“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;  and his truth endureth to all generations.”  (Psalms 100:5)

Surely the Lord is GOOD!  Though the last year has been extremely difficult and things have been unexpected and not exactly according to plan, or to our way of thinking, expecting  — still – His mercy has been poured out and we know that He is in control and that He will work all things out to bring glory to the Father!

It seems we did not get passed over in this whole covid mess – although Elvira seldom gets a flu or cold, this one seems to have caught her unexpectedly and she was sick – very sick – for 2 months.  Not sure which came first – covid (a flu) or liver malfunction and  a kidney infection – but- God was so good through it all!   Although Albert also had some symptoms, he was not as serious and was able to get through it much quicker, which was a blessing because he had to take over all her activities!   The boys were super – pitched in – Valentina came home to nurse ‘mom’ and a team of friends called in a nurse and a trained doctor to administer all that was needed at home!  We are so thankful for the love shown and for the very best care given by everyone!   Elvira has a few minor ‘hang ons’ which are slowly going away and is thankful to be able to be up and back at work – perhaps too much work – but – God gives strength!  Surely His mercies are everlasting!

Elvira is praying and thinking of a trip to Canada in August this year!  It has been 3 years since she has been in Canada and is missing her family and friends and they are missing her!  We are still waiting to see what happens to all the travel restrictions – however – Lord willing she will be flying across the ocean for some much needed time.   We will need your prayers to cover her as she travels and to provide help for Albert and the boys as they stay behind.  The trip will be shorter than usual and so she would like to pack as many visits in as is possible.  Elvira is looking for assistance with travel – a car – or – someone who would like to travel some with her – or – whatever options God puts in your minds!  Please write and let us know how you can help and make this trip possible – to contact some churches although Sundays are scarce.  Mid August she plans to arrive in Alberta – spend time with family and some friends and then travel to Manitoba – late August – till perhaps mid September!  Needing the mercies of God to make this all happen!

We just finished two weeks of Bible School.   Once again God was faithful in providing professors, all Romanian, as the out of country ones were not allowed into Romania as of yet!   We were left with only 4 students, due to covid restrictions and other factors, however, the men were blessed with good teaching and we pray they left with knowledge which will enhance their lives and the lives of the people they minister to.  Bible School will run again in October, praying for more professors to be allowed in and for students to be able to return.   We are also believing for a new starting class as some of the existing students will be entering level 3!  Although it often seems like a lot of work for a few students – God has shown His mercy and has worked in and changed many lives through the teaching that the men are receiving!

Construction on our addition is going ahead.   A little frustrating as we were unable to get an affordable contractor and so Albert is overseeing the work and can not communicate well or do the things he would like to do.  It is also difficult to find knowledgeable help as we are building ‘Canadian’ and they are all used to working with cement and blocks!  However, it will be a blessing to have a bathroom and more room on the ground floor – making movement much easier for both Albert and Elvira!

Camps also start this week at our site at the river!   Teen camp, children’s camp and several family camps are scheduled to run.  We pray for God’s spirit to fill the camp – for lives to be touched and changed and that many can also find a time of refreshing and fellowship!  As so many wonderful things have happened at camps during our lives – we are expecting God to make things ‘happen’ this summer as well and we look forward to what God is going to do to and through each individual who attends!

Albert continues to minister in 3 gypsy churches which are about an hour drive from our home.   There are many ups and downs,  however,  God is working and changing lives.   Laurentiu has become involved in the children’s ministry as he helps with the stories and singing and controlling the children!  We find that even the adults in Romania do not know many Bible stories which they can share and apply to the children’s lives.  Joshua also helps but does not speak the Romanian language well –he is learning to communicate and hopefully this winter we will give him proper Romanian lessons which we believe he will learn easily – once – he decides to learn!

Home schooling went — well – not easy – but – we managed although Elvira being sick set us back a little.  Joshua is an A student and Laurentiu has improved so much and his marks are also excellent – with the exception of spelling – English!  However it is also improving and perhaps our crazy language with all its exceptions are starting to sink in?????  Laurentiu does not like to read – at all – any language – so we are praying for a miracle for him – that God would give him the love of reading so he can learn more independently!  As hard as home schooling has been – they do not want to return to the school system and we do not think it is good for them, so – we will continue as long as God gives us strength and wisdom!!

We thank God for each one of you – for your dedication to helping us Extend the love of Jesus to Romania!  God Bless You!