Counting Our Blessings This Christmas Season

Luk 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Luk 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Luk 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
Luk 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luk 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Luk 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.



Due to health issues, Randy and I were forced to return home from the mission field before completion of our three year term. To put into words the devastation, disappointment and sadness we experienced is impossible. The thought of leaving our ministry goals unfulfilled and likewise leaving behind our dear team members; who had become like family was heart breaking. Over the course of our stay in Romania we had made many very special friends among the Nationals as well, saying goodbye to them wasn't going to be an easy task. It was such a deep wound, like unto the loss of a loved one. As we boarded the airplane to start our journey back to the United States we were heart sick, but also elated to be rejoining our family whom we had missed desperately.

In a short period of time after our arrival home, we accumulated a rather large debt from medical bills. We soon found ourselves in the red, not knowing how or when we would be able to see recovery. Randy eventually secured a part time job, then was hired full time at another company, til this day he is still working both jobs in the attempt to clear our debt. Needless to say, this seems like an impossible task, our purse strings are stretched as tight as they will go.
Our God is so good and gracious. He orchestrated a plan in which He touched the hearts of many people, most of which have never met us; but heard a small portion of our plight. When God touches the hearts of His children concerning someone in need, it's amazing what happens. Many times we have been on the giving end, never before had we been on the receiving end of the out pouring from the Body of Christ towards fellow brothers and sisters during their time of need. Randy and I were simply overwhelmed, speechless and grateful to be blessed in such a way. God is still touching hearts and love offerings are still coming our way.

Christmas for us started a few months early this year. Each person that gave so sacrificially touched our lives in special way. We don't know the names of these people, but we count them among our many blessings, and pray that their lives be enriched because of their giving. We are so thankful to God for each person who gave.

Randy and I no longer serve on foreign soil, but we are still On Mission With God.

Those Who Wait Upon The Lord

Isa 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
Isa 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Randy and I arrived in Kansas City April 26th, today is June 9th. Since our arrival I have been in a whirlwind trying to get several medical issues taken care of within a limited amount of time. Randy has filled out ( I would be afraid to guess how many) job applications. God is good, Randy is working at a part time job, just this week had a very encouraging interview for a full time job and last evening received a call for another interview for a full time position.

We have been staying in the home with our children. Jen and Ryan have been so gracious in providing us a wonderful place to stay. Most weekends, their Inn is full, with Randy and I having moved in and Jason and Emma Marie here as well.

It's only natural for one to want their own place. That has been the most difficult obstacle for me. God's still working on me in many ways and patience is one area of my life I'm sure will remain under construction as long as I'm alive. As I mentioned above, even though our children are providing us a wonderful place to live and not rushing us to move; I'm anxious to have our own little nest! As I sat early this morning pondering these thoughts, the verses above came to mind and reminded me of the importance to wait upon the Lord.

Pray for Randy and me as we do our best to wait upon the Lord for direction in all things concerning our new beginning here on our new mission field.

Papa and Nanny and Emma go to Church

Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

What a special treat to take Emma to church with us yesterday! I'm sure we were grinning from ear to ear as we walked into the 8:00 a.m. service at Blue Valley Baptist Church in Overland Park, Kansas with Randy carrying our beautiful granddaughter. Emma was mesmerized by the large orchestra, beautiful music and singing as we entered the sancturay. She sat for a long period of time on her Papa's lap taking in all the sights and sounds going on around her.

How refreshing and uplifting it was to be able to sing the wonderful songs of praise in English. They were such as blessing to our hearts. The message came from Hebrews 7:1-10, and excellent message and very well done. I was amazed how much of the message I absorbed while attending to Emma as well.

The verse that really caught my attention was the following verse:

Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

I learned more about Melchisedec in this message than I have in my entire life. The pastor kept his sermon so interesting, and the grand finale was awesome. Regardless of what Oprah says.....there is only ONE way, not MANY ways to God, and that way is through his Son, Jesus Christ. I couldn't help myself, I had to softly say Amen several times.

Emma was very, very good in church. At one point, she felt the overwhelming need to assist the preacher with the sermon and loudly added her comments. The only other outburst what at the end of the service during prayer, Emma hasn't learned how to pray quietly while the preacher is closing in prayer, at that point her and Papa exited the sanctuary.

What a wonderful day, a blessing to be in God's house and to have Emma with us.

