“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Wonderful peace of God! How does one survive if they do not have the peace that God gives us? Those of you who are very attentive to our newsletters may think that you are re reading last year’s letter. I prayed for God to give us a verse to start the newsletter and this is the verse that came to mind. However, as I reread the last several newsletters, I discovered that this is the verse we used last Christmas. Although I was tempted to search for another verse, I decided, this is the verse which God would impress on us – once again – this Christmas season! So many things have happened since last Christmas – the war in the Ukraine which is our neighbor country, the Freedom movement, earthquakes all around us, political unrest and an uncertain future, all cause our hearts to fear. However, God tells us to not let our hearts be troubled and to not be afraid. He is in control and we must trust Him more than ever, with our lives, our family, our churches and our countries. As we once again enter the Christmas season, we must focus on Jesus – His birth – His death – the reason that we, in the midst of turmoil, can remain unafraid and allow His peace to surround us and comfort us and know that He is in control and is watching over each one of us. May the peace of God fill your hearts this Christmas season and may He shed His love to those around you, through you!

Some of you will know that Elvira finally made it to Canada in August. Although it was a very busy, fast trip, she was able to minister in several churches and share what God is doing in Romania and was able to do some private home visits as well. We are sorry she was not able to make contact with more of you this time, however, her time was very limited and one of our priorities was our family. Elvira returned home, thankful to have been blessed by those she was in touch with and so blessed to have been able to see many who encouraged and blessed her with your love and friendship. She found the boys quite well when she arrived home and even the house survived – although it needed a little attention – as did all three boys!!

We are thankful that we were able to have our Bible School sessions again this year. Professors from England were able to return and we were blessed with spiritual growth in the students! We are hoping to start a new class in the spring of 2023 and we ask that you pray with us – that God would give Albert wisdom and direction – that he would be able to find the students whom God would want to attend and that teaching the men of Romania would continue to go forth so that many may hear the Good News – of God and His love for mankind.

Several camps were held at New Hope Camp this summer and we thank God for the way He blesses those who attend. We thank God for creation and how His beauty speaks to the hearts of many and brings peace, joy and hope for the future as we attempt to live our lives to bring glory to the Father.

The boys continue to do well in school. Although Elvira finds it a little challenging at times, God gives strength and we pray that the boys would continue to grow in wisdom and that the grace of God would be upon them. Both boys are taking music, Laurentiu guitar and Joshua keyboard – both are doing well and enjoying it very much. Laurentiu will use his abilities to bless the church in the Christmas program in the next few weeks.

Our Romanian children are doing well. Dana gave birth to a boy in August, bringing our grandchildren count to 6 in Romania! 3 girls and 3 boys! Valentina is now in Holland, has found work and we pray that the peace of God would surround her and protect her and that He would use her for His glory!

Our Canadian children are also doing well – although Karl was recently hospitalized for blood clots in his lungs! He is now on medication and is doing well. Our grandson was just water baptized and we pray God’s protection over him and that God would use Him to His glory and that He would bless those around him. It was awesome for Elvira to spend time with them all this summer, although it also makes the ‘missing’ a little harder!! May God give us peace as we serve Him, where He has planted us!

Elvira seems to be quite busy with medical work. Although it is getting harder for her to balance her time between home schooling and do the medical work, she somehow manages to do it! God has placed some interesting situations in her life and we are thankful for His wisdom which helps get the job done! People are lonely and many of the elderly are depressed and feeling that there is no one there for them. We pray for wisdom as we reach out to them so that God’s peace would be on them and that His love would fill their hearts at this special time of the year.

Albert continues to be involved in church ministry, in counselling, encouraging, disciplining and is always ready to share God’s word with who ever will listen, perhaps – sometimes even when they do not want to listen! Change is hard for many and it is often a slow process but we pray that each one of us become more like Jesus each day and choose to follow His word and find peace and joy in serving Him.

Albert and Elvira celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in November. It is amazing how the years have passed and we give the glory to God for allowing us to continue to serve Him in “our old age!” We thank Him for being the glue that binds us together – in His love – for walking with us and guiding – for blessing us with family and friends and even though our health may not be great – we thank Him for giving us the strength to continue to serve Him and share His peace and love with a very hurting and needy world!

We thank God for you!! For your prayers, words of encouragement, for your love and support. We are not in Romania alone, we have God and we feel your hearts here with us – extending God’s love – His peace – His joy – and hope for everlasting life, with Him – in Heaven!

We love you – you are in our hearts and prayers – and we daily thank God for each one of you! Do not get so busy with Christmas that you forget to share His love, joy and peace this Christmas – let His peace fill your hearts and may you truly celebrate His love for each one of us!