“March around the city …do this for six days.  On the seventh day, march around the city seven times,…Shout!   For the Lord has given you the city!”  (Joshua 6).

What a strange way to start a newsletter that is way overdue!!  And we apologize for that!  However, it has seemed to us lately that there is really nothing new to report, that perhaps our lives have become the same, repetitious and boring???   But- someone pointed out to us that perhaps that is the way that Joshua and the Israelites felt like when they were marching around the city, being mocked for marching and saying or doing nothing but marching (as portrayed in Veggie tales)!  It must have felt like they were doing nothing.  The same is for us, it seems like we go through the same ups and downs, church problems, good times, more church problems and it often feels like we are getting no where – but– perhaps it is time to SHOUT  – God wants to give us the victory, take Romania for the Kingdom of God!  Get rid of the feelings that nothing is important, that nothing makes a difference and shout and watch as God gives us the victory – freeing people from their bondage to worldly things and start focusing on Heavenly things and let the world see that God is in control and He will be victorious!

Another school year has come to an end and the boys did very well.  Elvira has survived!!  Laurentiu went full ahead, taking control of his learning and doing many more things on his own and doing them well.  There are still a few areas which need much work but when we look back to 3 years ago when we started, we can see much improvement!   Joshua has also done well even though we also started him with Romanian lessons which has confused his spelling a little but is doing great.   He is an awesome reader and we are very proud of him.

We have finally found several Christian men from one of our churches who come to us three days a week to get caught up with some of the maintenance which had been left due to the fact that Albert is unable to do much with his hands.  They have been a great blessing and much has been accomplished and Albert no longer has to look at all the things which need doing – but can rejoice in the fact that they are done.   Laurentiu has been a huge help in this area and has become very skilled and has overcome his fears of electrical tools and has become a ‘professional”- in his words!  It is also a blessing for Albert to be able to mentor these young men and speak wisdom and insight into their lives – a win-win situation!!

Bible school will be running again in several weeks.  We are expecting all our students again now that Covid is in the past.  Professors from England are returning and we are getting excited about what God has in store for the students who have grown spiritually and are better able to teach and lead in their churches.

Ministry in the three gypsy churches continues, with many ups and downs but we are believing and praying that legalistic ways of the past can be overcome so that they have the freedom to worship and trust God to lead them further in their journeys and to be a testimony to their families and communities where they live.

Several camps have been booked for this summer as well as football tournaments and times of fellowship.  We are expecting God to touch lives and change them for His glory.  Some work has been happening there, repair of the walk bridge, a new men’s outhouse and some cementing to make it easier for Albert to get around in his wheelchair.  We are so thankful for New Hope Camp which gives churches and individuals a time to get away and enjoy God’s creation and to draw closer to Him.  We find it a time of refreshing, even when we are mowing lawn and doing clean up!

It looks like Elvira will attempt a trip to Canada in August.  It has been four years since she has been there and our ‘homemade’ children are quite anxious to see their mom, grandmom, as she is to see them!! There are still many details to work out but at this time we are headed in that direction!  Elvira would like someone to come and stay with the ‘boys’ but they seem to think they will be okay on their own for a month!  Elvira still needs some help with transportation, perhaps a vehicle when she arrives in Canada so if you are able to help, we would appreciate hearing from you.   We would also like to hear from any of you who would appreciate a visit, the time will be short but we would like to touch base with as many of you as possible. Thank you for your help in making this an enjoyable and  successful time in Canada as Elvira visits and shares with you, what God is doing and areas in which you can pray and support us to bring Romanians into the Kingdom of God and train them to God’s glory.”

“Shout!   For the Lord has given you the city (ROMANIA)!” (Joshua 6:16)