Missionaries Never Say Goodbye

April 20th, 2010, Our "See You Later" Sendoff Party at Dwayne and Donna Brown's home in Bucuresti, Romania. We are still recovering from the party given in our honor Tuesday night. These folks from, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri sure know how to throw a shin-dig! The men and women in these pictures are the fellow missionaries we have had the honor of serving with in Bucuresti. They are a great group of people to work with. We have such sweet fellowship and brotherly love that only comes from our foundational relationship with Jesus Christ.

I suppose you could say Randy and I have been "Roasted". It really wasn't so painful, but impossible to keep a dry eye. It's very touching to hear your colleagues say such complimentary things about you and know that they are sincere.
Randy or I neither one felt prideful in any way as we sat and listened as each person took their turn to speak. For me it was a humbling experience, what ever good quality they saw in me, it was of the Lord, it wasn't me. I am leaving the mission field a different person from when I arrived, the Lord has done a work in me. I'm most grateful to the Lord for the work He began; and He's still working on me.

When Monday rolls around, we load up the suitcases and our colleagues escort us to airport it will be so very hard to part. Randy and I will not leave Romania whole, we will be leaving a part of our hearts behind. We learned to love this Country and the precious people here who need to hear the plan of salvation. We were called to Romania according to His purpose. Now it's time to go back to the U.S. and a new mission field with the Lord. In time our hope is to be able to return on a mission trip. We will see our colleagues again. It's not goodbye, it's we'll see you later.

We thank God for the awesome opportunity to have served as missionaries in Galati and Bucuresti Romania. Our lives have been changed forever. What a privilege to be a servant.

Bags Are Packed, Ticket in Hand..............Final Destination?

Yep, our bags are packed, we have our tickets, and we know our final destination!
How many of you reading this can relate this to your spiritual life? Have you made preperations, do you have your ticket and do you know your final destination; where you will spend eternity? If you were able to say yes to all the questions, praise the Lord. However, if you are uncertain about any of the three, I pray that you will seek God and get confirmation on this urgent life after death issue.

Make your preperations!

Luk 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Luk 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
Luk 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Luk 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luk 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
Luk 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Luk 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Luk 18:26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
Luk 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Luk 18:28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Luk 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
Luk 18:30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Get your ticket!

Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Know your destination!

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Called According To His Purpose

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The picture above was taken at our commissioning service for family members in Richmond, Virginia in April of 2008. Literally, it seems as though it was yesterday. We were so excited that day and thrilled our family and friends had come from Kansas and Texas to celebrate with us and to have one more chance to say goodbye. Our dear friends left that afternoon, but our children stayed and spent a few days in Richmond
with us seeing the sights of the city, since we had a few days until our flight for Romania.

It has been an incredible journey since Randy and I were called according to His purpose to Romania. When you begin a journey it always turns into an adventure because as a child of God, you are not in control. We had plans, ideas, materials we brought along we thought we would use; but you see we were called according to His purpose....not ours. I would have to say personally for myself, I feel like I have been privately tutored by Jesus Christ all along the way. Never did I have a clue this body of clay needed such molding from the Master's hand. His hands were gentle, but firm at the same time as He iluminated the path and guided me in the direction I should go. I am so thankful I can say Aba Father, to be able to have that personal of a relationship with my Lord and Savior is the most important thing in life to me. No, I am not the same person who arrived in Romania April 7th, 2008. During those months of change in my life, God blessed me in so many ways. I have been touched by many Romanian young ladies and a few young men whom God allowed me to lead in Bible studies. I would prepare weekly for the lessons, during our time together for discussion those young men and young ladies would bless me and thrill my soul. I also worked with the women of the church we attended and it was the same way, I received such a blessing from being with those ladies and just loving on them and receiving their love back.

We've lived in Bucuresti the last 7 months and it has been a joy and pleasure working with the other missionaries here. Randy and I have formed a deep friendship with each unit and enjoy the sweet fellowship we all share. In just these short 7 months we have grown close to several of the Romanians who live here in the city.
Our term would have ended in February of 2011 but due to a severe problem with my left shoulder, I must return to the United States for surgery. The need to return to the United Sates for surgery requires us by the mission board to end our term at this time. We are very saddened by this, but realize that for the best medical care I had no other option. Through every glorious high, and there have been many, through every painful, dark valley, and there have been many....God has been right there beside us. His word promises us He would never forsake us or leave us! We are living proof, He walked with us through the fire, He walked with us on the mountain tops, He walked with us when things were just o.k., He was always there. He was there when we got the word our term would end prematurely. Randy and I have been called according to His purpose, God knows what that purpose is, we will continue to love him, serve and live for him.

