Greetings from Romania and America-Robert in Romania, Jody and Randy in America

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

As of our last update in April, we were heading into the EBF conference. It was a sweet time of fellowship, encouragement, and reconnection.  Our plans are to post a video in the next few weeks that will cover this conference. 

During the first 2 weeks of May, we were busy taking Randy to many doctors still searching for help and answers to his health issues. After many doctors visits to cardiologists, cardio thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and several spine surgeons, God directed us towards a spine specialist surgeon that gave us answers and our only option to help Randy- a complicated spine surgery. He explained that part of Randy's spine was fused at birth, and because of a degenerative disk disease (that will get worse as he continues to age) this chest area is continuing to narrow and will continue without intervention. Currently, he has less that 1 inch between his spine and his chest bone, compressing his esophagus, trachea, lungs, and heart. We are very thankful for God's leading us to this surgeon, but our heart's remain heavy, in the midst of the unexplainable peace, as we realize the dangers and risks of this surgery. Randy's predicted 7 hour surgery is scheduled for June 26 to fuse and move the spine back 20 degrees. It may require to break some ribs. We don't see any other options to save Randy at this point. At times the fear and doubt can be overwhelming, but we know that God has answered our prayers, and regardless of the outcome, God will be glorified and His will be done. Randy was encouraged to hear that there is help for him, after hearing from so many doctors that there were no options. Please continue to pray for us during this difficult time. Randy currently is struggling with his oxygen levels when laying down, but God is continuing to keep him strong for the surgery.

Robert left for Romania on May 16 to reconnect and disciple some of our students, encourage the churches, and perform some needed maintenance on the camp.

It was a difficult start when Robert arrived in Ighisu Vechi, he found out our dear neighbor, Lenuta, had passed away. She fell that morning while drawing water from her well, and didn't survive. This was very difficult as she was such a close family friend and believer. She and Jody spend many times in God's Word together and was always opening her home to encourage visitors that would come to the camp.

Right away, Robert started working on camp projects, including moving a 300 pound water holding tank for the camp heating system from the ground floor to the second floor utility room. This enables faster start-up and shut down times. The Lord blessed by giving Robert the engineering ingenuity required to do this during the first 2 weeks when he was working alone at the camp.

Robert was also able to encourage Brother Ilie who has been attending church with Robert. The Lord has allowed time for good spiritual conversations and question and answer sessions.


Other projects completed after Will LaRose arrived on June 1, included cleaning the front well, due to a flood in the back well, siding and enclosing the garage to store vehicles, fixing leaky roofs, electrical and plumbing associated with starting up the front well after cleaning it. Here are a few pictures....

Other more important activities included encouraging Dia and Cristina, by repairing necessary items in their apartment and replacing some windows. It was a great pleasure for us to see the girls' desire to serve the Lord during Robert's visit. In February, on our last trip, the girls were baptized, and seeing their growth and participating in serving the Lord is heartwarming. Cristina sung a solo in church during Robert's visit, and has found a job for the summer selling ice cream. Dia is still looking for a summer job, and will be volunteering at a Christian camp for the last week in June. 

Also, Will and Robert traveled to the northern border of central Romania over a weekend, to visit and encourage a pastor and his wife whose adult son is suffering from cancer. It was an emotionally challenging weekend with Robert, the pastor, and his wife, being able to fellowship in the suffering of their children together. Please pray for Pastor Purell and his family, especially Ionuti, as they continue to seek treatment for his cancer. 

Robert returns on June 22 in order to be in the States for Randy's surgery. We covet your prayers for us all during this time. 

We are thankful for Will LaRose's visit to Romania with Robert, and also grateful for all your prayers, support, and encouragement during these times. Please continue to pray for Ioana and Denisa, 2 girls that made decisions to follow Christ that remain in Ghijasa de Jos, and also for the rest of the youth in Ghijasa and Nocrich, as well as, the Stanca and Nocrich churches.