EXTENDED HANDS MINISTRIES
“…whatever you did for one of the least of these …”
** JANUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER **
“Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; …”(Isaiah 42)
We greet you from Romania as we leave 2011 behind and enter with anticipation into a new year – 2012. We are living in an ever changing world – changes which are now happening so quickly it is hard to keep up with them. Bible prophecy is quickly being fulfilled and more than ever we see signs which point to the soon return of Jesus. New things are happening – both good and bad and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to make a stand for Jesus – to proclaim, ‘I am the Lord’s and He is mine, I will follow Him and stand for what is right and what is wrong!’ However, with God’s help – we pray we can stand firm, make a difference and show the way to the many people who are becoming desperate to find something, someone to hold onto in this ever changing world, this world of crisis and despair. We have the answer – Jesus Christ – and we look forward to the new things that God is doing in lives and hearts of the people who will turn to Him, and follow His Word.
Already almost a month has passed in this New Year, 2012! New laws have made it impossible to receive the container which was sent to us and arrived in Romania in December. Albert in now in the process of having it diverted to Moldova but it has been a long process and it seems it is not over yet. The financial cost has been great but we are praying that God will be glorified and many poor people will be helped and through this may come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The kids had an extended vacation – three weeks at Christmas and so now are back to school and hard at work. Valentina continues to do well although she struggles with the discrimination which is so prevalent in the schools.
Laurentiu loves to go to kindergarten where he has kids to play with. He is growing so quickly and it seems like he knows way too much for such a little person. Both the kids continue to bless us and we are so thankful for them and pray that God directs their paths and uses them for His glory.
Rita and Frank are doing well in Cluj, working with the extremely poor who live in the garbage dump just outside the city. They have informed us that we are to be grandparents again and we look forward to this awesome event this summer – a new life, created by God. Dana is also doing well – is teaching at the kindergarten – also at the garbage dump as well as attending Bible School in the evening.
Our Canadian kids are also doing well and we are so thankful for the way God has worked in their lives. After 17 years of being out of school, Shauna has returned and is taking massage therapy. We are so thankful for God’s provision and the way He has opened doors for her to make a career change at this time in her life. We continue to pray for His direction and provisions in her life. Karl & Patricia say they are doing great – we give thanks to God!
Bible School sessions will begin again in March. At this time we do not know how many will be attending in the new intake class but are believing for many as God continues to impress on us the importance of training church leaders so that they can lead God’s people in the coming years. We were very sad in December when one of our Bible School students passed away suddenly. He was a dedicated student with a desire to lead others to the Lord, a strong pillar in his church and will be greatly missed by many. Why God chose to take him home at this time, we do not understand but know that God has new and wonderful plans for his family, his church and the Bible School.
Albert continues to be in high demand, traveling in the area to train church leaders. The men are hungry, eager to receive the new things that God is teaching them. Albert will be traveling to Timisoara in the near future where he will meet with some church leaders who have asked him to take a more active role in the training of the church leaders in the whole Transylvania Valley. He has also been asked to do some trouble shooting and we pray for wisdom as he steps into a new role. However, we are excited – seeing how many men are ready to put the past behind with all it’s legalism and push forward, learning – and living God’s Word!
Once again it is tax receipt time and our board has informed us that receipts are ready to be sent out. We want to thank you for your faithfulness in supporting the ministry here in Romania. Through your faithfulness, we believe that God is working in lives, calling men and women into righteousness, into Holy living and we pray that His Kingdom – His will would be done here on earth!
God Bless You!
EHM PRAISE REPORTS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
1. HEALTH: Praising God for His strength to make it through each day!
Elvira: is having some severe pain in her lower back and legs. Believing for healing!
Valentina: Even though we had her tonsils removed in September, is having much swelling and pain in her throat. Praying for complete healing!
2. CONTAINER: Praying for the hand of God to move and have the trailer released to a foundation in Moldova in the very near future and that it would be a blessing to the people there.
3. BIBLE SCHOOL: Thank God for the committed students who will be returning in March. Praying for new students to commit to learning God’s word.
Professors: Thankful for the professors who continue to return to Romania as well as the new ones who will come this year to share God’s word.
4. LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Thankful for the opportunity to train men in the principals of God’s word. Pray for wisdom for Albert as he works with these men. Pray for the new work in the Transylvania Valley.
5. CHILDREN: Thankful for each child God has blessed us with. Pray for God’s leading in each one of their lives and that they would be used of Him!
‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…’