It's been an incredible adventure. I'm thankful for the experience and how God worked in and through me. We will miss Romania and all our National friends. We will miss our dear Missionary friends we will be leaving behind, they are family, we have grown to love them.

Please pray for us as we start a new adventure with God on a new mission field in Kansas City, Missouri.

Our "Neighbour"

Luk 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Luk 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
Luk 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

I am sure most of you are very familiar with this passage in Luke. A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves. He was robbed, stripped, wounded and left half dead in the road. As he lay there, he was passed by a priest and a Levite, who both looked upon him and crossed to the other side of the road. But, a certain Samaritan, came to him and had compassion on him.

Luk 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Luk 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Roland and Laura Hubati live in Galati, Romania and are the proud parents of two handsome sons, Dorian who is 10 years old and Arie who is 4 years old. Roland is a highly skilled computer technician and Laura is a school teacher.

Randy and I met this wonderful family in 2005 on our first short term mission trip to Romania. Very quickly it became evident that both Roland and Laura have a servants heart. We returned on two more short term trips to Romania, and just as before, Roland could not do enough to make sure that all our needs were met. Randy and I arrived on the mission field in Galati, April of 2008 and Roland and Laura haven't changed in their affections toward us. We have become family, not merely friends or acquaintances that you enjoy spending time with occasionally, we are family.

In October, 2009 we moved to Bucuresti which separated us by many miles. We have missed them greatly. Roland and Laura's jobs and our schedules make it very difficult to get together often. I have been experiencing severe trouble with my left shoulder and arm which has not permitted me to travel. Christmas was the last visit we were all together. Last evening, Randy and I had the most pleasant surprise. Roland rented a car, loaded up his family and headed to Bucuresti. Laura had prepared a traditional Easter dinner and packed it to bring with them. We were so surprised when they arrived at our door. What a blessing! We sat down to an elegant and delicious traditional Romanian Easter dinner, prepared just for us. We felt so special. We felt a little like the man who had been left in the road and the Samaritan had compassion on him and saw to his every need. They knew I needed a hug, words of encouragement, fellowship with ones that we love and some of Laura's awesome cooking! Randy and I thank God for the Hubati family!. Dorian and Arie are dear to our hearts as well. When we leave Romania at the end of our term, the Hubati family will be keeping a big portion of our hearts behind.

Roland, Laura, Dorian and Arie thank you for being such precious neighbours as described in Luke 10:25-37. You are setting a great example for others to follow.

Naked, wet and hungry

We are born naked, wet and hungry.
Then things get worse.

This is the greeting that our friend Roland has on his Skype page. This is humorous because it is also true in more respects then the mental picture of yourself at birth. This statement leads me to this point, Today is a very dark day in the history of Christianity. The followers of Christ were not looking forward to the morning; they were looking at the past. Paul said it this way:
If Christ hasn't come back to life, our message has no meaning and your faith also has no meaning. 1Co 15:14
They could not recall what they were taught by our Lord:
And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. Mar 8:31
Some Christians focus on the birth of Christ and some the cross while others the miracles. But truth is that if He had not risen from the dead we would not have hope. But He did! And we do! Roland’s greeting is correct until the time comes when we have a restored relationship with God. At that time our future becomes wonderful. Physical things may become worse and probably will but the lasting things, those spiritual things, and the things that last forever get better and better.
Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us. Since Christ's blood has now given us God's approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God's anger. If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us. In addition, our Lord Jesus Christ lets us continue to brag about God. After all, it is through Christ that we now have this restored relationship with God. Rom 5:8-11
By which also ye are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. I passed on to you the most important points of doctrine that I had received: Christ died to take away our sins as the Scriptures predicted. He was placed in a tomb. He was brought back to life on the third day as the Scriptures predicted.He appeared to Cephas. Next he appeared to the twelve apostles. Then he appeared to more than 500 believers at one time. (Most of these people are still living, but some have died.)
Next he appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles.
Last of all, he also appeared to me. I'm like an aborted fetus who was given life. 1Co 15:2-8
Hristos a înviat! Adevărat a înviat!
Christ is risen! Truly risen!

