Author Archives: admin

August prayer letter

Posted on by

Hard to believe it, but we have just about finished our furlough.  As a family, we feel that

Pic of our last day of traveling for furlough visits

this was the best furlough we have had thus far.  We believe it has been a success in many ways.  We reported to supporting churches, gave out Gospel tracts and witnessed to folks across America, enjoyed good visits with family and friends, had extra time with our sending church, and feel refreshed to return to Moldova and press on in the ministry there.

For those of you who like statistics, here are some of our stats.  We traveled over 13,000 miles in 17 weeks.  We were in a total of 33 churches (25 supporting churches, 4 new churches, and 4 unplanned stop-ins where the pastor

New supporting church! – Our pin on their map

graciously gave us 5 minutes to talk about our ministry during the service).  In addition to the added prayer support in the new churches, one of them voted to start supporting us.  Our travels included 21 states.  Our only car trouble was that one flat tire.  Out of our 25 supporting churches we visited, 13 of them had new pastors since the last time we visited them.  It was a blessing getting to meet these men.

Since our last prayer letter at the end of June, we had several weeks of refreshment

BIMI Enrichment Week—they met Dr. Sisk

between meetings.  Our children enjoyed a week of Christian camp for the first time (family camp week at the Bill Rice Ranch).  We also had a week of vacation with my parents, brother, and his family.  We also experienced BIMI’s Enrichment Week for the first time ever.  That was an amazing week for everyone in our family to remember.  Stephanie and I got away for several days to celebrate our 18th anniversary at some places that offered free accommodations to missionaries.  We enjoyed the change of pace from the first half of furlough.  We just arrived home today from our last scheduled furlough meeting.

Please pray for us as we work on packing and finishing up the last things on our to-do list before leaving next week.  We fly out early morning on Thursday, August 25th.  We will fly from Memphis to Chicago, Chicago to Istanbul, Turkey, then from Istanbul to Cluj, Romania.  We only have a one hour layover in Istanbul.  We appreciate your prayers regarding us making that last flight.  The plan right now is to spend about 10 days in Romania before driving home to Moldova.  While in Romania, we have an oil leak on our van to fix and x-rays and possible wisdom teeth extraction for Caleb.  Pray for a smooth transition back into life and ministry in Moldova.

While things can change quickly in the future, things seem to be peaceful and somewhat stable in Moldova right now, for which we are thankful.  Please continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine.  I am still reading reports that Odessa, Ukraine is the main barrier we have that is keeping Russia from taking Transnistria and the rest of Moldova.  God knows the future, thus we trust in Him.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

 

June Prayer Letter

Posted on by

God is a merciful and generous God.  Though we are unworthy, these “good and perfect gifts” are from our Father above.  Though sometimes these gifts come packaged in trials and suffering, they also come through more pleasant and enjoyable blessings.

God’s gift of safety.  We have now traveled over 8,500 miles through 18 states in two months.  The worst we have had in that time was a flat tire.  We thank the Lord for His mercy in protecting us on the road.

God’s gift of fellowship.  We have met and enjoyed getting to know and catch up with so many people this furlough.  From new pastors to family we haven’t seen for almost two decades, our cups have been full.  I have had few days for office work while traveling because of all the good fellowship we have been soaking up.

God’s gift of many meetings.  We have visited 21 churches thus far and have 12 more to go.  God even gave us the bonus of getting to meet with 4 other pastors of our supporting churches that we were not able to visit this furlough.

God’s gift of meeting Russian and Romanian speakers. Everywhere we travel, we keep our ears open with the hope of hearing someone speaking Romanian or Russian.  Previous furloughs have not yielded much result in this, but we have had the joy of meeting several this time and to give them Gospel tracts and talk about Christ.  We met a Ukrainian family at Walmart in Michigan, a Ukrainian refugee in Ohio, a large family group of believers from Kazakhstan and Ukraine in Pennsylvania, and a brother in Christ from Romania in Virginia.  We also found a Russian café and grocery store in Ohio that gave us a “taste of home.”

God’s gift of fun activities along the way.  Since this may be our last furlough together with all the kids, we wanted to include more family fun during our travels this time than in the past.  Some of the highlights thus far were seeing the Grand Canyon, a pastor taking us trout fishing in Colorado, a few days at a campground with a pastor and his family, shooting and horseback riding while with my parents, and a day at a lake with family in Ohio.  We thank God for the fun in between the many miles.

God’s gift of encouraging news from abroad.  Each week, my co-worker, Jacob Hughes,  sends me an update on the ministries in Moldova.  The ministry to Ukrainian refugees, the progress with Bible studies with individuals, and new open doors encourage me.  I was very encouraged to hear that “M,” a man I had lost contact with 4 years ago, contacted Jacob. He is back in Soroca and asked about us.  Please pray that we will have another chance to lead him to Christ.

