2. BIBLE SCHOOL: March 7th the final session of this group of students starts and will end on the 11th. Two professors will be here from England – one of which is also suffering some health issues – but- God has given him the courage and strength to come and teach these precious souls about His word! Pray for the students as they seek to know God and His Word better – more fully – more truly – for His glory – for the increase in the Kingdom of God! 

3. WAR: God’s word says that in end days there will be wars and rumours of war. Pray for God’s protection over all countries involved and that God will move in the hearts of the people – that their hearts would be prepared and His will would be done. Pray for peace – in the world – and in our hearts!

4. SPIRITUAL WARFARE: The spiritual warfare is fierce! Satan is trying to deceive as many as he can in these last days! Pray for God’s children to have the strength and power to stand up against the evil that surrounds us and that the people we are in contact with would see the love of Jesus and desire His strength and peace in their lives as well. 

We thank God for this wonderful promise and the last few months have certainly found it to be true! With health issues, spiritual warfare and all that is going on around us – we certainly need His strength – for we can continue only in His strength theses days– ours is petering out and — through all the toils and uncertainties that this world is throwing at us – we have still been blessed with the wonderful peace of God which passes understanding and gives us strength to continue the battle for the glory of God! We pray for this strength and peace for each one of you as well. May you find His promises true in your lives each and every day – no matter what the situation or circumstance – no matter what the world tries to throw at you – resting and trusting in God is the only way we will be victorious! Praise God! 

During the past few months we have faced numerous battles in the churches where we have been serving – sometimes we wonder if our work there is done! However, we have seen awesome changes in the lives of some of the individuals and most of them do not want to let us go. We are needing much wisdom and direction to know what God would have us to do at this time. The spiritual battle has been strong and we are weary but – not defeated because we serve an awesome God who desires a church – a bride – without spot or wrinkle and Albert is preaching his heart out – and praying that the people would allow God to move into the cluttered mess of their – our – hearts and make room for the King of Kings – to become disciples of the Lord – recognizable by every one they – we – come in contact with! May God be glorified in our lives! 

Bible School begins this week. We will be running only one week as this group of students is completing the program and we pray we will find students to begin a new class in June. 

Satan has been throwing many darts at us – at our health – professors health- the hearts and beliefs of some of the students – and so – we covet – more than ever – your prayers – for the blood of Jesus to cover us – the professors – the students – our families – that no weapon formed against us would prosper and that God’s will would be done in all of our  lives! 

Boys are continuing with their home schooling. Somehow – we are getting through it – boys are mostly doing well and Elvira is surviving – barely some days– but- with God’s strength – we can do it – we can be victorious!!! Both boys are doing music as well – Laurentiu on the guitar – Joshua on the keyboard – both are doing well and we pray that they will be able to use their talents to God’s glory! 

 I am sure you are hearing reports on the war here with Russia and Ukraine. It continues although everyone thought it would be over long ago. However, Russia has now started war actions with Moldova and is threatening Romania as well. At this point we have not felt any repercussions but we do not know what is on the way. We do know where our strength comes from and who gives us peace!! 

 I failed to mention in our last newsletter that Marlene Reimer has stepped down as treasurer and Cheryl Hildebrandt has graciously stepped in her place. We thank Marlene for the awesome job she did for Extended Hands Ministries and welcome Cheryl and her husband Dennis and know that God has prepared them to do the work that needs to be done on the Canadian side! Our board members are aging and although we do not need them a lot physically—we are thankfully for their moral and prayer support – God has blessed us with a great team and we are so thankful for them! 

There are a few murmurings about a team coming this summer – perhaps to help us replace our dilapidated fences. If anyone is interested in a work trip in July – please contact our board – give them a push – and we welcome your assistance !!!!! You will find e-mail and phone numbers on the heading of our newsletter. 

 An on line donation / banking has also been set up – this is the number you need in order to do that:
e-transfer to: ehmro.1996@gmail.com

We thank you for your continued support – starting with prayer — we feel your prayers and know that God is answering. We thank you for words of encouragement and financial gifts – without you – our jobs would be much more difficult – we do not take you for granted! We know that God has placed you in our lives for a reason and has placed us in Romaina to bring people to the Kingdom of God – to disciple and encourage them to live for the Lord! 

