Summer 2023

The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:1,4)

This summer’s weather has been unusually unpredictable with frequent storms, heavy rain/flooding, and high temperatures. This past week, Romania experienced a wave of storms that hit our area particularly hard. Thankfully, we did not have the large hail we saw several years ago, but our church roof was damaged, and the Roma community was without power for two days after a large walnut tree fell and took down the main power line. Isn’t it comforting to know as the Psalmist shares that we serve an Almighty God who is over all the earth and continually meets our needs?

VBS and Teen Art Camp
Our theme for VBS in Luncsoara this year was obedience using the life of Jonah as our basis. Children ages 4-11 are invited to attend, and almost every child from the Roma community came each day. Although it rained the final day, we were able to move things around and keep most activities intact! We held Teen Art Camp the following week, and each person could choose two activities, including hand crafts with Ruth and Rachel, a short-termer who has been staying with the Warners, woodworking with Dave and Luke, and food preparation with Kim and Nicki. We divided the teens into four groups, and Luke prepared a short Bible lesson between the sessions. Although more of the teens are working this summer, we still averaged 12-15 each of the three days.

School Readiness Program Update

The school readiness program has been going very well, and Ruth looks forward to the individualized time with each child. It is challenging at times, especially when the kids show up all at once, but it is evident that they are learning and responding to the instruction, spiritual lessons, and encouragement. Pray as this newest generation begins their education that they will be better prepared to start school and stay with it. We know this will not only better prepare them for life, but also to learn spiritual truths through God’s Word.

Sarah's Appointment to BMM Team Romania
Although Sarah Weidner’s year in Romania has ended, we can now report that Sarah passed her doctrinal exam in April, and she completed candidate seminar in July. Now she is officially a missionary appointee to join the BMM Team Romania. Please pray for her as she begins deputation, schedules meetings, and raises support. She is currently at 25% of her needed support, and she already had her first meeting! Visit sarahweidner2romania.weebly.com to learn more.

Reflecting on the great and mighty God we serve!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

Family News

We enjoyed having Ruth’s mom and aunt with us during the month of May. It’s not an easy trip with the long flight and time change, but we always appreciate their willingness to come and be a part of the work.

Son-in-law Ben graduated with highest honors from Cedarville University on May 6, and in June, he and Celeste moved to Fitchburg, WI, where he begins veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin on August 29. They both have started new jobs, and they are enjoying getting to know their new town.

Amber is nearing the end of her time in Japan. She has had a rich experience over the past month, beginning with missionaries Kyohei and Stephanie Nishimura in Seki, and continuing with the Japanese course at Seinan University in Fukuoka. She returns to the US on August 6 to prepare for her junior year at Miami.