Fall 2017

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

Paul was no stranger to opposition, and yet time after time that he stayed rather than flee in the face of adversity. He always saw the opportunities to share the gospel despite the costs in time, hardships, pain, abuse that were ever present in his ministry. Spurgeon once said, "I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages." As missionaries, we do indeed have times of adversity, and we are discouraged when we do not always see the fruit in our labor, but we only need to lean on Him to remain steadfast in the work He has called us to do.

Ministry News

In July we enjoyed hosting Michelle Mackey and her three teenage daughters. Michelle spoke during our ministry’s first Victorian tea party, which was attended by over 20 teen girls and their mothers/grandmothers.The Mackey family also helped with our Olympics-themed VBS program this year. Approximately 35 children age 4-11 attended daily and loved the Bible story time, puppets, crafts, and games. Teens from our youth group also helped with VBS for the first time.

Back-to-School Outreach

In September, we held our first Back-to-School Festival to encourage school attendance in the new year. We had six "stations" for the children to visit, including a coloring contest, soccer shoot, and a new bouncy castle. Those who made it to all six stations were entered in a drawing for a backpack filled with school supplies. We ended the day with ice cream for everyone and a packet of school/hygiene supplies for the children. Special thanks to Celeste’s friends who helped, and also to two of our supporting churches for donating money for the castle.

Children's Ministry

Throughout the summer, Ruth taught a new series entitled ""Dinosaurs and the Bible." Most of the Bible’s 39 verses about literal dinosaurs are found in Job 40-41. Topics included when God created dinosaurs, how long they lived, what happened during the Flood, fossils and scientific discoveries, and certainty vs. guesswork. Ruth also profiled a different dinosaur each week, such as T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and Mesosaurus. The children loved the series, hearing much of this information for the first time.

Keep leaning on the Lord, the Source of our strength!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

Teen Choir

Another new ministry we have started is a teen choir. Rehearsals are held after the Sunday service. We are averaging 10-12 right now. Kim and Luke Warner are doing a wonderful job leading it and teaching the different vocal parts. Dave is learning a new song to accompany the choir on guitar. We hope to minister in two area churches in December.

Upcoming Furlough

We are making preparations for our second furlough from June 2018 to January 2019. This will mean the end of Celeste’s time in Romania as she starts college in the fall. A lot of changes are ahead, so please pray for her (and us). We are planning to visit half of our supporting churches this furlough and the rest during our next furlough. Our biggest needs are for housing when we are in the Cincinnati area and for someone to watch our dog while we are away.