Here we are in October with the temperatures dropping, as well as, the leaves from the trees. The smell of wood burning and dried leaves permeate the crisp autumn air. We are truly thankful for the different seasons that God provides in our physical lives and in our spiritual lives. Eccl 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

It is hard to believe that summer has come and gone. Our last update was in July after VBS. We are excited to be able to share photos of the remainder of our summer and fall activities here at Windsor's Fair Haven, including retreats, the Ghijasa de Jos camp, and other kid's camps, along with our plans for the fall and winter.

Here are a few of the highlights since our last blog update.

Our Romanian home church, Stanca, used the camp for a weekend couple's retreat. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, singing, prayers, and even a bit of volleyball. This is exactly what Windsor's Fair Haven was made for. We praise the Lord for all who have given and made it possible to make Windsor's Fair Haven into a place of spiritual rest and retreat.

Immediately following this retreat, we hosted a group of 27 kids and 7 leaders (including cooks and counselors) here at Windsor's Fair Haven.

Some of the children were familiar to us, having worked with them in previous years through the churches in Hosman and Tichandeal. Sorin Boica was the leader of the group, and supplied his own cooks and counselors.

We were blessed to be able to provide a cost-free place for this camp of disadvantaged children. Seeing the children learning through crafts and Bible lessons was a great blessing. Unfortunately, due to the very dry season, we had to limit water usage to the kitchen. Our friend, visitor and professional musician from Safe Harbor, Greg Pascuzzi, was able to provide entertainment for the kids through his trumpet playing and keyboard skills. Greg was instrumental, as well,our camp with Ghijasa de Jos kids, along with playing at both churches that we attend. Many of the children have been inspired by his God-given talent.

We continued our weekly visits to Ghijasa de Jos, as well as, our preschool program that Jody began in May. After VBS, the preschool class grew to 6 kids, while Robert, William, Randy and Miriam Vale, continued working with the older kids through Bible lessons and other projects throughout the summer.

When time came for the Ghijasa de Jos camp, we had a few obstacles with counselors cancelling at the last minute, but God was in control, and worked everything out. It was an amazing week for all involved. We had a total of 17, including us and our leaders. The ages randged from 8-16 years old.

The Bible lessons presented by Robert during the week, focused on salvation by grace, with many practical explanations. Although one child had to be taken home during the week because of behavioral problems, the remainder of the week went well. Through songs, crafts, and quiet time, the gospel message was clear. By the end of the week, the kids were explaining the gospel message to us! What an amazing time. The week ended with our award's ceremony where the children were given cerificates for competitions throughout the week, including sports, Bible knowledge, and memorization. We continue to disciple these kids weekly, and are looking forward to our Christmas program with them.

This week, we begin tryouts and part assignments for the upcoming Christmas play that will be in Ghijasa de Jos in the first part of December. It is our desire that once again, the truth of the Christmas story will be told through this play to the people of Ghijasa de Jos. Our weekly meetings will continue as we practice this play, complete the sets, and prepare for the parts. Your prayers are treasured. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Our future camp projects include finish work on cabins, boxing in the house and cabins and staining. We also plan on staining the stairway leading to the conference room, and installing carpeting, and staining the rest of the multi-purpose room. One big project is to finish the exterior of the camp house with insulation and stucco before winter hits.

Stanca is planning another couple's retreat for the end of this month, and November, we look forward to our dear friends' visit, Will and Gerri Larose.

Our prayers are with you. Please continue to pray for our neighbors, Lenuta and Ilie, as God leads us to minister to them. Jody continues to read the Bible to Lenuta weekly. Last week, while visiting Ilie, he was explaining to one of his elderly neighbors some of the things he has learned from going to church with us in Nochrich. It was very encouraging for us all.

More updates to follow in the coming weeks!