OCTOBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

‘But my righteous shall live by faith: … but we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ (Hebrews 10:38,39 –l1:1)

Wow, has it really been so long since we have sent out a newsletter? So sorry. However, as most of you know – this has been a challenging summer, in fact year, for us and we never seem to know from day to day what to expect next. But – we continue to walk in faith, knowing that God ‘causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, …’ (Romans 8:28). We have seen answers to prayer and although we do not understand why we are going through the many difficulties we are, we do know that God has a plan, a good plan – and in faith we wait to see Him glorified in and through our lives as we continue to trust Him and put our faith in Him. Honestly, some days this is not so easy and we are often tempted to cry, maybe even give up or take things into our own hands but know that His plans are better and He will be glorified and as we commit our lives to Him, we know that He will be able to use our trials to strengthen us, to draw us closer to Him and to share His love with others so that they too might put their faith in Him and know that He is a God who sees, who hears, who walks with us and as we are faithful, He will be glorified and that is our desire!

As you know, Albert has spent a lot of time with doctors and the Romanian health system this year. It seems that he has had one problem after another and often more than one at a time! After getting problems with low blood pressure and low pulse settled, he underwent a seven hour surgery to his lower spine. He now has two rods and six screws in his back. He just returned to Bucharest for a check up and the surgeons are very pleased with his progress. Although he still has some pain, it is more bearable all the time. However, the problem with his knee is putting stress on the surgery and so the doctors are pushing him to have his knee surgery done. He has had several operation dates established only to have other medical problems such as problems with the lymph and circulation in his legs. He now sports beautiful black stockings which seem to be keeping the problem in check. However, there were many trips to the doctor, many trips for massage and other therapy and it seems that the whole summer has been spent traveling to doctors and appointments. His knee replacement surgery is scheduled for October 8th, that’s correct – his birthday! We will try to keep you informed as to how that goes! Please pray as we are becoming quite weary with all the medical distractions that are keeping us from ministry and to enjoying life as we believe God has meant us to!

The next question we are sure you are waiting for answers to is: How is Valentina? It would be a lie to tell you things are easy! However, she is doing well with her pregnancy, we have had no problems. With all her friends returning to school and her having to wait a year, she is facing the reality of her situation and some days are very difficult for her. However, she seems to be facing each challenge, one day at a time. She has taken full responsibility for her mistakes and slowly we are learning the truths of the things she has suffered the past year and the trap that she felt she was caught in. She is no longer seeing the boy involved and is looking to us for protection from him and his family. We were able to go to teen camp with her this summer and God did some wonderful healing in her heart and we know that He will continue to work in her life as she allows Him to. She is continuing her music lessons and is believing that some day she will return to leading praise and worship and that she will be able to use this detour in her life to bring God glory. We are expecting the arrival of the little person in the beginning of December and so – our lives just get busier but we know that God knew this child before it was formed and we will do what we can to help Valentina to raise it to know and have a personal relationship with it’s creator!

Bible School was cancelled in June due to Albert’s surgery but the next session is scheduled for November. Albert has spoken to most of the students and it appears that they will all be returning. Albert has had some difficulty getting professors and translators but God has put it all together and we should be okay.

Our Canadian kids are doing well. Karl and Patricia continue to enjoy life in the country although Kaleb has chosen to go to a city school this fall which gives him more options to take subjects which interest him. He faces new challenges but we are committing him to God and know that God is faithful! Shauna is in her last session of massage therapy and is looking forward to the end in January.
Frank and Rita and little Timo are doing well in Cluj. Frank has taken on new responsibilities and faces many challenges but God is using them in ministering love to the children and families they work with. Dana has returned to university to further her teaching education and although she too is facing many challenges, she continues to put her trust in God and He has proved Himself more than faithful to her as well.

With all our medical problems this year, we did not get to spend a lot of time at New Hope Camp but did host a family camp which was a blessing to all who attended. We were able to stay a few additional days and relax in Gods creation. Albert has had some boys out doing some construction work and it is ready for the next summer season when we expect great things from God!

We have faced many challenges this past year in our ministry. The Bible says, ‘the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, …’ (2 Tim. 4:3). This is definitely happening in Romania and we refuse to tickle ears but rather choose to preach God’s word and people no longer want to listen because it means they would have to change their ways and they are not prepared to do that. Albert has begun a home Bible study here in our village once again as the people begged him to and refused to go to the existing church where they find only judgment but no love, no teaching, no examples of what Jesus would want them to be. They are demanding we start a church once again but we are waiting to see where God leads and how strong their commitment is and allowing time for God to place a hunger in them and to see who will be faithful and committed. The people are receiving persecution but we are trusting God to strengthen them and give them power to change their lives and commit to Him!

EHM PRAISE REPORTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

1. HEALTH: We are thankful the healing which has taken place in Albert’s back, his heart, his circulation. Please pray for his surgery on October 8th. Pray for the doctors and for a quick recovery for Albert.
Elvira: continues to have pain in her lower back and legs, however, is thankful for the strength that God gives to do all the tasks He asks.
Valentina: We are thankful for all that God is doing in Valentina’s life even though it is not what we had anticipated or planned! She is entering her 8th month of pregnancy and is doing well, we thank God for her good health. Please pray that her delivery in December would go well and without complications.
Laurentiu: We are thankful that Laurentiu continues to be healthy. He has just started to wear glasses to correct a lazy eye but is doing well with them. He is such a blessing! No further word from his parents at this time! Praising God!
2. BIBLE SCHOOL: Thankful for the students who are committed to
returning to school in November. Thankful for the professors who
give freely of their time and knowledge to share with the students
here. Please pray for the students, as well as the professors that God
would continue to work and use the Bible School for His glory.
3. FINANCES: God is so faithful!! Although Albert’s health expenses are covered by our insurance company, all the extra travel and motels is not. However, God has provided and we thank Him and you for your faithfulness in giving to the work here in Romania and know that God will continue to provide as we trust Him!
We have hired a young gypsy man to help with daily tasks as well as to
assist with translating for Albert. Although it is an added cost to our ministry
he is a blessing and we ask that you pray for him and his unsaved wife that
he can endure the persecution as others are jealous of him and his wife and
family would come to the Lord.
4. CHILDREN: Thankful for God’s protection and provisions for all our children and grandchildren. Please pray for our family, both Canadian and Romanian that God would continue to bless and use them for His glory.
5. BIBLE STUDY: Thankful for the hunger in some of the village
people to learn more about God and to turn from their wicked ways!
Please pray for wisdom for Albert, for understanding for the young
translator he is training and for the people to come to a true knowledge
of Jesus and His love for them.