July/August 2013

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matt. 26:41)

Dear Praying Friends and Ministry Partners,

It is easy for us to criticize the disciples for their slumber on the night of Christ's arrest and the eve of His death. But often we are no better. We fail to see the dire state of the lost world around us. We assume we will always have more time. We must awaken ourselves and serve the Lord with vigor today!

Furlough Blessings

We arrived back in the U.S. on the evening of July 2. Ruth's parents met us during our layover in Chicago, and Dave's parents met us in Cincinnati. The home we are renting was ready for us. Countless hours were spent by our sending church prior to our arrival, and they even packed the refrigerator and cupboards full of food. We didn't need to go shopping for days!

Our first order of business was attending the BMM Annual Conference in Cleveland. That week was also the girls' week at Scioto Hills Camp (see Kid's Corner). The conference sessions were a blessing, and we were able to reconnect with several families we had met during deputation. In the evenings we worked on assembling photos for our DVD presentation and arranging them to match our script. The Lord helped us get through a very busy week.

While in Cleveland we also met up with David's brother's family. It was our first chance to see their little girls, Anna and Charlotte. Later in July we spent several days with Ruth's parents, and Dave had a brief visit with his folks.

In August we took a family vacation to Lake Lure, NC. It was wonderful to be able to stay in such a beautiful part of the country. One of the highlights was Chimney Rock Park. When we got back we began preparing for our furlough ministry. We are so thankful for all the hard work that the BMM Home Office provided on our new DVD and prayer card.

Ministry News

After we left Romania work continued at the property. The foundation was poured, with the help of a concrete pumper, and the men from our church laid brick for the walls.

The next step is to finish the gable ends of the walls and install the roof. We need $5,700 for this project alone. In addition, we estimate that doors and windows will be around $7,500 and electric for the building will be another $2,500. Friends, any size gift can be used of the Lord. Please help us meet our goal of having the building enclosed by October 31.

Support Status

The Lord has faithfully provided for us throughout our first term, and our support team has stayed intact. At this time we only need approximately 5% to be at full support. Would you pray for additional funds and that our existing team would remain strong throughout our furlough and our next term?

Thank you for helping us have a fruitful first term in Romania!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber