Reflections from Pastor Jerry...

Saturday evening I spoke with a large youth group.  I didn't feel very good about the time and felt like I had let the Lord down...I was asking him about it and He said that I was so busy being with young people before the event that the focus of my heart had wandered away from Him and I wasn't as prepared with the material as I could have been!  That was hard to take because I have always loved being with the youth more than anything else I do..   

But Sunday morning was a new start! I would be speaking to over 1000 people that day and I understood from my failure the night before that I must always be completely centered on Jesus and the work of His Spirit before I ever speak again!    

The topic the Lord gave me was "Love; especially for the Russian people!"  Which I mentioned earlier, had cleared a third of the Prayer Breakfast out, with great angst!  But God had made clear that I am to follow Him, not ask that He follow me!  So with some trepidation I spoke about His mandate to love, even the Russians and all they had in fact suffered- losing their families, businesses, homes, friends and not the least, even their own Country!  

I was pretty sure that most would think stoning was in order after this Sermon! But just the opposite, the Holy Spirit had opened their hearts and they took the challenge with great earnestness and gratitude! I was stunned!  I honestly did not hear even one complaint- only "Jesus said it and that is what we must do!" I couldn't help but think of all the dear saints who have been so faithfully praying and fasting and how much power the Lord gave us through this work!  It was miraculous!  

Kind of a funny side note- about a month ago Jesus and I were having a great time together and I asked Him, "Did you ever really laugh?" People loved to be around Him and there must have times of great joy, but... Then yesterday after the tremendous Service I mentioned above, the choir asked if I would take a picture with them up on the stage, which I was glad to do!  My great friend and translator Pasha was the past choir director and so they had us both right up front.  Pasha was sitting next to me with his knees spread apart and I leaned over and said, "Your zipper is down!" He panicked and said,"Oh no, not again!"  As he was getting up I grabbed his arm and said,"Shootka!" (just a joke)  We couldn't stop laughing!  I am not sure Jesus would have said what I did but if Peter had said it and Jesus was listening, I think He would have had a fun time too!  

I was walking back to my home stay through the city today and I passed by an outdoor coffee shop and noticed an ancient couple (even older than I am!) smiling, sitting together drinking coffee and sharing a croissant- while listening to Mick Jaegger on their radio singing, "I can't get no satisfaction!" I thought it was hilarious and asked Jesus what He thought? He said, "that was one of the funniest things I've seen all day! I loved it!" That answered my question about Jesus ever seeing anything that tickled His funny bone!  

Tonight we had Bible Study on "Forgiveness" that involved the young adults, and the whole church was invited during the Service yesterday! I wasn't sure any of the young people would show up after Saturday night, but it turned out to be packed, larger than ever!  We had a tremendous time that was live streamed and very fruitful as people had been struggling through what Jesus said and what they feel!  It was especially challenging with the heightened bombing today throughout the Country, but the Spirit of Jesus was with us with His powerful, sweet Presence which brought great understanding and great unity!  

For those of you following the blog regularly- I am so grateful for your partnership and diligence!  I apologize for not having a real entry for the last few days but we have been flying from morning to late night and more requests keep coming.  I am just trying to keep things under our Lord's leadership so that it is all according to His plan!  The Spirit of Jesus said during a couple of these long days and short nights- it's OK to get some sleep now, we'll start again tomorrow!  

But I will keep trying to stay current, especially as the difficulties here are increasing.  I know that many of you have blessed me with your loving concern and prayers, so I will try to be faithful updating you!   God bless each one of you who truly loves our Savior and King, Jesus Christ!  In His love,  jerry