* * * MAY 2012 NEWSLETTER * * *

‘. . .Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 3:13)

Wow – where does the time go? So glad that God’s timing is always perfect – even when ours is not. Sorry it has been a while since we updated you, so much has happened and each time we wanted to write you, we were waiting for results to some activity and then time just seems to go and here we are – late! So much has happened, so many ups and downs that it is difficult to know where to start. Therefore, will begin by thanking you for keeping us in your prayers, even if you did not have specifics to pray for – we appreciate your prayers more than you can know and we know that we could not have gotten through these past few months without you upholding us – so – thank you!!

The container – as we informed you in the last letter, we were not able to receive the last container into Romania as it had some items which were not acceptable in Romania – due to recent law changes of which we were unaware. To remove those items and receive the rest of the goods was also not possible as the government wanted to store those items in a warehouse, at our expense, until they decided to dispose of them, which may have meant we would pay rent on a warehouse – forever! Thus, it was decided that we would divert the container to Moldova. This was done, however, it was extremely costly, both in money but more importantly, to Albert’s health and to his general well being. Corruption in Moldova is much more extreme than in Romania, as difficult as that was for us to believe! Albert spent many hours making it possible to have the container transported to Moldova and then traveled with it to ensure that it would clear the borders. This was accomplished after 4 very exhausting days, during which they – the Moldovan people – were so determined to receive the goods that they went to all lengths to ensure they could have it – including almost having Albert put in jail! It is a long story, one which Albert would like to forget, but one he will not be repeating! Unfortunately, all the special gifts and items which Albert had personally purchased while he was in Canada last fall, were lost as we were unable to reclaim them from Moldova. We do pray that somehow, the goods were used to bring glory to God and that the people who really needed the supplies received them. Thanks for upholding Albert in prayer during this time. We are not sure if we will receive more containers as the door seems to be closing, we wait for direction from God!

Bible School- our March Bible School session went very well with 4 returning students. God is working in the lives of these men and we give glory to Him for their perseverance! Two of the students received diplomas signifying that they had successfully completed the first level of studies and one received a diploma from our mother Bible School – signifying that he had successfully passed all courses and met their requirements. Pavel’s wife and son also attended and were presented with the diploma Pavel would have received had he not gone to be with Jesus in December.

Unfortunately, due to Albert’s involvement with the container, we were not able to take in new students in March as planned. However, the new class is scheduled to start in June and we are anticipating a good attendance! Some times it is difficult to know or to understand what God is doing, as one of the men, a man of 47, who we had great hopes for and was planning on starting the new session, also passed away suddenly of a heart attach! His passing is a great loss to his home church, however, because of his passing, his daughter and son in law have become very committed to Jesus and we are praying they will continue where Gita left off as he was highly respected in his community. Albert was blessed to be able to serve at his funeral where most of the gypsy community were present and the gospel message went forth very clearly and we are believing that God is using this situation to bring glory to Himself!

New Hope Camp: we have been working very hard at the campsite, clearing more land and getting it ready for use this summer. We are praying that God will use it to reach families and teens with His love and give them an opportunity to be out enjoying His beautiful creation. One of the setbacks is that they must tent and many do not have tents and we are unable to supply them. However, we are trusting that God will provide for them and look forward to what He will do in lives!

We have gone through a very difficult time in our ministry once again. Romanian churches are still very steeped in Communism even though they do not seem to be aware of it. Power and control and the lack of accountability appear to make it very difficult for the leaders to set the people free – to grow – to develop – to live righteous lives – to live as good Christian examples! However, as some doors have closed, God is opening others and there are still plenty of people in Romania who are wanting to be set free and who are eager to learn all they can about our wonderful Savior!

Yes, our princess cut off her beautiful long hair! However, she is still beautiful! We thank you for your prayers for her! God does answer! She was having much difficulty at school but is now doing much better with her teachers and her attitude towards them seems to be much better. She has been asked to sing at their school closing and so she is busy preparing for that. Pray that God would use her and develop a sincere and honest heart in her! She is still having some trouble with infections so please continue to pray for her!

Laurentiu continues to be a very happy little boy, growing and learning more each day! His Romanian has much improved and he is loved by all the children in kindergarten, both boys and girls! He is such a blessing and so much fun! Pray for him as we are hearing rumors that his parents are returning to Romania for a visit. However, we are not anticipating problems and we ask that you believe with us!

Elvira has been kept pretty busy with medical work as it seems many people are breaking bones which require surgery and therefore need at least 30 days of injections! Many other little accidents require attention and the village people are quite quick to ring our bell and call for help! Elvira is also preparing for her trip to Canada in fall. We would encourage you to write us now and indicate if you or your church would like a visit while she is in Canada. Dates have not yet been confirmed as we are still playing it by ear due to the arrival of our grandchild, Rita and Frank’s baby but Elvira should be available from the beginning of September until mid October. Please, write now and let her know your plans so she can fit everyone in. We thank you and look forward to sharing about what God is doing in Romania with you.

We look forward to what God has in store for us in the coming months – and ‘press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’

EHM PRAISE REPORTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

1. HEALTH: We praise God that Albert continues to do well with his diabetes, controlling it with diet. He does have some pain in his lower back and knees and we ask that you pray for healing in these areas.
Elvira continues to suffer much pain in her back and lower body, often making it extremely difficult for her to get around. The reason, we believe stems from her back injury 14 years ago. Please pray for healing so that she is able to move freely and without pain in order to minister to those around her.
Valentina continues to suffer from infection in her throat/ears. She is okay after a series of antibiotics but after several weeks she has infection again. Please pray for total healing in her body.
Shauna: has recently been diagnosed with fibro myalgia. While she is happy to finally have a diagnosis to explain her pain and fatigue, it does not make life easy to continue each day. Please pray for total healing for her body.

2. BIBLE SCHOOL: Praising God for what He is doing in the lives of the students, for their commitment and desire to learn more about God and His word. Pray for the new students who will be attending starting in June as well as for the professors who give of their time to come and teach these men of God.

3. NEW HOPE CAMP: Praising God for the beautiful site He has blessed us with at the river, for the peace that is experienced by all who take the time to ‘Be still and know..’! Pray that God would send people who need time to draw close to Him, to enjoy His creation and find peace in their hearts and lives.

4. MINISTRY: Praising God for the opportunity to serve Him in Romania! Please pray for wisdom as we venture on new paths together with the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives! Pray for receptive hearts and men and women who desire to serve God with their whole lives!

5. ELVIRA’S TRIP TO CANADA – AUGUST TO OCTOBER: Praising God for the opportunity to visit family and friends and to make new acquaintances as Elvira travels western Canada to share what God is doing in Romania. Pray for safe travels and for the family at home as Laurentiu is already reacting to the news that mama will be going away for a while! Pray for God to open doors of opportunity and to grant peace!

—pressing on with your prayers upholding us – Thank you and God Bless you for sharing in this important work in Romania!