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!

Pray for healing, for God’s continued strength and for God’s will to be done through these ‘bodies’ that He has given us.

BIBLE SCHOOL:    June 20^th begins another semester.  Thankful for the dedicated students who continue to give their time to learning God’s Word.   Thankful for the professors who give their time, knowledge, wisdom and love to the students.

Pray that minds and hearts would be open to receive God’s words and to apply them to their lives and make them more efficient in reaching others and making disciples of many!

NEW HOPE CAMP:   So thankful for this beautiful camp site which God has blessed us with.   July starts family and teen camps.

Pray for each group – that God would reveal Himself in a new way – that would change lives for the glory of God.

FINANCES:   So thankful for the awesome God we serve and the people that He has blessed us with who continue to bless us with finances.  We pray blessings on each one of you for your faithfulness and thank God that He always gives us ‘just the right amount’ of funds to do the jobs that are needed – even with soaring prices – He knows and through provides!   Thank you and God bless!

Shout with us – even as we go through times which seem mundane at times – God is working – and has plans for VICTORY!

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)

: please pray that the doctors will be able to find the problems in Albert’s bowels and rectify it as it is very tiring and painful for him.

Elvira : has a lot of pain in her left leg and shoulders, but is thankful that she can continue to do most things she needs to. Pray for healing – that God will take the pain away!

2. BIBLE SCHOOL: Thankful for the opportunity to minister to leaders and train them to be able to minister more fully to the people.

: pray that we would be able to hold future sessions and professors are able to come and teach.

3. CHURCH MINISTRY: Thankful for the churches God has blessed us with to minister in.

: please pray for wisdom for Albert has he ministers and disciples the gypsy people. Pray for the people, that they would be open to God’s words and desire to serve Him fully and with their whole lives!

4. Finances: Thankful for God’s faithfulness, for His provisions, His blessings and so thankful for YOU! Thank you for your faithfulness, your sacrifice in sharing of your blessings and blessing us – and the Romanian people!:please pray that we continue to receive the support necessary to continue the work God has called us to do!

A Merry Christmas to You and May God’s love shine through you and Bless each one of YOU!!!!

So thankful for the peace that Jesus left us! In this world with all the political strife, the COVID, the worldly issues in our face each day — we need that peace!! Jesus has promised us that we need not be troubled, nor afraid – and we can have confidence in Him – that He is in control and that He will work out all things to His glory!

The year has passed by so quickly and Christmas is upon us! So thankful for the baby Jesus which came to the world, to die for us, to show us how to live, to give us peace and a hope for eternal life! We pray that this Christmas we can honour Him and that others will come into the Kingdom of God because of that little baby whom we remember and celebrate at this time of year!

As we are sure you have figured out – Elvira did not get to Canada this year! Airport closures and the uncertainty of being able to get back into the country caused us to decide it was not worth the risk even though Elvira so much wants to see her family and friends! Perhaps in 2022!!

Even so, the year has been busy with summer camps, men’s conferences, Albert’s 70^th birthday celebration and then our 49^th wedding anniversary. We also celebrated 25 years in the ministry here in Romania!! The three Romanian churches we minister in have kept us occupied with various crisis – one after another – but also with growth pains, failures and successes! We have become very close to the families in the church and are included in so many family events that we seldom have time to be lonely – although we miss the fellowship of our Canadian family and friends!

The construction of a bathroom and family room in our home has also kept us more than a little busy, and some what stressed as it has been difficult to find good workers and supplies! We are now using the room, although the outside of the building is not finished. It is such a blessing to have a bathroom on the main floor. Albert is able to sleep downstairs and no longer has to struggle with the stairs unless doing work in his office. He is now better able to be part of the family goings on and it is so much easier for him to navigate on his own. We have purchased a hospital bed which gives him a much better sleep. We are blessed and we thank each one of you who have had a part in making this possible! We have also purchased an automatic vehicle which makes driving much easier and safer for Albert as his right hand is not working very well. We were able to sell the van to a couple who work for Youth for Christ and bless them with a price that would work for them and enable them to minister to the children and youth of Romania and make transport easier for them!

