan Bokoch and family will be hosting us again!     

We have been traveling along the Russian border this week in places that have been occupied by Russian troops and then recently liberated!  There is a lot of trauma connected with these experiences and also a lot of just basic needs!  We are doing all we can, bringing supplies and encouragement as God gives us grace!  

While we are in Dnepro and Novomoscosk I am hoping to again to visit the soldiers near the front that have been wounded. There has been a significant up tick in bombing in the last 10 days as both sides gear up for a Spring offensive.  What happens in the next few weeks may very well determine the outcome of the War!  We had an amazing time with the soldiers last Fall and I have been anxious to be back with them again, but there is some resistance from a few friends here about returning to these volatile areas... I would really be grateful for your prayers as we only want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and not succumb to either foolishness or fear.    

I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy, at peace and using your lives to extend the Kingdom of God daily!!   With great love and respect for all you do...  In Jesus,  jerry