Pastor Vali

I want to introduce you to Pastor Valeriu “Vali” Radu. He is pastor at Emanuel Baptist Church in Berceni, which is sector 4, the south eastern part of Bucuresti. The church has 150 members and is the only Baptist church in sector 4. The population of sector 4 is just over 300,000 people. Pastor Vali also has a full time job at the apartment complex where many of the students from outside Bucuresti live. Besides normal church activities, the church is active in two different mission points outside the city.
Pastor Vali told me that before we came to Emanuel, he had been praying for someone to help him mobilize his church in evangelism. And in late October Teresa and I were asked by our team leader, Richard Clark, to go to the Emanuel Church to see if we could work with them. We have found that they want us as much as we need them. Pastor Vali has even taken time to go with me as we try to lead people to Christ. This week Pastor took Teresa and I to a doctor he knows, also from the Emanuel Church, so that the doctor could give her opinion about Teresa’s arm and shoulder problem.
During a recent conversation with Pastor Vali, he also speaks English; I learned that he is also a college student. He already has the degree he needs to be a pastor under the guidelines of the Romanian Baptist Union, (Paul could be a pastor here but Jesus Christ could not be one). Now he is working on a degree that will allow him to be a licensed counselor under Romanian government’s guidelines. The Romanian government has lots of hoops for you to jump throw, even more then the Romanian Baptist Union. When he completes his degree and becomes licensed by the government, he will be the only licensed Christian counselor in Bucuresti. The city has over 2 million people and there is not 1 Christian counselor in the city.
Pastor Vali is a very busy man about God’s work; please pray for him, his family, and his ministries. Please ask God to bless him so that his cup runs over. Ask the Father to strengthen him as he continues this huge schedule that he has each week. And also thank God for him on our behalf, he is a great encourager and helpful pastor to Teresa and me.
Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Peace Be Still

Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Peace, be still...

We arrived on the mission field April 7, 2008 with many hopes, dreams and great expectations. God has been good, He has blessed and He has provided everything we have needed. I wish I could say we have accomplished all the goals we had set. There isn't enough of us or time to achieve the amount of work needed in this city to reach the lost and plant churches.

Much like the disciples, more than once we found ourselves in the proverbial small boat taking in water on the rough sea. Randy and I were definitely plunged into some rough sailing early on. Looking back I believe those were testing waters, like the refining fires the Bible talks about. In despair we called out "Lord Jesus, help us..do something...we're in trouble here!" He arose, said "Peace, be still" and there was a GREAT calm.

Peace, be still...

Randy and I came on the mission field with no set time frame of returning to the states. Our terms would last 3 years, we would be home a few months, turn around and come back to Romania. The world wide economic crisis has left no one untouched. Unfortunately it has greatly impacted the missionaries serving in foreign countries.
The major support for us to remain on the field comes from the Lottie Moon Christmas offering collected in Southern Baptist Churches, the offering has dropped to a devastating low. Thousands of missionaries are being forced to leave the field with no option to return, there's no money. We are in that number. February, 2011 when our term ends, we will not be returning to the mission field. This news was a hard blow for us. We gave up everything we owned to "go". We are glad we did, we have no regrets. There is a blessing in being obeident when God calls you. It will be very difficult to leave Romania. We have formed friendships with the Nationals here that will last a lifetime. Romania will have been our home for 3 years when our term ends. The Romania people are precious to Jesus, he died on the cross for them, so few of them understand that concept. So, we've been back in that little boat again...and He said "Peace, be still."

God has given us a new Mission field. We will return to Kansas City, Missouri where 2 of our children and a precious grand baby live. There's much work to do there also.
We will serve the Lord with joy in Kansas City and cherish always the memories of Romania.

Pray For Ferentari

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

As we looks for ways to establish Bible studies in Ferentari, the 23th Psalms comes to mind. Although you heard this read at a large number of funerals, it is for the living. This is a reminder no matter where we are, God is there, the Holy Spirit is ever present in the believer. I want those of you who want to see a positive change in Romania to please being praying with us for a special worker.
Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Ferentari needs a person who believes Psalms 23:4, because Ferentari is a rough place to work. God has given us the opportunity to start work in that community of Bucuresti, through the Phillip House Foundation. We need a person who can work at the foundation and become familiar with the children and the area, and through this effort will be able to start Bible studies with the families of these children out in their area. This would require a great deal of time and may only be possible if the person finds sponsors who could support an individual for an ongoing mission.
Please pray and keep praying until a child of God comes along side us that can take on this role of reaching into the darkness called Ferentari.
Please pray that God will provide a way of keeping a person’s needs met while they spend a great deal of time in this area.
Please pray as Paul asked in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
2Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2Th 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Beautiful Inside and Out

Andreea Adamachi


Pro 31:25 She dresses with strength and nobility, and she smiles at the future.
Pro 31:26 "She speaks with wisdom, and on her tongue there is tender instruction.
Pro 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty evaporates, but a woman who has the fear of the LORD should be praised.

