Romania's Fall is upon us once again!!

Fall is in full swing. School has started and we are adjusting to the change of schedule. Levi is in 5th grade, Chloe in 3rd grade, Mihai in what they call class Zero, and Azaniah started the Romanian kindergarten (preschool). Most of the New Beginning family center children are now in High school. Please pray for them through out the school year. To be diligent in their studies, and to be a light for Jesus amongst their teachers and classmates.
 Faith will begin to teach English again in the village of Pintic. We are thankful for the Lord opening the door their once again. Please pray for speaking of the Romanian language, and to be able to boldly share the gospel with both the students and the staff at the school. Praise for a director of the school who has allowed us to share openly, and to keep doing so. 
 The Bible study in Pintic is going well. A young family has agreed to allow us to use their house for the studies now that the weather is cold. Please continue to pray for the salvation of the Roma people in this village, that the Lord would start to change their village and put them on fire for Him. 
Praying about and planning a trip to the states It has been some time since we have seen and spoken with many of you. Over two years now. We long to be able to visit with our friends and family again, and to meet some of you in person for the very first time. We would like to pray about coming to the states this next coming summer. It is only 8 months away so we must begin raising and saving money for this now. The tickets are much cheaper if bought in advance. Please pray for the Lord’s provision so that we may come and share with you all in person not only the work the Lord has been doing in Romania, but what the Lord has been doing in our lives as well. 
We thank each of you, and pray for you often. We are blessed beyond measure to have you as a part of the ministry here in Romania. We love you all, and thank you for all of your prayers and support. 

Click to see our video: a glimpse of Romania!!

Serving together in Christ,
Chris, Faith, and kids

Passing

There are no words to express the constant tide of emotions that can well up in us as we grieve the loss of loved ones. The last couple days have been the hardest days as we mourn the tragic and violent passing of our friend, and assistant pastor, Adi, and his son, Timi.

Over the last six years his actions spoke louder than his words. Always there willing to give a helping hand. You will be greatly missed, but I know this for sure- we will see you again, Adi and Timi!

             

                                   

Please be in prayer for friends and family as we mourn. Pray for peace and guidance amidst the trials of this life.  thank you for all your prayers and support though this difficult time. 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, And let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, And show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, “ It is truth.” “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the Lord, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives— The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships. I am the Lord, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King.” Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. (Isaiah 43:1-21 NKJV)

Summer is in full swing!

Much has happened since our last post.

Before leaving for the conference in Hungary, we went to Pintic for bible study where we shared about The LAMB OF GOD.

 That evening we started our ten hour drive to the conference in Vajta, Hungary.  We had a wonderful time connecting with friends and meeting new ones while being spiritually fed by some great speakers. Even though it was chilly the kids still went swimming and played at the park during free time. The kids were blessed with a childrens program led by a team from Florida and California. 

It was a wonderful time with family and friends. 

Faith put together a retreat for the girls from her bible study. For most of the girls this has been a first time ordeal and they loved every minute of it. Faith, Alyssa, and two other women taught on the fruits of the spirit. They had an incredible time of teaching, fun, and fellowship while on the retreat.

Faith and I were able to take a three night romantic getaway to Oradea, Romania. Thankyou so much Alyssa Green for your willingness to watch all the kids while we were away. 

What a blessing she has been to us these past few months. The time has passed all too quickly as in less than a week we must take the early morning road trip to the airport to see her off. We thank the Lord for the time she has been with us.

Prayer requests:

Pray for the adoption process as we have officially started the paperwork.

Pray for Alyssa as she prepares to head back the the states.

Pray for the girls bible study that the girls would grow and mature in their faith in what they learned at the retreat, and those that are not born again would give thier lives to Christ.

Pray for the bible study in Pintic that the Lord would use me to touch thier hearts and that Christ would change thier hearts, and those that are born again would grow and mature.

Pray that we would be spirit led in our work here.

Pray for the boys outdoor adventure trip we will be taking at the end of July.

Thankyou for all your prayers and support. May He bless each of you.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV)

Who are you?

