September/October 2013

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (Acts 20:1)

Dear Praying Friends and Ministry Partners,

After a tumultuous period in Ephesus, Paul called together his companions in ministry, his "team." He cared about them. He invested time and energy preparing the next generation. These were the men that Paul counted on to carry on the work. Whether you serve in full-time ministry or as a lay person, are you taking time to build into the lives of those around you?

Furlough Activities

September marked the beginning of our furlough meetings. We have a total of 40 meetings scheduled through the end of March with a break in December. Our meetings thus far have been concentrated in Ohio and western PA. We especially enjoy when a church includes us in their special events or ministry opportunities, allowing us to get to know each other better and see their people in action. One church invited us to their annual fall cookout/picnic. Another invited us to join in an outreach during a local high school football game.

Also in October, Dave had a chance to attend the BMM School of Church Planting, Growing Healthy Churches. He came back with some very practical information as well as encouragement from these sessions that can be used on the field. He strongly recommends it to both pastors and church planters. The sessions are not only relevant to new churches, but also existing churches that are rebuilding or wanting to become more outward focused to better reach the lost. Learn more at www.churchplantingna.org/school:1384.

In our last letter we asked you to pray that the building in Luncsoara would be enclosed by the end of October. Friends, God has heard those prayers! The walls were finished in late September. The roof was installed in mid-October. The windows and doors are ready to be installed during the last week of October. At the same time the electric will be brought into the building, and insulation is being applied to the exterior of the walls. Next will be installing heating for the building before winter. We estimate $12,000 more is needed to pay for this work. Gifts can be sent to Baptist Mid-Missions. Please specify Romania Luncsoara Church (Project #804903).

Family News

In September we celebrated our niece's first birthday. This was also the first time Celeste and Amber met their cousins, since they were at camp during our last visit. It was a lot of fun seeing the four girls play together for this special occasion.

September also marked our 20th wedding anniversary. Time has certainly flown by. God has indeed blessed, and we are thankful to be serving Him together in ministry. We celebrated by taking a trip to Door County, WI. It was a beautiful time of year to be there. We hiked in Potawotami State Park, shopped, enjoyed the local food, and toured several area lighthouses.

The girls have loved being in Upward Flag Football (Celeste) and Cheerleading (Amber). Although the season is nearly over, they have made some new friends and learned how to be part of a team. They also learned some new skills along the way. Celeste is already wanting to tackle her next sport!

Thank you for uplifting us in prayer faithfully!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber