We have so much to catch you up on. As many of you know we have been through a tremendous time of transition over the past 24 months since Bill's heart attack. During this time we have seen God's faithfulness in extraordinary ways. We are going to attempt to catch you up on all that has happened. First, we want to thank each of you for your partnership in the gospel. Many of you have either given of your time through prayer or through tremendous financial sacrifices to assist the work here in Romania and Moldova. We want to begin by saying, "Thank You!" We wish each of you the Merriest of Christmas's and a very blessed and fruitful New Year!
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This past July Bill was asked to come to Munich, Germany to participate in the initial ordination council meeting of a brother from Germany who is seeking to enter the ministry. While we were there we also had the joy of participating with friends in a pastoral transition in our sister church. It is great to see how our sister churches all around the globe are building up the Kingdom of God.
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| With Our Friends & Ministry Partners In Munich |
This summer we were able to participate in the continuing work among children and young people in the Republic of Moldova. There were many children and almost 300 teenagers who attended the summer camps. Many heard the gospel for the first time and the indigenous leadership there continue to do a wonderful job leading the way.
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| Children's Bible School In Moldova |
To begin the new school year the church had its annual picnic to welcome back all our families and individuals who had been traveling throughout the summer months. It was a real time of fellowship and encouragement for all who attended. It is always a good way to kick off the new school year.
Shortly after our welcome back picnic we were able to get away for a short vacation to Israel. This was a good time of rest and relaxation and a great opportunity to expose the family to land of the Bible. We are so grateful that we had this opportunity together.
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| At The Empty Tomb - He Is Risen! |
In October our small group had an opportunity to serve our community. A local public school close to the church was in need of assistance in painting some of their classrooms. We volunteered to help them with this to show them and the children the love of Christ. Maybe the best part of this opportunity was the effect it had on those who served. Many said it was very encouraging to have the chance to let their lights shine in this way.
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| Painting The Classroom With Friends |
The beginning of November the men of the church went away to the Romanian mountains for the church's annual men's retreat. This was an extraordinary time of fellowship and encouragement in our walks with Jesus Christ. Many of those who attended said this was the best retreat the church has ever had. We are so grateful for what God did during this time.
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| The Men Enjoying God's Creation Here In Romania |
In the middle of the month we were asked to participate in the annual Scottish Caledonian Ball of Bucharest. This affair is an annual event to raise money for Light Into Europe. LIE is a local charity ministering to the needs of the disabled in Bucharest. It was not only an honor to attend, but it was useful to rub shoulders with approximately 400 other expats in the city of Bucharest. This was a great opportunity to develop relationships in our city.
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| The Scottish Caledonian Ball |
As we moved to the end of the month we encouraged the church to gather for a time of Thanksgiving. This was a wonderful evening as many guests joined us for a time of giving thanks followed by a time of Scottish dancing. We were so grateful for all those who attended. It was a great time of worship, fellowship and thanksgiving.
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| There Was A Good Crowd for Thanksgiving |
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| Scottish Dancing During Our Thanksgiving Celebration |
The beginning of December was a joy as my brother and some close friends from my childhood stopped through while here in Europe. One of my friends is the pastor of a church just north of Louisville, Kentucky. While they were here, my friend who is a pastor shared the morning message in Sunday worship. His message was on point and challenging to all who were in attendance. It was very encouraging to see each of them.
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| My Friend From Kentucky Sharing In The Worship Service |
Before many in our congregation got away to celebrate Christmas with their families, the church hosted it's annual Christmas Celebration. This was a great time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, as well as, to share the good news with those who have yet to believe.
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| Our Children Did A Great Job In This Year's Celebration |
It has been an outstanding year. A good year of recovery and health restored, praise God! A good year of continued growth as a family; the girls cannot wait for the adoption to be legally completed. Finally, a good year in seeing God's continued faithfulness to us as a family and to the ministry. We thank you once again for your continued partnership in this work. We pray God blesses you and yours above measure throughout 2018.