Please continue to pray for God’s mercy and generosity in keeping the door to Moldova open for us, if the Lord wills.  Though we are enjoying the time with pastors, churches, friends, and family, we are all itching to get back home.

May 16, 2022 Prayer Letter

Posted on by

Why should you read missionary letters?  Unlike the news or most of what is on social media, you get to read testimonies of how our God is still mighty, working to guide and provide for His children as He has done for thousands of years.  You also get to read about how God uses His children to bring others to Himself.  Reading missionary letters can encourage you, strengthen your faith, and motivate you to live for Christ.  I pray this letter will do just that.

God’s provision for financial needs – Over the last couple months, we have seen God provide for our needs as those needs have arisen.  I mentioned in the last prayer letter how God provided the funds for us to rent the apartment in Romania for those first three weeks and then free accommodations for the last three weeks.  God put in the hearts of churches and individuals to give without me even mentioning the specific needs.  Several churches and individuals even asked me to let them know if we have any other needs come up.  When we had to change our airline tickets to fly out of Romania, my travel agent told me approximately how much it would cost.  I do not usually do this, but I wrote those churches and individuals that has specifically asked, to let them know of this need.  God had already met each need either before or as they came, so I almost didn’t feel right writing them.  About 3 hours after writing them, I received an email from a pastor informing me that the church had decided a couple days previously to send us money to help.  It was almost the exact amount we were charged for changing the tickets.  I had to write back those churches and individuals to let them know the need was already met.  I felt convicted for even letting them know of the need since God knew of it and had already made the provision.

Even after we arrived to the States, there were some others who generously gave, allowing us to cover medical, clothing, and some other needs.  What a joy it was to see our Father take care of us.

God’s provision in our travels – We flew out on April 13th, fully expecting to be pulled aside by Homeland Security for extra interrogating as we were the last two furloughs.  I had applied for a “redress number” with hopes to avoid this inconvenience.  When our boarding passes were printed, I did not have the “SSSS” marking as we had previously (a designation for additional screening), but Stephanie did.  I forgot to have her apply for the redress as I had.  When we arrived at US customs, we passed through without any difficulty this time.

There were also many storms in the States the day we traveled.  By God’s grace, we had no delays or cancelation for the last flight.  Though we had the most turbulence we have ever experienced, we made it safely to Memphis on time.

God’s provision for health needs – Upon arrival, we had some doctor appointments we were hoping to squeeze in before the end of the month.  When I called the eye doctor to get four of our children in for appointments, the lady said they were booked for several weeks.  Before we hung up, someone had called in and canceled, opening up 3 appointments that morning.  While she was checking on our insurance, another appointment opened up, allowing us to get all 4 children in for their much needed eye exam.  I was also able to get right in to the podiatrist and get the treatment that I needed.

God’s working through us individually – We have enjoyed getting to give out Gospel tracts and witness to people in our native language once again.  We have had several reminders that people in America are still open and seeking for answers.  One lady I gave a tract to at a store received it with emotion, saying that she was going through some difficult times and really needed to hear this.  Caleb met two Christian teenagers in my in-law’s neighborhood and has spent time with them in Bible study and prayer.  We look forward to seeing how God will use us during our time in America.

God’s working through our meetings – We have been in the States for a month thus far and have had meetings in four churches, spoke for a Sunday School breakfast, spoke for a meeting at a retirement community, and Stephanie spoke for a ladies luncheon with over 100 ladies present.  We are currently in Oklahoma and making out way out to a supporting church in Cortez, CO before heading to the Midwest.  People’s responses to the messages have been very positive, for which we praise the Lord.

Please continue to pray for the Lord’s provisions and protections in our travels.  Thank you again and God bless you.

 

March 28, 2022 update

Posted on by

We know that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17).  In my reading this morning, I was reminded once again at how serious God takes His name and being recognized for who He is and what He can do (1 Kings 20:28).  With these things in mind, I want to give testimony to what the LORD has done over the past couple weeks.

During the two weeks back in Moldova, God worked wonderfully in providing a place for me to stay in Chișinău while working on documents AND for my family to stay in Romania just across the border.  I stayed with missionary Wes Neill and enjoyed the fellowship and getting to know him more.  On the Saturday I was there, we took up a load of dairy products to Eric Chapman’s camp for the refugees being housed there.  The owner of the apartment in Romania allowed us to stay the additional two weeks, giving us priority, even when others were trying to book that time.  He also gave us an exceptional discount for those two weeks.  God provided.  God provided the money through a couple of our supporting churches which covered the cost for the apartment.