At Bible study in the village we looked at John the Baptist and what he came to do. The Religious leaders wanted to know who he was and sent Levites and Priests to find out why he was preaching and Baptizing, and by whose authority.

As the cherries trees are heavy with cherries many of the men were selling cherries. The women and children listened intently as we shared and opened the Word of God. 

The children loved playing a few games before it was time to leave. As we left we were able to help take two men and their cherries to the next village so they could sell them. Many of the people from this village scrape by day by day selling cherries or other forest fruits they can find to sell. Some of the things that they pick to sell are cherries, rasberries, mushrooms, nuts, and snails as each comes in season or as they can find them. God's Word will give them hope for a future life with Christ in His kingdom.

Cherry Tree

 Before leaving for the village Azi practices riding his bicycle. Many more falls and crashes lay ahead of him.

Jatham riding his car in style

The kids at the space learned how to make volcanoes demonstrating the effects of what happens when we explode in anger and how it can effect everything or everyone around us. 

Thank you for your prayers and support. Continue to pray for our visas to arrive. They have been approved and processed. We are waiting for them to arrive. It is taking extra long. Pray for patience.

Pray for the village of Pintic and wisdom in sharing, teaching, and loving the people. How to best be a Christ like example. 

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, and especially happy Fathers Day to Russell Anderson and Robert Peele. You hold a special place in our hearts this day as we remember you. 

A Song of Ascents.

 Blessed [is] every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.

When you eat the labor of your hands, You [shall be] happy, and [it shall be] well with you.

Your wife [shall be] like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life.

Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace [be] upon Israel!

-Psalm 128:1-6

A witness to the Light

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

We enjoyed our time in the village this afternoon. After Bible study and teaching some of the kids a few songs, the kids enjoyed spending some time playing games. All too soon it was time to leave as we have a couple more weeks of school and the kids have to get up on time. Here a few pictures from our afternoon in Pintic.

Two days before Easter one of the houses burned to the ground. Everyone was able to get out safe, but they lost everything. Please pray for Victor and his family as they have nothing. They are currently staying with his wife's relative in one of the two rooms that make up her house. They have five children. Pray that others in his village would come together and help this family. Pray that God would use this to change the hearts of the people in this village. Pray that God uses the Bible study to change their hearts to follow Jesus.

We thank the Lord for all the much needed rain that we have had over the last week and a half. Pray for a beautiful sunday afternoon as we once again head to the village. We will be sharing from John 1:6-13. Be in prayer with us as we go. Pray for open ears and soft hearts to hear, change, and follow our Lord and Savior. Pray each of us that go, those that come, that we will be used, heard, and understood.
Thank you for your prayers. God bless each one of you.

Light of the world

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:5 NKJV)

Sunday morning in Sunday school the kids and I have started the book of Philippians. Paul, though bound by chains, was full of joy in his situation. He did not sit back sulking, complaining or grumbling, but took this opportunity to share the gospel with the guards, and anyone that would listen to what he had to say.

 He knew that God was in control and one way or another he would be set free- to live and continue to share the gospel, or to live with Christ in eternity. It is a win win situation. 

How many times do we complain, grumble, and sulk when everything does not go our way? 

Sunday afternoon began our second bible study in the village of Pintic. Faith and the kids came along this time. As soon as we arrived the kids gathered around and even the adults came out and sat in the shade.  

Sitting in the grass under a tree sharing God's Word with the people reminded me once again why the Lord called us here to Romania.

I did not go bearing gifts of earthly value, I had no food to give; just God's Word to share with those who sat and listened. Jesus, the light that shines in the darkness, that pierces even the darkest corners, the only light that gives true life, this is what I have to offer them. 

With over fourty people listening, others talking, horse and wagons scurrying by, kids coming and going, and others listening intently I was able to share who was the Light of life and why we need Him.

Pray for wisdom and discernment in ministering and sharing In Pintic. Pray for the English class to be used by God. Pray for the Thursday night bible study. Pray for the after school kids program at the space to be a light to the lost.

Thank you for praying. 

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death. (Proverbs 11:4 NKJV)