Last evening, March 7th, after our Team Bucuresti worship time and fellowship Randy and I had an appointment to meet a National couple at McDonlads. Randy had met the gentleman previously, this was an opportunity for me to get acquainted with his wife. I had no idea that my sweet husband had "something up-his-sleeve!" We arrived at McDonalds about one minute prior to the couple we were meeting. I had no idea what they looked like, however I was watching the entrance out of curiosity. My heart leaped when I saw Andreea opening the door. It had been approximately 7 months since I had seen Andreea.

This precious young woman spent a year involved in a Bible Study group in my home. Andreea is very dear to my heart. Our relationship began when Randy and I lived in Galati, Romania. She has graduated from High School since then and is now attending school near Bucuresti for Hairstyling. Our schedules and the snow have not permitted us to spend any time together this winter, but we plan on working in some weekends she can stay in our home. We have a lot of catching up to do!

I had the privelege of watching Andreea grow and mature in her walk and relationship with the Lord. Randy and I have worked with Andreea's assistance in evangelizing on the streets in Galati. What a blessing it was to see her enthusiasm to share the gospel with the lost. The love of Jesus radiated from her face.

I was so thrilled to see Andreea last night. I wrapped my arms around her and just held her for a while. I have really missed this young woman. I love her. Please pray for Andreea as she continues her studies. Lift her up to our Heavenly Father for protection, that she will continue to seek His guidance for every aspect of her life, pray that she will ask God for wisdom and that she will develop a mighty prayer life and live in God's word. Lastly, pray for me that I will be a Godly example for Andreea.

Encourage One Another

1Th 5:11 And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.
1Th 5:12 We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life.
1Th 5:13 Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.
1Th 5:14 We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1Th 5:15 See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.
1Th 5:16 Be joyful always,
1Th 5:17 pray at all times,
1Th 5:18 be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

Let me introduce the young men and women in the photo to you. Andrew, Kristy, and Costel on the front row. On the second row we have the beautiful young women, Anna, Louiza, Maria, Lili and Ligia. This is my Bible Study group from Biserica Crestina Baptista Emanuel in Bucuresti, Romania. It is very difficult for me to put into words how special this group of young adults have become to me during our study time together.
To say they are outstanding would be an understatement.

My intent of leading these students through a session of Bible studies was to 'enlighten, equip and encourage' them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Early into our study, I realized the Lord was blessing me richly through my time spent with this special group of young adults who have chosen to put Christ first in their lives. The truth of the matter is, I believe I have been blessed as much if not more than my group. It has been my pleasure to hear them express their faith, hear their testimonies and share with me how the Lord is working in their lives. Living in Romania as a teenager or a young adult is very difficult. Jesus Christ is the only hope one has for a future of any kind. It is easy to pick out those on the street who have not made the choice to follow Christ. They are the ones with a paper bag up to their face sniffing glue or paint, or the ones on the street corner trying to sell them selves to exist. Praise God, the faces you see in this picture have hope, a hope that no one can take away from them.

I have been unable to continue our studies until I get a medical problem resolved. This is difficult for me as well as my group. Last evening they came to visit me and brought me beautiful flowers as well. I should say the came to ENCOURAGE and PRAY for me. Kristi brought his guitar and they all sang for me. What a wonderful time of fellowship together. They made it very clear how much they miss me and the studies. I was very touched, and blessed. What an example these young adults are setting, directly from God's word. Their actions are living proof they are children of the Most High God. I was greatly encouraged by their visit, and I am thankful to God for placing them in my life.

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My Homemade Flour Tortillas

You don't have to be on the mission field very long until you figure out there are some things you just can't find where you are located. Items you used to keep stocked in your pantry and could pick up at any grocery store back home. I'll give you some examples: jello, french vanilla coffee creamer, non-stick pan spray, pancake syrup, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, PECANS, karo syrup, flour tortillas and cranberry sauce just to mention a few! Desperation causes a person to take serious action. I have learned to make a substitute pancake syrup that is very tasty. My husband continually looks for frozen burritos each time we go grocery shopping, he's always disappointed; they are never there! I decided to make my own flour tortillas and do my best to recreate the bean and cheese burrito in Romania to quench my husband's craving. Viewing his reactions as he consumed the made-from-scratch burritos, I'd say I scored high. By-the-way, there are no re-fried beans available..my substitution, I cooked a pot of lentils; they worked great!
I can't buy Crisco here either, but I have found a substitute called Lando, which appears to be lard and works very well in biscuits and pie crust. As a missionary you learn many lessons of survival on the field, one of them is the art of substitutions.

