EXTENDED HANDS MINISTRIES

DECEMBER 2007 – **NEWSLETTER**

“O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things…” Psalms 98:1.

Truly God has done wonderful things and as we enter the Christmas season we are reminded of His goodness to us. He loved us so much that He sent His son to earth to die for us and He continues to love us as He pours out His grace, blessing us with so much that our hearts are overwhelmed. He truly puts a new song in our hearts and we pray that each of you are able to say the same thing this Christmas season – for “He has done wonderful things!”

Perhaps you have noticed that it is a while since you have received a newsletter from us. We are sorry for not keeping you more informed. However, with Albert in Canada for several months, it has been difficult to find the time to sit down and write. There have also been many things for which we have been waiting answers and which we wanted to share with you and until we received those answers, it just did not seem right to write – however, here we are!

Albert wishes to thank all of you who opened your homes, your churches, your hearts to him as he traveled through out western Canada. He was blessed by your generosity, your thoughtfulness and your love. He was challenged many times, and we pray that as you fellowshipped with him – you too were challenged to share the love of Jesus with those around you. Thank you for blessing him and sharing your lives with him, with us all!

Elvira was very busy while Albert was away. Ministry continues even when one of us is absent and seeing as Elvira is very active as a nurse, people made sure that she did not have time to get bored or lonely! Just before corn harvest started, a neighbour broke her ankle, requiring surgery and bed rest. They had no one to help them, therefore, Elvira became cook, dish and clothes washer, chore girl and corn picker! People in the community were amazed that she would help in this way, especially since we are not related, and had no obligations to help. This is not something that is practiced here in the village and several of the villagers were challenged to show their Christian love by reaching out and doing things to help the couple. We pray that the neighbours as well as the community were able to see the love of Jesus in action, something which is sadly lacking in a country which calls itself Christian!

Two days before Albert left Canada, Elvira received word that she had been accepted to receive her Romanian residency! We praise the Lord! However, we received no word that Albert had also been accepted. When he arrived home and we inquired at the police, we discovered that he too had been accepted! As you know, we have been working towards this for several years and finally it has happened! Truly, “God has done wonderful things!” We do not have the cards in our hands as of yet but they are paid for and should arrive before Christmas. Why does this excite us so much? First of all, we no longer need to spend so much time or money applying for visas every year. This is good for five years, after which it is renewed for life, as we understand it. Therefore, for as long as God asks us to remain in Romania, we should be free of this burden. It also allows us to legally have Valentina in our care. Procedure is already underway to make this happen! We will then be able to travel out of country with her and hopefully, in the near future be able to adopt her! Praise the Lord! It has been a long time coming but as usual, God’s timing is perfect. We also received information that Canada has passed new laws, giving citizenship to children adopted by Canadians in another country! Why do we continue to be amazed at the way God works? Truly, “God has done wonderful things…”!

One of the biggest burdens on our hearts since closing down the church in our ministry house, has been the fact that the children are remaining without Biblical teaching. We have been praying and searching for a way to reach them, in their own community, with the love of Jesus. The door has finally opened! Elvira is presently working with around 40 children, preparing a Christmas program! The children, as well as their parents are thrilled that once again they are being taught about the love of Jesus. We will have the program in the church on gypsy street and pray that all the parents will come out to see and hear their children present the awesome Christmas story! Once again we must say, “God has done wonderful things!”

God is also opening up new doors for the Bible school. While Albert was in Canada, he recruited more professors who are eager to share God’s word with the gypsy nation. New students are applying and more gypsy churches in Romania are getting excited about receiving sound theological teaching which will help them share the Word of God to their nation! Can we say too often — “God has done wonderful things…”!

Elvira has been mentoring a young gypsy women who is open and hungry to know more about the Word of God. She has also been teaching her to pickle, to quilt and to sew, amongst other things the young lady is willing and eager to learn. We are praying this will be a beginning, as we confirm the gypsy nation that they are loved, they have value and that if they try, they are able to do anything they may choose to do. It is a slow process as they have not been exposed to many things we take for granted. However, we know that with the help of God, they can learn skills to better help themselves take care of their own!

Marin and his wife, Claudia had a baby girl in August. Her name is Alisa Marie. On the second Sunday in December we will be honored to dedicate this baby to the Lord as well as share in the church blessing of their marriage. In Romania, couples must all be married at the justice of peace. This was done in May, however, Marin and Claudia want God’s blessing on their marriage and we are honored to be able to participate in this special day. Marin continues to ask that you pray for him, that he would be able to provide for his family, financially as well as spiritually!

November has been a remarkable month for us, many things are happening, new beginnings, many answers to prayer. Besides this, we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. Who can say, God does not do miracles after hearing that? We were able to spend a few days away, relax and take some time to catch up after being apart for 9 weeks! Once again we say, ‘God has done wonderful things…”

A very blessed Christmas to all of you! May you sense the presence of God in your lives and know of His faithfulness to you and your families.
EHM PRAISE REPORTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

1. HEALTH: While Albert was in Canada he visited a doctor and had a physical. Other than the obvious, he is over weight, the doctor says he is doing well and there were no major concerns. He does still have much pain in his legs, but has not had open sores for some time now. Continue to pray that God will give him the strength to do the things required of him.
Elvira has had a good year, almost pain free. She was even able to til her own garden this fall. However, with the rainy, wet season happening, she is once again having some trouble with her legs. We are not sure what is happening, but are sure that God knows and that He is able to heal!

2. BIBLE SCHOOL: New curriculum is being worked on. New and old professors are anxious to begin teaching. Students are getting excited about coming and learning God’s word. New churches in Romania are excited about the opportunity of receiving Biblical teaching. Pray that God would open doors, hearts and minds and that His will would be done in and through all who are involved in the Bible School work. We are so thankful and blessed by the people of God who are willing to give of their time to reach out with the gospel and with the love of God.

3. ROMANIAN CHILDREN: Rita is doing very well in her ministry in Lunca. We have received many positive reports and are so blessed by her desire to reach out to the poorest of poor and show them the love of Jesus.
Dana: is doing very well in this, her final year of school. Pray that she would remain strong in her faith and that she would not fall to peer pressure. Also pray for job openings for her as she is qualified to teach K- 4 once she graduates in June.
Valentina: is also doing extremely well in school. She continues to be a blessing and a joy as she has so much love to share with everyone around her and she keeps the smiles on every one’s faces. She is praying she is able to travel with us to Canada next summer – we ask that you pray and believe with us that this might happen!

4. CANADIAN CHLDREN: Albert had a special time with the kids and grandkids while he was in Canada, making it harder to leave them. They are all doing well but could use your prayers as they also have health issues and as they seek God’s will for their lives.

5. FINANCES: “God has done wonderful things…” He continues to supply and we continue to thank Him for His faithfulness and you for your obedience in sharing with us as we reach out to the poor and needy here in Romania. Inflation rate here has risen sharply, pushing prices of everything up – and yet we can say, “God has done wonderful things…”

“Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises…For He hath done wonderful things…”