Update from Kharkiv
Our dear Gennadii Pilipenko, senior pastor in the Kharkiv region, wrote an update on their church and family's situation! The City of Kharkiv was one of the most heavily bombed areas in Ukraine. We were under missile attacks and bombing every day and each night while Dr. Lev, Rolfe and I were there! These courageous, loving servants of God have been facing this onslaught for nearly three months of this War, but God in his mercy has pushed the Russian army back and the bombing is far less frequent now! It has been a new breath of life for the City, and life for many has taking on new meaning and purpose! I was thrilled that after the intensity of all this, our beloved Pilipenkos could take a few days in the beautiful Central mountains of Ukraine to be healed and refreshed in their own spirits!
Dear brother Jerry!
I want to write you a short letter to share the good news about God's blessings in our lives. I have 3 reasons for this.
New people constantly go to meetings with pastors, which take place in the church 3 times a week. Their number is constantly increasing. This week, 180 people came to these meetings in three days. Most of them listened attentively about the value of the Bible for the spiritual life of man and asked questions. I ask that you pray for the spiritual revival of these people.
The Lord blesses our smallest grandson. His parents gave him the name Vladimir, like Dima's father. When I look at him, I see a future preacher and singer. I also ask you to pray for a future servant for the Lord.
Lena and I are planning to go on vacation. We have accumulated a lot of fatigue, and we want to take a little break from the daily workload of the ministry. We are planning to go to the Carpathians and now we are choosing a route and a place to rest. Perhaps we will be on a walk from June 13 to 20, if the Lord blesses. These days my sister will live in our apartment to serve our parents. The ministers of the church also let us go for these days. We ask you to pray for our journey.
Our children and grandchildren convey their heartfelt greetings to you. Kolya and Sveta also greet you and Sue with the love of Christ.
In the service of Jesus, Gennadii
(The picture above was taken when Jerry was with Gennadii, Lena, and Dr. Lev on Sunday after church walking alone through Gorky Park. It had been bombed a few days earlier and then just two days later, on Tuesday, it was completely bombed out.)
3 Comments
So glad to hear from this sweet Pastor and is dear wife.l pray with so much joy and Thanksgiving for them. The growing number of believers. This church is alive with the holy spirit. So glad Gennadaii and Lena will be refreshed and renewed on their vacation. I will be praying for that
and their sweet grandson will.grow into a man of God like his grandfather. So blessed to hear from them. Sad about the park. Love, Marilyn
So glad to hear from this sweet Pastor and is dear wife.l pray with so much joy and Thanksgiving for them. The growing number of believers. This church is alive with the holy spirit. So glad Gennadaii and Lena will be refreshed and renewed on their vacation. I will be praying for that
and their sweet grandson will.grow into a man of God like his grandfather. So blessed to hear from them. Sad about the park. Love, Marilyn
Dear Pastor Gennadii,
I and we feel awful about the horrors inflicted on your beautiful people and country. But thank you for extending an opportunity to pray for your requests.
I ask God that this war bring many new Ukrainians and Russians to saving-faith in Jesus, and that new grandson Vladimir would be one of them. I ask that your vacation in the Carpathians be safe, peaceful and refreshing — I ask that only good scenes be in your views and dreams. Lastly, I ask God to end the war and restore your families, homes and sunflowers. I am sorry this is happening to you all.