Over the last year and a half we have seen God open the door to reach children and families in our community in ways we have never been able to before. Much of this is due to the extraordinary willingness of the family of faith at the International Church to volunteer and get involved. As a result of their willingness to serve and make a difference in someone else's life we have been able to see tremendous inroads made into our community over the last year and a half. Recently, we held a time of recognition to thank each for all that they are doing to make a difference. Please continue to keep these volunteers in prayer. They really are the life blood of this outreach, we couldn't do it without them.
Saturday Kids Community Kids Club
Kid's Club Time of Recognition
About a year ago the International Baptist Convention of which the International Church is member asked Naty to participate in a new strategic planning committee to establish direction and guidance for the future of the convention. Three times this past year she participated in these meetings that is beginning to make real progress towards giving the convention real direction as we move forward as a family of English speaking International Churches. She has considered this an honor and she asks each of you to pray for as she seeks to be a useful member of this committee.
IBC Strategic Planning Committee
The first of March we had our annual weekend away in the Romanian mountains. As always, this seems to be one of the most popular annual events in the life of the International Church. Once again, most the church participated and were greatly encouraged in their faith from the time away together. We continue to hear testimonies of how these sorts of times have been very instrumental in helping families grow closer, in establishing connections throughout the body and in fostering deeper spiritual growth in individuals lives. Please continue to pray that what God started during this weekend away will continue. Pray that each will continue to pursue deeper growth in Christ.
These Are Most of Those From The Church Who Participated
It Was a Very Encouraging Time Spiritual for Most
The end of March Bill had the opportunity to travel to Moldova to continue work that has begun with local pastors and leaders training there to become better equipped to do biblical counseling. This was an exciting time as many finally completed their course of training that began almost three years ago. For many who have finished their course of training they are already beginning to use their newly acquired skills to help people in their local church's and communities. They are even talking about the possibility of taking the training to other parts of Moldova that have not had access to it so far. These are exciting times there. We ask you to pray with us that God will make each new graduate fruitful and that he will make his direction very clear for each of us.
Those Who Recently Finished Training In Moldova
A week ago we celebrating Christ's resurrection at the International Church. This year I asked my assistant Jonathan Moore-Crispin to give the Easter message. I had the privilege to lead the congregation in the musical portion of the service. It was an exciting time for all as we celebrated the fact that Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
Bill Leading The Musical Part of The Easter Service
Finally, as many of you know our lives have seen a dramatic change recently. If you have not heard God has blessed us with two little blessings from the city of Bucharest. These two little girls certainly have made our lives much busier, but they have also added a richness to our lives as well. The women of the International Church in response to the change that has taken place in our lives wanted to do their part to be an encouragement to Naty. Therefore, in response they held a surprise 'baby' shower for her. Yes, we understand that they are not babies, but the women of IBC still wanted to have a shower for Naty to recognize her arrival into Motherhood. We both were blessed by their generosity towards us and the girls, and Naty was tremendously encouraged by each as they took time to build into her life.
Naty's Surprise Shower
Finally, we would like to thank each of you once again. We cannot tell you just how much each of you are a blessing to us. All that God has done through the years is a result of his unfailing faithfulness and the incredible generosity of each of you. We are blessed to have each of you in our lives and we trust that God is continuing to bless each of you and your families richly.
