Spring 2023

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:5-6)

During the recent Easter season, we were reminded of how Jesus Christ’s resurrection conquered death. Thus, we no longer need to fear death or the uncertainty that surrounds it. The Resurrection was proven by the fact that Jesus remained on this earth for 40 days, allowing Him to be seen by many eyewitnesses before He ascended into Heaven. Take comfort in knowing that one day we who are saved will stand face to face with the Resurrected One who paid the price for our Salvation and conquered death once for all.

Ministry News

In January and February, we offered English lessons one evening per week, averaging 8-10 people. Luke began each evening with a lesson followed by practical exercises geared toward those who would be soon working in another country. The course ended with a potluck dinner that included the families of those who participated. Nearly 40 attended.

In February, we held a spring ladies meeting with over 35 ladies and teens attending. Kim spoke from John 4, while Ruth, Sarah, and Nicki prepared games, gifts, décor, and crafts for the theme, "Windows of the Heart."

Dave and Luke also held a men’s meeting in February that included a lesson, a delicious meal, games, and prizes. Luke shared a poignant message about what “keys” the world believes will get them to heaven, including money, family, friends, church attendance, etc. Each person received a keychain as a reminder of the one Key to heaven, Jesus Christ.

Navigating the medical system is always a challenge, and our ladies were able to help Ramona seek specialist care for pain she had been having in her side. The examination revealed that she had a non-functioning kidney that needed to be removed. Before surgery, Dave was able to help get Ramona’s medical insurance renewed and add Tarzan to her coverage, so they would only need to pay one premium. Her surgery followed in mid-March, and she was released less than a week later. Soon after her release, Tarzan began experiencing breathing problems, and he was admitted for five days until shortly before Easter. Pray for their continued recovery.

Family News
Exciting things are happening this year for Ben and Celeste as Ben will be graduating from Cedarville University on May 6. Then, he and Celeste will be moving to Madison, WI in June where Ben will begin veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin in the fall. Also, Celeste has accepted an offer as a full-time dog groomer at a locally owned pet supply chain. Pray for their move, for Celeste’s new job, and for Ben during the next phase of his education.

Amber also has exciting plans this summer as she has been accepted into a summer Japanese program being taught at Seinan University in Fukuoka, Japan. Pray for her safety as she travels, her studies, and as she experiences Japan with an eye to the future. She finishes her sophomore year at Miami University on May 12.

Thankful for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

New School Readiness Program

In mid-March, Ruth and Sarah began a new children’s program at church, named "Pomisori placuti" ("Lovely Little Trees" in English), which focuses on helping young Roma children have a better start in school. Designed for those in Preschool to 1st Grade (ages 3-8), the program meets for two hours in the afternoon, twice a week, in an open-house format. The children are welcome to come without parents and stay as long as they can, typically 20-40 minutes each.Ruth teaches a mini lesson with a spiritual theme, and then she and Sarah work with each child to teach various school-readiness skills, all while weaving a spiritual emphasis throughout the activities. These early life skills concentrate not only on educational preparation, but also relationships, behavior, and personal care. The children are already loving the program and are coming regularly, typically 9-14 per day.