Fall 2018

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)

Paul’s faithfulness to preaching the message of the Gospel is seen repeatedly throughout this passage and the book of Acts. Although Paul often faced fierce opposition, not only from his own people, but also from those whom he was trying to reach, he did not give up. He remained faithful in fulfilling the call of God in his life so that more and more could be saved. Indeed, that is God’s desire for us today—to be faithful to the truth of the Gospel even when it may mean opposition, hatred, or even personal danger. Paul experienced all those things and more, but God also allowed him to see the joy of the lost being saved. Then he had an integral part in the spiritual formation of those who would remain when he was gone.

Furlough Update

Since our last update, we have been on the road nearly every weekend and have traveled over 12,000 miles reporting to most of our supporting churches. We also managed to visit a family who came to Romania last summer as well as visit two colleges with Amber. Thankfully, we have remained safe, and our vehicle has continued to perform well.

It has been a blessing to stay with Dave’s father in Cleveland and to spend time with him when we aren’t traveling. We are also close to Dave’s brother’s family, so we have enjoyed spending Friday evenings together for pizza and a movie with them and their two young daughters.

We have also traveled to NW Indiana several times to see Ruth’s parents. In October, we celebrated her mother’s birthday and we were able to see her aunt who was visiting from Spokane. Thanksgiving was a wonderful holiday spent with Ruth’s parents, brother’s family, aunt and uncle, and the cousins that Ruth grew up with. We are all looking forward to celebrating Christmas with both sides of our family.

Once the holiday season concludes, we must turn our attention toward our return to Romania in January 2019. We will have things to pack for a shipment before we go as well as suitcases to pack for the plane. Pray as we also prepare to say goodbye again to Celeste, who will be starting her second semester at Cedarville University on January 8. She is doing well overall, but we are thankful to have been in the same time zone and within driving distance during her first semester. While Celeste is at college, Amber continues home schooling as a 10th grader. Ruth has scheduled frequent trips to area art museums and sites. She has also been able to shop at some stores that are only found in America. However, she will readily admit she is ready to return “home” to Romania.

Special Ladies Meetings

Ruth has appreciated the opportunities to speak to several ladies’ groups in our supporting churches. In a devotional entitled, “Faith in Your Fortress,” based on Psalm 18:2, she has woven together David’s references to God as his fortress, and his stronghold, with castle history and construction, which reminds us of great spiritual truths of today. When your faith is in God, He is your place of security, rest, and renewal.

Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

Luncsoara News

Our teammates are busy this holiday season holding special services during the month of December. During the first two Sundays of the month, families could come and have their picture taken after church so that they could receive a framed copy following the Christmas service. This is the sixth year of offering this gift, and the families appreciate the opportunity to have a family portrait made. Also, the teen choir performed a concert at the church and presented the same program in two area churches. Pray that the true meaning of Christmas will be remembered throughout this time of year.

In November, we learned that there had been another fire in the village. One of the young boys who is pictured in our video was burned on his legs when he attempted to start a fire in his home using gasoline. In addition to his injuries, there was significant damage done to one of the rooms in the house as well as the loss of the family’s important documents. Pray for them that they would turn to Christ through this time of trial. Pray for this young boy who regularly attends church, that he would heal completely and that he will learn from this.