“How does it feel to be back in America on furlough?” We have been asked this on numerous occasions, now that we’ve been here for almost a month. To be honest, it is mixed feelings. We are really enjoying the time with family and friends, but we really do miss being in Moldova, too.

In the blur and rush before leaving for furlough, the Lord allowed some wonderful blessings to take place. For one, we were able to get the new roof on the house, and the preparation for city water was completed and should be connected to our house by now.

Some additional sowing and watering of the Gospel gave us refreshment in the exhaustion of furlough preparations. In our December prayer letter, we asked you to pray for Oleg, the man with a van who helped us move to Chisinau. In July, we needed to move to Soroca items we left stored in a garage in Hincesti and hired Oleg again. He had read through the evangelistic book I had given him in December and had many questions for Jacob and me as we rode with him to Soroca. We thank the Lord for another opportunity to water the seed of the Gospel in Oleg’s heart. Please continue to pray for Oleg.

In addition to witnessing again to Oleg, I was able to witness again to Ioan, the man with the tumor. In our June prayer letter, I mentioned that he had listened well but gave excuses, such as hypocrites in the church, as to why he had not repented and trusted Christ as his Savior. I found out that he ended up having cancer surgery to remove the tumor and went to see him at the hospital two days before we left for furlough. Because part of his tongue, jaw, etc. were removed in the surgery, he was unable to talk; but he was able to listen. I went through the Gospel once again with him and encouraged him to repent and trust Christ. I told him that we and many others in America are praying for his healing but even more for his salvation. Please continue to pray for Ioan.

During one of our final trips to Soroca to put belongings into storage, Jacob and I were able to witness to Ala and Nelia. Both of them listened and asked questions as we went through the Gospel. In the end, they both said that they had never heard what we shared with them. We have their contact information for us to talk further with them after furlough. Please pray for the Lord to work in their hearts with what we were able to share with them.

After going through the experience of buying a home and preparing for furlough, we realize what a task it really is. The Hughes will be returning to America this December for a six month furlough. Please pray for the Hughes as they finish their first term as well and prepare for their furlough.

With the many miles we will travel over the next seven months, please be in prayer for us.

• Please pray for safety as we drive.
• Please pray for the Lord to use us as we witness to people we meet in our travels.
• Please pray for Stephanie and the children as they adjust to homeschooling on the road.
• Please pray for God to use us to be a blessing to the churches we report to during our furlough.

We are looking forward to seeing the majority of you face-to-face during this furlough, Lord willing. We thank the Lord for you all and your part in our lives and ministry.