Another Summer Full of Opportunity

Over the years Naty and I have had the opportunity to serve alongside many throughout the International Baptist Convention.  This past May Naty had the chance to represent the IBC Women’s Committee at their annual women’s conference which took place this year in Budapest, Hungary.  This was a very special event for both of us this year.  The reason was that a friend of ours from our home church in Lafayette, Indiana was the main speaker at the conference this year.  Amy Baker from Faith Church came to the conference with her husband and was a tremendous blessing to many.  She spoke about how life is not perfect and how God has equipped us in his word to deal with the daily challenges that life presents us.  We heard from many at how grateful they were for Amy’s teaching.  Many stated that her teaching was very practical and useful for the common daily issues that they face.  We personally thank Amy for being willing to take time from her busy life to come and bless some many in the IBC.

Naty sharing at the women's conference

Naty and some friends with Amy Baker the conference speaker

The women who attended the conference in Budapest

Over the last year and a half we have also seen the church grow in unexpected ways.  During that period we have seen 6 children born within the congregation and currently we have another child on the way.  We are thrilled by the life that new children have brought to the church.  As a result of the all the new children I have been given the opportunity to participate the dedication of some of these children to the Lord.  In May the Prodan’s dedicated their son Noah to the Lord.  Later this summer we are aware of other families who have expressed their desire to do the same.  As many of you know our lives recently changed as well with the two little girls that God brought into our home.  So we ask for your prayers as we guide them and as we assist all the new parent’s at IBC. For us, it is a joy to have the opportunity to affect the next generation in such a positive way.  So pray for us that we will be faithful with such a great opportunity.

The Prodan's dedication of their son Noah at IBC

As time races along much of the activity of bible school’s for camps, both in Bucharest and in Moldova, will soon be beginning.  In Moldova the summer of ministry begins this week.  Please pray for all the children that will be attending.  Pray that God will open their hearts to the good of the gospel.  Here in Bucharest we recently we had a planning session for the bible school that will take place at the church in August for the children of the community here.  Last year we had at least 75 children who attended.  Once again this year we expect a great number of children to attend once again.  We look at this as a great opportunity to tell them and their parents about Christ.  Please pray that God will bless these efforts this year as we try to reach those around us.  Pray that some will com to know Christ for the first time.

The planning meeting at the church a few weeks ago

Finally, we want to thank each of you once again for you consistent support in prayer and through your generous gifts.  We could not do the work that God has given us to do without your support. We wish it were possible for us to be able to more formally thank each of you.  Yet we want you to know that we do pray for you and your families that God would bless you.  We pray that God is continuing to help each of you grow in your relationships with him and that your lives are full of fruit for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom.