“Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22
Even though we are still in the middle of it and will probably have a better understanding of God’s plan in the months or years to come, we trust the words of Psalm 55:22. As the spring came to a close, the main project of Integra Adrian was leading, for which they had partnerson the national level, came to a striking halt. Reasons wary, but probably the main reason is political, since Romanian is getting ready to elect a new parliament in November. The project’s continuation is pending, and it might take until February 2013 for it to resume. Nonetheless, the boys really enjoyed having Dad home more over the summer, Ema the finalizing of home projects, and spending time with long time friends in ministry who came to visit was a blessing! ITMI’s Steve Evers came at the end of July, and we traveled for ministry to Satu-Mare in the northern part of Romania, where Steve’s message from Proverbs on trusting in the Lord and the singing and testimonies by the Young Couples Fellowship Group were a blessing to the church. Praise the Lord!
The YCF Group and the Bans singing and sharing from the Scripture with the church in Satu-Mare.
Brother Steve Evers, ITMI’s Executive Director, preaching in the church of Satu-Mare and Adrian is translating for him.
In August, I was invited to speak at a women’s meeting in a village church near Oradea. As I was sharing about my daily devotions, I allowed some time for questions and comments. One lady in her late fifties said days on the farm must begin with planning the work to be done, but she sees the Lord’s hand in their lives. Recently, she said, she was cleaning an old pot with sand (it was most efficient for what was needed). As she was cleaning it, she thought to herself how many times the Lord probably had to “use” something as rough as sand to make her “clean.” I welcomed her comments, and reflected on my own personal experience. We all like “soft” and “smooth” cleansing experiences – nonetheless, we would probably choose those over and over again, and not something as rough as sand. Many times, however, it’s exactly through “rough” experiences the Lord is heard clearest.
Day by Day (And with each passing moment”) and “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” were the songs Eduard and Tommy learned to play over the summer. Listening to them rehearse and play the piano almost daily was a wonderful reminder of God’s presence in our lives with each passing moment, giving us strength along the way. All three of them were blessed to attend Summer Camps with kids from church. Andy’s camp was near Brasov (towards the center of the country) and they hiked one of the highest peaks of the Carpathians – he was very excited! Eduard’s Sunday school class took the train to Suceava, in the NE part of Romania, and for the first time he got to visit several monasteries which were built by rulers of Moldova in the early 1400’s. He also enjoyed the group studies and the daily activities. Thomas’ camp was nearer to Oradea and he enjoyed lots of things including the hayride!
As we look at ministry and family events this Fall, we would rejoice in knowing you remember us and the Young Couples Fellowship in your prayers, and also:
- Andy, Eduard and Tommy who started 11th, 6th and 4th grade.
- The Children’s Ministry which commenced on September 23rd and the Retreat for the Sunday school teachers (at the end of October)
- Integra – and all the decisions and challenges before the project resumes.
- Romania- There has been more political unrest over the summer than we have seen in a long time. Please pray with us for the upcoming elections.
Thank you very much for the encouragement you have been for us and the ministry in Romania over the years!
