April-June 2016

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

We have been studying the attributes of God with the teens in Luncsoara. This passage demonstrates the omniscience of God and His sovereignty. We are reminded how His ways are beyond human comprehension. Yet in spite of His greatness, God still desires a personal relationship with us. He continually bestows His love and mercy upon us in both tangible and intangible ways. Take a few moments to meditate on the goodness and righteousness of the Lord.

Ministry Update

In the Sunday children’s class, Ruth has been teaching on some of the basics of the Bible, its purpose and scope, organization (Old and New Testaments, books, chapters and verses), authorship, content (inspired, inerrant, applicable to all people in every time), and format (from stone tablets and parchment scrolls to a bound book), and languages.

The children were especially interested in a brief timeline showing that the Old Testament covers Creation and God’s relationship with Israel, while the New Testament begins with Jesus’ birth, God’s relationship with Jews and Gentiles, today’s age, and the future. Ruth included just a few dates, but the children were so surprised to see how we arrived in 2016.

They especially liked when she blew up a balloon to demonstrate the inspiration of Scripture. The word “inspired” in Romanian is “insuflat” meaning “breathed in” or “blown up”, so the illustration was ideal for teaching this big concept.

Please continue to pray for the children to understand Biblical truths and for them to desire salvation. One 8-year old boy came to Ruth at Easter, wanting to be saved, but his Orthodox father told him that he’s not allowed to until he’s older. Pray for wisdom in these situations and for children and their parents to be saved.

During the final month of school, Dave was invited to teach an English conversation class after school at the local high school. The students had received English Bibles from a pastor friend, who arranged for Dave to be there. Many of the students who came already attend church, but this may be a new opportunity for ministry in the fall.

Camp MK

Every two years we plan a special time for the MKs on our team. We want them to know we love them and appreciate the sacrifices they often make for the ministry. This year we decided to rent a house about three hours away that easily accommodated our five adults and four kids. Even our dog, Peanut, joined us! It was located in a rural part of the country that is just a short distance from the beautiful Cheile Turzii gorge. The weather that week was perfect for hiking. We also spent a day in the city of Cluj, but the highlight of the trip for the kids was playing Laser Tag together.

Serving the Lord together!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

Family News

The girls have finished another year of school (10th & 7th), and both scored extremely well on their standardized tests. They have been looking forward to hosting a student from Utah, who will be spending most of July with us. Then the girls will be heading to Awana camp for a week. Celeste will be one of the leaders, while Amber will be a camper. The girls really enjoy the camp because they stay in campers instead of cabins. Celeste is responsible for all the decorations, which will have an American “Wild West” theme.

Dave has been seeing a cardiologist for his heart, and he has been feeling much better. The girls, likewise, have not had any further health issues. Thank you for praying.