I did end up receiving my residence permit A DAY EARLY (Monday, March 14th).  The next morning, I tried to start the process of getting the tags on the van renewed.  I was not able to work it out at the place I had planned.  After praying, I contacted some Moldovan friends who helped out immensely.  In the end, I was able to get the tags applied for on Tuesday, pick them up on Wednesday, and get the van passport card on Thursday at 2pm.  I drove back to Romania and made it home that night.  God provided the documents, short line at the border, and a safe trip home.

The Thursday I drove back to Romania, the Hughes flew in to Romania.  They had dinner that evening with Stephanie and the kids, and the following morning, I picked them up and drove them to the Moldovan border to meet up with Dan Ford, who drove them the rest of the way to Moldova.  God provided the Hughes a safe trip back.  Please pray for them as they continue to serve in Soroca.

The next day, Saturday, we packed up and headed west in Romania to stay near Cluj, Romania, with missionary Brian Nibbe.  We are now settled in here for our three week stay.  Our travel agent is working on getting our flight rescheduled.  We thank God for His provision of a safe drive here, a comfortable place to stay, and time for the kids to do their schooling.  We were also able to report to the church here (Gospel Light Baptist Church) that supports us.

During our time here, I was invited to join Brian Nibbe and Beni Lariu on their trip to Ukraine to deliver aid for believers and be available to translate for them if needed.  The pastor there has started several churches in the area and has been organizing refugee housing for believers who have fled from the war-torn parts of Ukraine.  Our hearts ached as we heard the testimonies of what the refugees had gone through at the hands of the Russian forces.  The Russian attacks have not been limited to military targets.  Women and children in cars have been gunned down in certain places.  War is such an ugly thing.  The believers who have sought refuge in the area we took aid were very thankful for the food, bedding, and encouragement.  God provided the funds for Bro. Nibbe and a safe trip for us.

Who is like our God?  Who can provide, protect, and guide like Him?  Even with the different challenges and difficulties we have had over the last several weeks, we praise and thank our God for the good and perfect gifts from our Father.

March 10 Update Video

Posted on by

Wanted to send out another update.  At the rate things are changing, this may be old news before too long.  I continue to make plans, but those plans continue to be modified by God’s diving will, as you shall see.

On Thursday, March 3rd, I left my family in the apartment in Iași, Romania, picked up Eric and Stephanie Chapman from the airport there, and drove them to their camp in Vatici, Moldova.  Crossing back into Moldova went smoothly, but the line leaving Moldova was over 200 cars.  The Chapmans’ camp is housing Ukrainian refugees but did not have heating in all the dormitories.  Thanks to donations, plumbers have been working on that the past week to get more buildings heated and more will be able to be accommodated.  The temps are still dropping below freezing.  I stayed there for two nights, was loaded up with Russian Bibles to take to a church in Suceava, Romania on my way back to my family in Romania.  I enjoyed the fellowship with the Chapmans.  It has been a long time since we were able to sit down and talk.

I then headed back up to Soroca, Moldova on Saturday.  I met with “V,” who works for the border police.  We met for supper and had a nice time sharing our thoughts and talking about the stability we can have in God during turbulent times.  Please pray for “V” as he serves his country and deals with the concerns of the future.

Sunday, I met with the couple that I was doing weekly Bible studies with and encouraged them to trust Christ.  In the afternoon, I lead the service out in Bulboci.  We had a sweet time.  I spoke about how Christ did the will of the Father, even when it was painful.  We took the Lord’s Supper.  It was a sweet service.  I met with Petru, the 92 year old, wondering if that would be the last time I see him.  I took the folks home and then headed back down to Chișinău.

Monday morning, I went to the immigration office, expecting to get my residency permit.  To my shock, it was not ready and they could not say when it would be ready.  The influx of Ukrainian refugees seeking refugee status here have slowed down the process.  I was handed a paper saying to pick it up on March 15th in the afternoon.  This put everything behind a week.

The next morning I prayed and asked God what He wanted me to do in this time.  My license plate on the van would expire March 10th, leaving me with just a few days left to drive it.  I contacted my friend and missionary, Igor.  He has been driving to the SE border to pick up refugees from Ukraine and drive them to shelters.  The border is just 30 miles west from Odessa, Ukraine.  Though I could only go for one day, it was what I believed God wanted me to do.

The trip took almost  3 hours to the village of Palanca.   There were some buses taking loads of refugees to train stations and other places.  Igor went around and spoke with folks until he rounded up 12 people.  If you want to find out more about this daytrip, you can watch the video above.   In the end,  we were able to give the Gospel to these folks and leave them with Gospel tracts.  I took them to the train station in the capital and paid for their bus tickets to their destinations.  They were so appreciative of all the help.  Please specifically pray for one of the ladies whose husband is in the Ukrainian army.  His name is Leonid.  I asked her if she would mind me mentioning him for other to pray for.  She emphatically said, please do.  Pray for these folks whose lives have been turned upside down due to the war.  Pray for their hearts to turn to the Lord in this time.