HOWEVER, there are somethings for which there is no substitution. Try as hard as you might, there just isn't any other way to make it work! Let me give you an example:
some people think you can get to heaven by being a "good person". I know some really good people, but they'll never be good enough to make it to heaven. Other folks think they can work their way to heaven. That's impossible, God's word tells us it won't happen. My advice to you is to open the Bible and read for yourself, the instructions are clear.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Snow And The Rain

Ron and Charlotte Craig

Isa 55:10 "My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat.
Isa 55:11 So also will be the word that I speak--- it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do.

Ron and Charlotte Craig are fellow laborers in the field, who served 3 years in Medgidia, Romania and many of the surrounding villages. Medgidia is located in the Southeast corner of Romania (in the district of Constanta). The city has a significant Turkish influence. Thousands of Muslims live in the city. The city's name, Medgidia, is derived from the name of a Trukish Sultan - Al-Medgid. As in so many cities across Europe, the people find refuge in alcohol and other unmoral vices. Thus they have little or no hope and lack any motivation for a better life now or hereafter.

Three years ago when Ron and Charlotte arrived in Medgidia they had no idea the magnitude of "the plan" God had laid out for them. The first year was extremely difficult. Their home for the next thirty-six months would be an apartment on the top floor, without an elevator! Everyday they climbed five flights of stairs. They endured a severe leak in the roof of their apartment which caused a serious mold problem. The first winter they had no heat. By the grace of God, prayers from dear family and prayer partners back home, they persevered! Not only was their living arrangements difficult, adjusting to life in a foreign country stressful, their first year of ministry was a challenge also.

Ron and Charlotte continued to trust in the Lord and take all matters to their Father in prayer. They kept on keeping on! God blessed them for their obedience and faithfulness. Amazing things were accomplished through Ron and Charlotte. Many lives were changed for eternity, many people received hope for the first time. Why, because a husband and wife answered the call to "go", endured the difficult times, and sowed the seeds. As I write this blog, it has been snowing about fourteen hours. I can't help but think, as the snow melts into the ground and spring arrives, the seeds that Ron and Charlotte have sown will be blessed by God and according to His time, there will be a great harvest in Medigida and the surrounding villages.

Thank you Ron and Charlotte for being such an inspiration for your colleagues here in Romania. We love you and appreciate your hard work, faithfulness and dedication to your call.

2 Years

This picture was taken almost two years ago. We blogged about how beautiful are the feet of those who spread the Good News. And as of this week, two years later only two units, Teresa & me and Mark, are still in the foreign mission field. Most of this group signed up for two years with the possibility of extending at the end of that time. But because of lack of money those opportunities no longer exist, so most of our group is back in the states starting life over again. Some will go to college to continue their education, others will pastor churches and some have no idea what they will do now. The next 18 months will see many more people leave the mission field than will be coming to it. This is a sad state of affairs, unlike the states where most people have hear the Good News but have decided to live their life their our way rather than follow Christ, in this part of the world most have not heard that you are saved by grace through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8-9
In recent years the SBC churches have been giving more money than they have had people to go on missions. But the last two years this has changed and the measurement will be in lost souls. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Rom10:14-15
That brings us back to those beautiful feet, their lives have been changed forever in these past two years, and so have the eternal destiny of many of those who met them. God bless them for going and you for supporting them with your prayers!

Reflecting on the Past

God says, "At the right time I heard you. On the day of salvation I helped you." Listen, now is God's acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation! 2Co 6:2
This week I learned that one of the girls our daughter Peggy grew up with was killed in a car wreck. This event has set me to reflect on those wonderful years as these girls were growing up. Sadly I cannot remember even one time ever sharing the Good News with the young mother who died in this week’s wreck. So why didn’t I? I do not have any excuse, I failed to do what God told us as Christians to do; Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships.
In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn't hold people's faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others.
Therefore, we are Christ's representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. 2Co 5:17-20 So, here I am with time passing by me, and no second chance for me to do the most important thing I needed to do. I trust that some did tell her, but I do not know. That is why I am writing this blog, so not to miss another chance. If anyone reading this thinks they are going to heaven because ___________ (you fill in the blank) and that answer is not Biblical pay attention!
Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal 5:19-21
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom 10:9-10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3
He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Co 5:15

Are you going to Heaven? Find more answers at:

http://www.crossway.org/assets/tracts/heaven/

Praying Effectively For The Lost

Biserica Crestina Baptista Emanuel Women's Thursday Bible Study Group

Each Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. this group meets for a time of singing, prayer and Bible study. I just happen to be the blessed one who gets to lead the Bible Study. This group of women operate much like the mailman, no matter the weather (not even 12 inches of snow), they are going to make it to Bible Study. Our car was buried in snow, the alternative mode of transportation was autobuz (bus). We left our apartment at 5:00 p.m. certain we had allowed plenty of travel time. We arrived at the church at 6:45 p.m., we spent 1 hour and 45 minutes on the autobuz (normally we can drive in 15 minutes)! Our attendance was down somewhat due to the fact most of the women walk from their apartments to the church. The sidewalks are covered with packed snow and ice, making them very treacherous.

