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September Update

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It flies. It helps to heal hurts. We race against it. We often wish we had more of it. Time. My mind has recently been pondering how short life is and how the time we have is so precious yet fleeting.

TEAM RETREAT
The first week in August, we had our annual team retreat. Looking back over the past year, it was amazing how much time was taken by lockdown and quarantine. Though not as planned, we thanked the Lord for many things accomplished and look forward to what He is going to do in the following 12 months.

2016

2020

SARAH BODALY
It is hard to believe that Sarah worked alongside of us for over four years and has already left. Thank you for praying for her return back to the States. She, her cat, and all her luggage made it safely to America. Please pray for her as she transitions to the next stage of ministry and life.

MILESTONES
So does the rest of the world call them kilometer-stones? Just kidding. In July, our little bundle of laughter and joy turned 6 years old! Hard to believe. Ana loves putting smiles on other people’s faces and brightening things up with her presence. She loves to help others, do her school work, and learn more about her Savior. In August, Stephanie and I celebrated 16 years of marriage, and in September, I turned 39. God has blessed me with a beautiful, content, hardworking wife who loves the Lord. She has sacrificed so much and continues to do so to follow me and the course set before us. Pray that our marriage will stay strong and be an example to others of Christ and the church.

TWO NEW BELIEVERS
When our mentor first introduced us to the “Firm Foundations: Creation to Christ” evangelistic Bible study, I cringed at the thought of the study taking a year to complete. He reassured me that he has seen the most lasting fruit from those who come to Christ through the chronological Bible study. The time paid off and ended up being a worthy investment. The two lost women who have faithfully come to the study trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior! Not only do they believe the Gospel of Christ, but they also understand the main message of the Bible and how it threads through Genesis to the New Testament.
I am now discipling them as we study through the Gospel of John together. They long for others in their families to hear and believe the Gospel. Please pray for these two women, Iulia and Ioana, to grow in Christ and learn to make other disciples for Christ in their village.

EXPIRED TIME
Last week, while talking with another neighbor, he asked if I had heard that Victor died a month ago. My heart sank as I realized which Victor he was referring to. The Victor who used to prune our vineyard. The Victor who surprised me by going sober for over half a year last year before falling victim again to the cold clasp of alcoholism. The Victor with whom I pleaded once again this past winter to repent and trust in Christ. The time for him to do so expired. After hearing about his death, I really struggled the rest of the week. I was thankful that I had preached the Gospel to him on multiple occasions, but I still wondered if I could have done more. Please ask the Lord to give us boldness to continue preaching the Gospel.

EXTENDED TIME
Several months back, I met my friend’s neighbor, a young man, who usually works in France. Since he also knows a good bit of English, we were able to strike up a conversation. In the end, I asked if he was interested in us getting together. We began meeting at a cafe in town once a week to study English and the Bible. What I thought would only be a couple weeks before he would return to France has now stretched on to a couple months with no set date on him leaving. Not only has he been doing his Bible reading homework, he has been asking wonderful questions like, “What did Jesus mean in John 3 that we must be born again?” Unexpectedly, the barista has joined in our discussions on the Gospel of John. Please pray for “M” to continue learning more of the Gospel and trust Christ and for the barista, “V” to start reading through John on her own.

God continues to meet our needs through your prayers and faithful support. Thank you and God bless you.

July 2020 Prayer Letter

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We know the Bible tells us to be thankful. Sometimes, humanly speaking, it is easier to do so than at other times. In spite of the current circumstances, we have much for which to thank God.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Since our last prayer letter, much has changed. Though the numbers here continue to rise and put Moldova as one of the highest European countries with cases per capita, we are thankful that things have “opened up” over the past month. We thank the Lord that no one in our family, team, or church has fallen ill from this.