Please pray for Stephanie and the kids in this time away.  What was one week away will now be two, if all goes as planned next week.  Pray for the Lord to use us in this time.  I will be going with another missionary, Wes Neill (I’m staying at his house right now), to take supplies up to the Chapmans’ camp on Saturday, Lord willing.  I don’t feel that I am having this huge role in all this, but I am thanking the Lord for the small parts He has opened up for me.  Pray for the Hughes as they head back to Moldova next week, too, Lord willing.  We want God’s will to be done and for Christ to be glorified.  Thank you for praying for us all.

 

Ukraine conflict update

Posted on by

We are still trying to exit the fog of all that has occurred this past week.  On Thursday morning, February 24th, we heard some odd rumbles around 6 am.  When I looked at my phone a little later on, I saw several messages from my co-worker asking if we are getting out of Moldova due to the hostilities.  I immediately looked on the news websites to see what had happened.  That rumble we heard was the same sound that others in Moldova had heard during the Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian runways and arms deposits.  At first we were puzzled at how we would have heard the effects of the bombing run with being so far from the SE conflict zone in Ukraine.  While in Soroca later that morning, we saw “V,” the border police who trusted in Christ over a year ago. He showed us a picture of where there were reports of airstrikes.  We were stunned that the strikes were not just in the SE part of Ukraine where Luhansk and Donetsk are but at spots all around the country.  According to the map he showed us, one of the strikes was 80 miles from our house.  Soroca is situated at the river that separates Moldova from Ukraine.  I see Ukraine every day I go into town.  This was a very different situation than we had expected.  This was all by 9:00 am on Thursday.

We had already taken a number of preparatory steps over the past month due to the talk of a possible invasion, but I was amazed at how unprepared we felt at this point.  We began packing and preparing so that we would be able to leave quickly if things were to get worse.  We were waiting to hear if the US Embassy in Moldova gave news recommending an evacuation.  Even as of right now (Monday, Feb. 28), they have not issued that.  So the plan was to stay.

To complicate things, our Moldovan residencies and license plates on our van expire March 10th.  We can’t pick up our new residency cards till March 7th.  After I have that, I can apply for the new plates.  Thursday was filled with paying church rent, paying bills, and a host of other preparatory steps.  All of our passports were 2.5 hours away in the capital city with our lawyer.  I decided on Friday to drive down, pick those up, meet with some friends, and get powers of attorneys made on our house and van in the names of two men I trust.  By Friday evening, after being in contact with my pastor, field director, and family, we were highly advised to take our family across to Romania as soon as possible.  I felt somewhat sheepish leaving this early, but several factors presented to us.  We live on the border with Ukraine and the airstrikes are covering all parts of that country.  Moldova already has over 1,000 Russian troops and loads of armament stationed in the separatist region in the east called Transnistria.  We are about 12 miles from the northernmost border of that Russian occupied part.  The stories of people staying for over a day at the Ukrainian customs to get out is not fiction.  We met people from Ukraine that spent days traveling and then over 20 hours at the border to get in to Moldova.  If we wait too long, we end up at a border over night when temps are still dropping below freezing at times.  There are many who believe that if Russia takes Ukraine, Moldova will be the dessert after that meal.  Moldova is not part of NATO and does not have the means to ward off an attack like Ukraine is doing.  Our counselors wanted us to get out.  I made reservations across the border in Romania for a week to see if things settle.  We finished packing and cleaning on Saturday and left Sunday.

This has been hard for me since my heart is for the people in Moldova and a great door of ministry is open for the refugees flooding into Moldova.  The other missionary families haven’t left yet and are doing a great job serving the Lord in this crisis.  Where do I fit in this puzzle?  When we arrived at the border, there were 76 cars in front of us (Stephanie went for a walk and counted).  At least 90% were from Ukraine.  I was able to hand out tracts and witness to a some of them.  When we asked if they need any food or anything, they said they did not due to the Moldovans’ generosity upon entering Moldova from Ukraine.  I am so proud of the people of Moldova.  After 5 hours, we made it through and on our way into Romania.

In route, we found out that Eric Chapman and his wife are trying to get to Moldova to help setup his camp for refugees.  Flights into Moldova were canceled so he was stranded right before his last flight.  He is flying in to the city where we are right now in Romania.  I will be leaving my family here and picking them up on Thursday to drive them into Moldova.  I plan to help in any way I can, then head up to lead the service on Sunday in Bulboci, come down to the capital to hopefully pick up my residency permit on Monday the 7th, apply for new plates, and hopefully get those in a day or two after that.  I will then head back to Romania and re-evaluate things from there.  All of this is a matter of prayer.

Thank you to all who have contacted us, offered us help, and have been praying for us.  Though the past week has been overwhelming, it is nothing compared to what the Ukrainians have been enduring.  Keep praying.