Winter 2020

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. (Psalm 42:7-8)

As we begin a new year, I have been reminded of the importance of prayer, and I have made it the focus of my sermons over the next few weeks. One of the main reasons we pray is because Jesus Himself prayed. He taught the disciples how they should pray (and not pray). He often urged them to pray, especially on the night of His arrest. Thus, it is important for us to follow His example and to devote regular time for prayer. How are you praying? How do you stay focused during prayer? Send me a message if you would like to share.

Camp MK

In October, we held Camp MK, a special time dedicated to the children on our team, which occurs every three years. This time we spent three days together hiking, playing games, cooking out, having movie nights, and enjoying God’s creation in central Romania. We also toured an impressive military fortress built in the early 1700s.

Christmas Concerts and Outreach

In December, our teen choir had the privilege to hold concerts in four churches. One performance took place at the Roma church in Tinca, which was planted many years ago. It was our desire for our young people to see a mature Roma church and how the Lord has been working in this community through the church.

On the Sunday before Christmas, approximately 40 children in our church participated in this year’s Children’s Christmas Program. Attended by many community adults and family members, the program featured a small handbell choir, simple drama, and Romanian carols celebrating Christ’s birth, all performed by the children ages 4-13. After the Gospel message by Dave, the program concluded with a clarinet solo by teammate Nicki Carr and silent video portraying Christ’s birth.

The carols were woven throughout a simple drama between a teen girl and her young brother as he learned the true meaning of Christmas.Using the Romanian word for Christmas (Craciun) as an acronym, the girl explained that Christmas begins with Christ (Cristos) the King (Rege), Long-Awaited (Asteptat), Sung to (Cantat), Lifted up (Inaltat), and Humble (Umilit), who offers us New Life (Noua Viata). We pray that the message of salvation through Christ was heard clearly and will yield fruit in God’s timing.

After the program, almost 70 children received a Christmas gift bag on behalf of the church, including many items made or donated by churches and ministry partners in the U.S.

Praying for the salvation of Romania in 2020!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber

Family News

We are thankful that Celeste could join us during her Christmas break from Cedarville University. Since our last letter, she had an upper endoscopy which showed evidence of gastritis. However, even with medicine, she continues to experience occasional bouts of nausea and bloating. Pray for her follow-up appointment later this month, as well as for her studies, plans for work and ministry this summer, and continued spiritual growth.

Amber is prayerfully considering a short-term trip to Japan. The timing is best this summer between her junior and senior years of high school. She has been studying Japanese for three years now and hopes to continue in college. Pray for the right opportunity to emerge in the coming weeks.