These women are mighty prayer warriors! They remind me of some very dear ladies back in my home church whom I depend on for prayer cover. This is our second week into the study "Praying Effectively For The Lost", the group is already very encouraged and excited. I have been blessed as their leader to see their enthusiasm and their hunger to learn more.

Thus far we have read and discussed why we pray for the lost: 1. Their souls are valuable to Jesus Christ. 2. Jesus did only what He saw the Father do, likewise we should do what we see our Lord doing, making intercession for the lost. 3. It is our responsibility to pray for the lost.

Just last night we learned we must have a love for the lost, Jesus loves them. We discussed the power of a Mother or Grandmother's prayer. One of the ladies in the group shared with us how her Grandmother had prayed for her many years to be saved.
It is absolutely necessary that we pray in Faith, believing. As members of the royal priesthood, a peculiar people....it is our God given responsibility to pray for the lost. I know someone prayed for me, I'm sure someone prayed or is praying for you.
Don't underestimate the power of prayer.

Our group prayer this week will be praying for one another to become more faithful in praying for the lost. We will be praying for God's love to overflow in each others heart in order that we can love the lost as we should, that we would always pray in faith believing and that the power of Jesus Christ would strengthen us as we intentionally try to win souls for the Kingdom.

Count Your Blessings

Jason holding Emma at less than an hour old on January 14TH, 2009

Emma and her big Sister Kimber

Daddy made Emma's first Birthday Cake!

Playing with her Birthday Baby Doll from Pop Pop Bill

What a cutie pie!

Oh my how Emma has grown in her 1ST year of life!

God bless you and watch over you until your next Birthday our little darling.


When Randy and I count our blessings, at the top of our lists you will find salvation, the greatest blessing of all. Following that would be the blessing of having a spouse which loves the Lord, and at the same time loves his/her mate and is faithful to each other. Our family would fall into list about here. I consider it a an honor that God blessed me with the opportunity to give birth. Truly, it was a wonderful experience. It is impossible to describe the joy overwhelming you at the first sight of your newborn child. We love our children with all of our heart and soul. They have brought us much happiness, fun and laughter through the years since their birth. We never dreamed that feeling of happiness, fun and laughter could ever be "out-done" by another person! That is until.........until Emma Marie, our first Grandchild was born one year ago!

We have learned very quickly that Grandchildren are so much fun!!! Emma is very entertaining, she causes us to laugh until our sides are about to split and our jaws ache! What a personality she had developed and she enjoys showing it off to Papa and Nanny.

Yes, we count our blessings with tear filled eyes. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for our precious Emma Marie. We are long distance Grandparents, by the use of skype we talk with her about 2 or 3 times each weekend. She looks forward to seeing us on the computer screen and we are just as anxious to see her waving at us from across the ocean. It is our prayer to be an example of Godly Grandparents for Emma, that she might see Jesus in us. Our desire is for Emma and her big sister Kimber to become children of God. Would you please pray that Randy and I will be the Godly Nanny and Papa Emma and Kimber deserve and that at the right time both of them will follow the Holy Spirit's drawing.

Waiting for His Timing

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We have been waiting for what seems to be a long time. But in the last 5 days our strength has been renewed. We have been praying for God to open doors and send us help here in Bucuresti. Many of you who are praying with and for us have also asked the Father to bless us in these requests.
Let us start with last Saturday; Teresa was able to teach a Bible class in the Emanuel Church which is in Sector four of Bucuresti. And on the following Wednesday, today, I was able to work in the subway with a young man also from the Emanuel Church. These are the jobs God has called us to do, make disciples, by teaching and demonstrating how we try to reach the lost. We have been blessed by God. For a long time I (Randy) felt as if nothing was ever going to happen.
As for the man who worked with me, Alexandru, he is gifted much like the people we worked with in Galati. God had given us people who love Jesus and are willing to tell others about His love and amazing gift. This was Alexandru’s first time to work “on the street” although he said he had shared his faith with people on occasion before. It was a wonderful afternoon! We talked to about 40 people and were able to share the Good News with about 15 of them. We also came across about 5 believers! I am sure that I have never met that many believers on the street in one day ever before since we came to Romania.
Those of you who have been praying please continue to pray as you have been because God did a great deal of preparing for us. Many of the one’s we talked to were very concerned about their relationship with God. And those of you, who have not been praying for us, please join us. Your prayers are just as important to this ministry as ours are. Please pray as Jesus told us to;
These were His instructions to them: "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. Pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest, and ask Him to send out more workers for His fields. Luke 10:2
Again thank you for praying, He answered many of those prayers today!

