2 Timothy 3:16-17  

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

This is our greatest tool in all the things that we do here in Romania. Our desire is to incorporate God’s Word throughout our times with the kids in Ghijasa de Jos, the youth in Nocrich and throughout all our camp activities and retreats. We are assured in God’s Word that by doing this, our work will not be in vain because of Isaiah 55:11 So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

With this, we would like to share with you our activities since the end of December. Since a picture is worth 1000 words, most of our update this time will be pictures with explanations.

Ovidiu Simon and the Stanca youth came out to Windsor’s Fair Haven for a winter camp at the end of December.

A few weeks later they went to Ghijasa and provided the food, cooked it there in the village, played games with the kids and served them. It was a great encouragement to the kids and to us to see these youth willing to be such good examples of servants. It is always a pleasure reconnecting with these youth, as several were in our youth group when we attended Stanca Baptist Church in Cisnadie.

 

Please continue to pray for the kids in Ghijasa as we continue our weekly meetings with them. Some of the highlights with these kids over the last few months are below.

Sledding with the kids in Ghijasa and the youth of Norich.

 

 Our February English recital for Will and Gerri LaRose. The kids recited memory verses and sang songs in English and Romanian and also introduced themselves to Will and Gerri. It was amazing to hear these kids finally be able to practice the English they have been learning over nearly 3 years now. Will mentioned to us that he can see how the kids have changed since the beginning. We remember that we were basically referees for the first few months. We rejoice and give God all the glory for working in the hearts of these children and making the difference. Please continue to pray for Dia and Ana as they have made decisions for Christ, and for us as we continue weekly follow-up with them.

Our future plans for kids from Ghijasa is to bring them every other week, to the camp for activities and lessons. Please pray that we can come to an understanding with the parents and the school for these activities.

Please continue to pray for Crina (one of our youth from Nocrich) as she continues to assist us in Ghijasa teaching the preschoolers Bible lessons, memory verses and songs.

This week, we celebrate our first year anniversary with our youth group from our church in Nocrich. Robert started teaching the Old Testament and how God has dealt with mankind and is dealing with mankind, while concentrating on the picture of Jesus in many of the Old Testament stories. Soon we will be accepting 2 or 3 more youth that will be turning 13 into our group. Please continue to pray for commitment to Christ from these youth.

We were blessed in February with a visit from Will and Gerri LaRose, as previously mentioned. During their visit, we traveled with them to Simeleu, Romania at Bethany Baptist Church to assist them in a weekend marriage seminar. It was a refreshing time for us also. We played “Let’s Make a Deal” the first night, with Robert as the game leader, making sure the couples had to agree whether to accept the prize or go for something else. Will and Gerri (with Jody translating) addressed the husbands and wives, respectively, concerning relationships and our need to trust God more than our spouses. We are thankful for their encouragement and the sacrifice they made in coming over to do the seminar.

As far as camp projects, the new dining hall is almost complete, only lacking flooring material, that Robert will install this month, Lord willing.

We had a work day in January with some of our church members including brother Ilie from Ighisu Vechi and Brother Sorin Boica, who brought a team of his own. It was a great encouragement to us to have the help in getting the wood supply under control for the remainder of winter. Jody made pizza for all the helpers.

Other projects that are on the priority list for the camp are as follows: new well dug, upper floor of the dining hall building finished with rooms for retreats, and exterior siding for the new building.

Our last prayer request this time around, is that we will be able to find another internet provider for our home. Ours is not going to be able to provide service after this month, so we will have to drive into town for service to send or receive anything, if we cannot find a resolution.

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. Our prayers are with you.