August - December 1 2014

Daniel 2:21 - And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

Greetings to you all from Ighisu Vechi, Romania, Windsor's Fair Haven Camp and Conference Center. As we approach winter and have just finished the national election here in Romania for the presidency, this verse seemed very appropriate. How wonderful to know that God is in charge! 

We would like to share with you from the present and going back till mid-August to catch you all up on what has been going on here. We will try to include as many pictures as we can, since a picture is worth 1000 words! 

Currently, the Ghijasa Christmas children's program is scheduled for this weekend. We have a total of 17 children portraying the names of Jesus with costumes, Bible verses and songs. They have worked hard on learning their parts. We pray that the parents and people of the village will attend to hear the gospel message. We have another dress rehearsal Friday just before the play on Saturday. Winter is a difficult time of  year for the kids with the cold and lack of food, so we have also continued with our after school program in October and November, where we would bring them to the camp and feed the kids a hot meal weekly after school, help with their homework, Bible verse, song and play time. In September, we met with the kids weekly at the old school in the village. Our preschool group is growing. William and Alexandra are a great help in teaching this group during our meetings. Jody's parents, Art and Mary Merrill are also pictured here visiting the kids in Ghijasa. They were such a great encouragement to the children. 

Robert started a class with the boys at the church in  Nocrich in November working on basic motorized mechanical devises. The boys learn from the beginning of the idea, drawing to the actual manufacturing of it. He reads and discusses a chapter in the Bible with them and prays with them before each class. They are learning how to think through the project, but also how to give honor and have Godly attitudes. Sorry no pics yet, next time. 

We will be having our annual gift exchange with our entire youth group from Nocrich at the camp in Ighisu just before Christmas. 

Robert and William worked hard on getting the well dug, the septic dug, the concrete slab poured, the stud walls up, and the roof on for the lighthouse cabin from August to October. 
Here is a picture of it before the tower part was up. The view is from the back of the camp. 

Toader and William helping Robert dig the well for the lighthouse cabin. 

more well digging
Other camp activities that we hosted during August through September were a few of the following groups: Mici exploratorii fasting weekend, a Baptist church family camp, a weekend for a Christian group of youth needing a place to house their horses. Even Randy got to ride! 

Of course, October, was a very busy month for us, preparing for William and Alexandra's wedding. Alexandra was one of the youth in our youth group at Nocrich. It was an amazing outpouring of love and support from many of our friends and family. It was the first "Pocait" wedding in our Nocrich village church. The reception was here at Windsor's Fair Haven Camp. It was such a testimony for the unsaved family and friends to be able to come and celebrate and see that you can have a lot of fun and still be a Christian! We are so truly thankful for all of you that helped make this day possible, either by your hard work by being here, or your prayers, gifts and support. The Lord sent many to help that were such a blessing to us. First of all, Jody's parents came early and helped in every stage of the wedding from the beginning to the end. Then we had our dear fellow missionary friend, Bev Charles, also the youth from our Stanca church in Cisnadie served at the reception, Gina Balas and Andreea Plokuy (2 of Jody's girls' camp leaders), Christian Feavel, and Ryan and Andrea Colson. Pastor Simon and Pastor Ghita were the two pastors conducting the wedding ceremony at the church, and Brother Ilie from our village, decorated the gate, per Romanian tradition! 

Alexandra wasn't the only new member that we added to our family this year. In November, thanks to the gracious and sacrificial giving from Cambria Baptist Church, we were able to buy a tractor/backhoe for work that needs to be done here at the camp! Jody is very thankful that the ground is so wet, so that she can still see Robert instead of him always being on the backhoe! 

We wish you peace, happiness and joy as you contemplate the birth of our Savior during this Christmas season. Our prayers are with you all that God will give you strength to serve Him.