Therefore, we thank you for blessing us so we could bless them and they can bless the community they work for – and – God can be blessed! Love how it comes full circle and we and you – are all part of the blessings of God!

We have only been able to have one Bible School session this year as the others were cancelled due to COVID. How-ever, Albert keeps in close touch with the students and continues to disciple them and help them through each struggle they face and rejoice with them in each success! We pray that we can soon get back to regular Bible School scheduling and students and professors are allowed to attend!

We continue to home school – often a challenge but are blessed to see the boys doing well and becoming more independent! Laurentiu still struggles with spelling and does not like to read but is putting a little more effort into it and we pray he will see the benefits as he continues! They do miss friends so we are thankful the church we minister in has a kids program and they are enjoying that. Laurentiu is active in the leadership and he loves to teach the lessons and help with the children. We pray God will grow him into a great leader, able to work with children and teens!

Albert has not been well – seems he just gets over one thing and something else develops. He now has gastric problems which they are monitoring and in January will have some further tests done. However, even though he often does not feel well, he loves to preach, to teach, to encourage, to disciple and share from the wisdom and insight into God’s word which he has been blessed with. We ask that you continue to stand with us in prayer – believing for complete healing in his body so that he is able to focus completely on the work that God has called him to.

We thank you for continuing to pray for us and support us in so many ways even though we are not able to make personal, physical contact! We could not do it without you, your encouragement, prayers and friendships! May God bless you in 2022 and may God be glorified and His Kingdom expanded through all of us!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father …” (Matthew 5:16)

We praise God for the strength He does give and for the help He sends to be able to do what needs to be done.  Albert is able to preach from a wheelchair and he is so thankful for the wisdom, the gift of healing and words of encouragement that God gives him in order to train and build up the church.

2. BIBLE SCHOOL: We continue to thank God for the opportunity to teach young men His word.  We thank God for the students He has prepared and for men of God who come to teach.

We continue to pray for the students as they return to their home, their community and their church.   We pray for the professors who will come to teach and for all who are involved in the running of the school.

3. FAMILY: So thankful for all the children God has blessed us with, for their families, for the opportunity to speak into their lives.

Please continue to pray for each one of our children, several are experiencing marital problems, problems with children, financial problems – and sadly some are not following God as we would pray they would!   God sees each one, knows each need and we know that He is able to do marvellous things – we pray that would be their desire – to follow Him – through all situations and we know that He will be glorified.

4. NEW HOPE CAMP: So thankful for the beautiful facility God has blessed us with to minister to those who have no other opportunities to get away, to enjoy His creation, to relax, become refreshed and to learn His word!

Pray for each leader, each individual who attends, that God would speak and work and they would return home, changed for His glory!

CANADIAN TRIP:   Pray for God to direct the steps in travel plans to Canada. That He would open doors and make a way- where He would have Elvira to go – that His Name would be honoured and glorified.

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!

-Pray for complete healing for Albert and no more pain! For strength and wisdom!

-Pray for healing for Elvira as she seems to have pinched some nerves in her upper back which is causing much pain in her arms and hands!

2. BIBLE SCHOOL: Continue to pray that God will make a way to begin the Bible School sessions. Pray for the students – that they would not lose heart and continue to search God’s word on their own.
3. CHURCH MINISTRY; Thankful that we are free to have church meetings once again. Praying for the ‘new thing’ which God will do in our midst and that He will make a way!
4. LADIES MINISTRIES: Thankful for the opportunity to minister – to encourage – and to love on the church ladies as well as many elderly ladies in our community and surrounding area. Although we are never happy when people have medical problems, we are thankful that God uses it as an open door to show His love and care for those in need!
5. FAMILY: Thankful for the family- both Canadian and Romanian which God has blessed us with!

– Pray for God’s protection and leading in their lives and that they would stand firm in Him!

6. FINANCES: Thankful for God’s faithfulness in providing for our daily needs although we often wonder how we will make ends meet.

PRAY: For God’s direction in how you can be prayerfully, physically and financially involved in the ministry God has given us here in Romania!

Albert and Elvira Enns – Extending God’s Hands in Romania!