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.