So Many Reasons To Give Thanks

Recently, September 25th, Naty and I celebrated seven years of marriage together. We are so grateful that God brought us together and we celebrate the opportunities He has given us to minister to the peoples of the world through the International Church. We also celebrate the opportunities He has given us to work with those here in Romania and Moldova. If God is willing, we look forward to several more years full of opportunities to serve the Lord in the work He has called us too.

Naty and I enjoying a nice evening together as we celebrated 7 years together

Some of you may recall in our last report how we described a new initiative of the International Church where the church is meeting once monthly for a time of fellowship, worship and prayer. This monthly event is called "Family Night." We thought you might enjoy being able to experience a bit of family night with those here in Bucharest who attend.

Listen to Family Night at the International Church

Earlier in the year the International Baptist Convention asked Naty to join the leadership of the committee specifically designated to plan activities and direction for the ministries designated for women throughout the convention. She was grateful for being asked to serve in such a way and after a time of prayer and consideration she agreed to accept the invitation, but she did so with the understanding that the challenge is great. She understood that unless the Lord helps her do what He has given her the opportunity to do that she will have a difficult time completing the task given her. Therefore, she asks each of you to pray that God will help her complete this task and that she will complete it well.

Naty with the Women's Ministry Team of the convention

Over the years of ministry in the international community here in Bucharest God has opened many doors of ministry to many different cultures. One of the cultures that we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve in is the Nigerian community. Over the years we have gotten to know the Nigerian Ambassador to Romanian and his wife. It has been a joy for us to know them and fellowship with them as they have a strong growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Last year the ambassador agreed to join the leadership team of the International Church and we are so grateful for the leadership that he has provided to the church. Last month the ambassador and his wife hosted a celebration of Nigerian culture and heritage in Bucharest. We were honored to be invited and to celebrate along with them this great culture.

Naty and I with the ambassador and his wife at the Nigerian Celebration