“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

So thankful for the peace that Jesus left us! In this world with all the political strife, the COVID, the worldly issues in our face each day — we need that peace!! Jesus has promised us that we need not be troubled, nor afraid – and we can have confidence in Him – that He is in control and that He will work out all things to His glory!

The year has passed by so quickly and Christmas is upon us! So thankful for the baby Jesus which came to the world, to die for us, to show us how to live, to give us peace and a hope for eternal life! We pray that this Christmas we can honour Him and that others will come into the Kingdom of God because of that little baby whom we remember and celebrate at this time of year!

As we are sure you have figured out – Elvira did not get to Canada this year! Airport closures and the uncertainty of being able to get back into the country caused us to decide it was not worth the risk even though Elvira so much wants to see her family and friends! Perhaps in 2022!!

Even so, the year has been busy with summer camps, men’s conferences, Albert’s 70^th birthday celebration and then our 49^th wedding anniversary. We also celebrated 25 years in the ministry here in Romania!! The three Romanian churches we minister in have kept us occupied with various crisis – one after another – but also with growth pains, failures and successes! We have become very close to the families in the church and are included in so many family events that we seldom have time to be lonely – although we miss the fellowship of our Canadian family and friends!

The construction of a bathroom and family room in our home has also kept us more than a little busy, and some what stressed as it has been difficult to find good workers and supplies! We are now using the room, although the outside of the building is not finished. It is such a blessing to have a bathroom on the main floor. Albert is able to sleep downstairs and no longer has to struggle with the stairs unless doing work in his office. He is now better able to be part of the family goings on and it is so much easier for him to navigate on his own. We have purchased a hospital bed which gives him a much better sleep. We are blessed and we thank each one of you who have had a part in making this possible! We have also purchased an automatic vehicle which makes driving much easier and safer for Albert as his right hand is not working very well. We were able to sell the van to a couple who work for Youth for Christ and bless them with a price that would work for them and enable them to minister to the children and youth of Romania and make transport easier for them!

Therefore, we thank you for blessing us so we could bless them and they can bless the community they work for – and – God can be blessed! Love how it comes full circle and we and you – are all part of the blessings of God!

We have only been able to have one Bible School session this year as the others were cancelled due to COVID. How-ever, Albert keeps in close touch with the students and continues to disciple them and help them through each struggle they face and rejoice with them in each success! We pray that we can soon get back to regular Bible School scheduling and students and professors are allowed to attend!

We continue to home school – often a challenge but are blessed to see the boys doing well and becoming more independent! Laurentiu still struggles with spelling and does not like to read but is putting a little more effort into it and we pray he will see the benefits as he continues! They do miss friends so we are thankful the church we minister in has a kids program and they are enjoying that. Laurentiu is active in the leadership and he loves to teach the lessons and help with the children. We pray God will grow him into a great leader, able to work with children and teens!

Albert has not been well – seems he just gets over one thing and something else develops. He now has gastric problems which they are monitoring and in January will have some further tests done. However, even though he often does not feel well, he loves to preach, to teach, to encourage, to disciple and share from the wisdom and insight into God’s word which he has been blessed with. We ask that you continue to stand with us in prayer – believing for complete healing in his body so that he is able to focus completely on the work that God has called him to.

We thank you for continuing to pray for us and support us in so many ways even though we are not able to make personal, physical contact! We could not do it without you, your encouragement, prayers and friendships! May God bless you in 2022 and may God be glorified and His Kingdom expanded through all of us!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father …” (Matthew 5:16)