December 2012 Newsletter
‘Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.’ (Lam. 3:22:23)
Truly, the faithfulness of the love of God has been evident in our lives this past year, without His mercies, which are new every morning, we would have perished, and yet He continues to give us strength, to give us hope and we know that He will continue to remain faithful and therefore, we look forward with great hope to 2013, praying and believing that we will see His hand move and many souls be won for the Kingdom of God, many lives changed by His power as we submit to His will and allow Him to work in and through us, reaching out to the lost souls who surround us!
It has been a long while since we have sent an update, for this we apologize. 2012 has been extremely busy with both Albert and Elvira experiencing some health issues which have made some regular jobs seem much more difficult and time consuming. However, God is faithful, we thank Him for strength to press forward and for the peace and joy that He brings as we serve Him.
Elvira had the opportunity to be in Canada this past fall and although it was a difficult trip, with many car problems and other stresses, we thank God for the privilege of sharing what God is doing in Romania with many of you and catching up on some news. Elvira was able to spend an awesome week with Karl and Patricia and the grandkids in the mountains of British Columbia and it was an awesome time of relaxing in God’s beautiful creation and enjoying being with family. So thankful to report that God continues to heal and strengthen each one of them and they are all doing well. Elvira also got to spend some time with Shauna, who is studying hard and doing well in Massage College. Elvira also had opportunity to meet new friends in new churches and we thank God for each one of you who has opened your home, your church, your hearts and your lives to allow us to share with you and we thank you for your encouragement, your gifts and mostly – for your prayers which continue to uphold us and through which God is answering and working in Romania!
The Bible School ran three sessions this past year with a new intake class beginning in June. Although we started with many students, most dropped out as they were unable to commit to the time and work involved. However, we go forward with those who sincerely are seeking to learn God’s word and who are willing to apply and live by His word, even though they are persecuted and rejected by those around them, even by those in their churches who do not understand what God is asking of His people! We are so thankful for the growth we see in the students and know that through them, God is going to reach into many parts of Romania with His love and draw souls unto Himself. Albert has traveled to many parts of Romania and will continue to do so in the new year, seeking for new students who are willing to sacrifice and give of their time in order to study and learn more about God, His faithfulness, His goodness and His ways! We are trusting for many more students in the spring of 2013 and look forward to watching as God works in lives. So thankful for the faithful professors who pour their hearts in these students and are committed to helping the students grow and follow the call of God!
New Hope Camp continues to be developed and we thank God for what He is doing in the hearts of those who have been blessed to spend some time there, in the creation and presence of our Creator! We will be putting bunk beds in the new container which is there which will provide some shelter for those who are unable to stay in tents and are praying God’s blessing on it and the people who will camp there in 2013!
Valentina and Laurentiu continue to grow and challenge us but are both doing well in school and are such a blessing to those around them. Frank, Rita and baby Timo are also doing well. Timo is a lovely baby who is also growing fast and we were blessed to spend some time with them and enjoy our new grandson! We ask that you pray for them as the ministry they are involved in can also be very challenging and they need much wisdom, discernment and patience as they serve God in the Cluj area. Dana continues to teach kindergarten and enjoys it and loves her students very much as well as attending a Bible School in the evenings. Praying for God’s continued protection and leading in her life!
Elvira continues to be quite busy with medical assistance as the wood chopping season has begun and so – a few hands and fingers get in the way! Injections and new born babies also require attention and we continue to pray that God’s healing would flow through Elvira’s hands as she touches them with His love!
We thank God for His faithfulness in providing for our every need – and therefore – we thank Him for YOU through whom He continues to work – to bless – to encourage and through your faithful prayers continues to give us strength to continue in the work He has called us to here in Romania. God bless you in 2013 as you continue to bless Him with all He has blessed you!
‘I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore, I will put my hope in Him.’ (Lamentations 3:24)
FMÎ RAPORTURI DE LAUDĂ ȘI CERERI DE RUGĂCIUNE
1. HEALTH: Thanking God for strength to do His work even though our bodies are no longer as strong as they once were!
ALBERT: has had some very serious back problems and is facing surgery this next year UNLESS God heals him first – which is what we are believing for!
ELVIRA: also has some serious pain which is making it difficult to function and is seeking medical help to see if it can be relieved! Pray for healing – for wisdom for doctors and that through His strength we can continue to do the work He has called us to!
2. BIBLE SCHOOL: So thankful for the students who are committed to studying God’s word. Also thankful for the professors who continue to give of their time and use the gifts that God has blessed them with.
PRAY: for the students – that God would continue to give them a hunger to learn His word. For NEW students who will commit their lives and time to discovering what God has for them and those with whom they are in contact!
: for professors to continue to come and impart the Word of God with these hungry students
: for Albert as he travels to recruit new students and for the Bible school board to continue to listen as God directs and leads the school forward!
3. FAMILY: So thankful for the awesome family that God has blessed us with – both our ‘home made’ kids and grandkids as well as for the special children He has placed in our home, in our lives and through whom He continues to bless us. Pray that He would continue to protect, provide for them and use them for His Glory!
‘Because of the Lord’s faithful love, …my hope is in Him.’