Ladies Bible Study Group in Bucuresti

Heb 10:23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.
Heb 10:24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.
Heb 10:25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer. GNB

There is no greater feeling than knowing you are attempting your best at being obedient toward God. This brings joy, peace and spiritual growth. At the same time, obedience can place you in a position or place far away from all the familiar and comfortable aspects of daily life and routine. Obedience also requires sacrifice.
It is for certain, if you are a child of the Living God, obedience is REQUIRED!

The four women you see in the photo (we have one more lady in our group, she was unable to attend)are well acquainted with being separated from
the comfort and blessing received by worshiping in their home churches back in the States, where everyone speaks their language. They dearly miss the fellowship with the ladies from church and other groups in which they might have been active. Family.....it is impossible to measure how much one misses their family and close friends. Don't misunderstand me, you do form strong and dear friendships where God has placed you. Eventually you get settled in and manage to make your apartment look and "feel" like home. This is what we have all discovered. We have also discovered something else; we need each others fellowship on a regular basis. Recharged, revved-up, you know what I mean!

For this cause, we have made it a point to meet once a month. Each person has been assigned a month. On your day, you make the plans for the day, Bible study is always priority, after that the host takes charge and away we go for fellowship, fun and refreshing. Living in a foreign Country you can find yourself hungering for time with folk like yourself. Pray for us as we continue to meet together to encourage each other, fellowship, and enjoy some downtime. Also pray for us as we search to find ways to reach out to the lost all around us in this mega City, pray that each one of us will be a beacon of light shinning for Jesus Christ in everything we do and say.

Heb 10:25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

Looking Ahead

Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phi 3:13-14

This is where Teresa and I find ourselves today. We cannot lament on what could have been but must look at what can be.



With this in mind, we should stop going over the elementary truths about Christ and move on to topics for more mature people. We shouldn't repeat the basics about turning away from the useless things we did and the basics about faith in God.
We shouldn't repeat the basic teachings about such things as baptisms, setting people apart for holy tasks, dead people coming back to life, and eternal judgment.
And this we will do, if indeed God permits. Heb 6:1-3

We plan to be working inside the local church in the southeastern part of Bucuresti with the expressed objective of making fishers of men. The church is full of people who love the Lord and want to serve Him, but not so many fishermen. Teresa plans to begin Saturday with youth Bible study in the church Emanual. I am hopeful to begin tomorrow with a young man from the church named Alexandru. Both our goals is to teach these people that God wants us to confess Him before the world. This is not a one time event, but a way of life, just as is Christianity. .

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Mat 10:32-33
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:9

Christianity is not a religion but following Christ with your life. Jesus tells us that if we love Him we would obey Him also.

So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer: (your reasonable service). Rom 12:1
If ye love me, keep my commandments. Joh 14:15

A big contrast between American church and Romanian church is, Romanians understand the living the good moral life, but in most part do not understand the need to tell others that you are a Christians and they also can be saved too.
As I see the American church, they tell others they are Christians but their lives are so much like the world, the world says, “so what, you live worst then I do” leaving no witness at all.
Americans can tell you when they prayed a prayer asking God to save them but many have never been born again, a Romanian can not count the number of times they have said that prayer and still does not know if he is going to heaven.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
1Jo 5:13 I've written this to those who believe in the Son of God so that they will know that they have eternal life.

Adrian Rogers put it this way:
“A Christian is not somebody who merely believes that Christ died for our sins. The devil believes that. A Christian is somebody who has repented of his sins and invited Christ into his heart to be his Savior and Lord. You can intellectually believe that an airplane can fly, but in order to fly you must try out its wings. In the same way, when you give your heart to Jesus Christ, He takes control of your life and begins to make you into the person He wants you to be.”

If this blog concerns you take time to read Galatians 5:19-25 and see if your life is one that will keep you out of Heaven or if you indeed have life eternal.

What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God. But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; He must also control our lives. Gal 5:19-25