CHURCH SERVICES
After the lock down quarantine was lifted, services were only allowed outdoors, but due to several issues, we were unable to do this. We made plans to go and visit the believers individually on Sundays. We sang, prayed, and gave a short challenge from the Bible. The widows especially rejoiced to have visitors and to spend some time together.
A couple of weeks later, the Moldovan government allowed churches to meet indoors as long as specific guidelines were met. With each family group being 2 meters apart, having body temperature checked upon arrival, and all wearing masks, we were able to start having services together again after three months of quarantine.

REMODEL PROJECT
Since we were not using the rental for services, we had decided to give a much needed new coat of paint to the rooms. Ironically, after we decided to start this project, the government declared we could start meeting indoors in a week. Not wanting to miss out on the first possibly Sunday together again, we worked all week and were able to meet again on Sunday, June 7th. We thank the Lord that we have such good landlords for our church rental. Not only did they not charge us for an entire month during the quarantine in Soroca, they also offered to reimburse us for the money spent on the remodeling project.

NEW DOORS OPENING
We thank the Lord for the opportunities God is opening up for sharing the Gospel to the lost and discipling believers. Sometimes the doors do not remain open very long, but as long as the door is open, we desire to walk through it.
I have several right now that I am meeting or soon to be meeting with. Stephanie also has a couple women she is working on. A 15 year old boy who used to come to our VBS and ESL classes has recently been coming over to our house to spend time with Caleb. This past weekend, I began witnessing to this boy’s father. Please pray for us to have boldness, compassion, and wisdom as we seek to lead others to Christ and make disciples for Him.

FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS
We thank the Lord for you and our other faithful supporters. We have been humbled and encouraged by the emails you have sent us, letting us know you are praying for us. Some have asked how we are doing and if we have any needs. We thank the Lord also for the financial support that we currently have. While it may change down the road if things grow more difficult, we are thankful for the Lord’s provisions right now.

GARDEN
This year, though not without big problems with insects and diseases, has been one of the best garden years for us thus far. The children have been a big help in keeping the weeds at bay and helping to harvest the fruits and vegetables. I love seeing them in the cherry trees having a good time picking (and eating) the harvest.

SARAH BODALY
Though this is sad news for us as a team, we are thankful for all Sarah Bodaly has done for the ministry here the past 4 years. Lord willing (this is really important to say these days!), she will be transitioning to a new phase of life and ministry in the States this August. Her love for ministering to children and those hurting has been so evident and will be a great asset for what God has in store for her. Please pray for us as we adjust to ministry without her this fall and for her as she prepares for the big move.
Thank you for your prayers and support, even through these difficult times.

May 2020 Prayer Letter

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Paul said to be instant in season, out of season. I believe many of us understand a little more of what this means, thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Very rarely do both the missionaries on the others side of the world and the churches in America face the same environmental struggle. As followers of Christ, we rejoice that our joy, peace, and worship to God does not depend upon such external circumstances.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
We want to begin by thanking those of you who have continued to pray for us and are continuing to give to your local church and missions. We understand that many of you have either lost hours of work or even your job completely. Thank you for all you are continuing to do during this difficult time. Many truly sacrifice in order to give to missionaries during the good times. Your sacrifice during these times only makes us more grateful for all you do.
Since our last prayer letter, the city of Soroca, where we live and serve, became the second hottest spot for the spread of the virus. The government posted military and police baracades at all entrances to our town, only allowing food and supplies and those with special permission to enter or exit. Thankfully, we have been permitted to go to the grocery store, which has been well-stocked.

BELIEVERS UPDATE
Each week, Jacob and I have been calling the believers in Soroca and the village to check on them, find out any prayer requests, and seek to encourage them. Each week, I have ended up being the one encouraged by them. What a testimony of God’s grace in this time. Thus far, they have had food to eat, no health issues with the virus, and have testified of God’s goodness. Instead of panic or fear, they have been calm and praising the Lord. Please continue to pray for these dear believers as we continue to navigate through this situation.

A LOSS
This past Saturday (May 2), an older lady, who had regularly come to midweek Bible study and Sunday services when possible, passed away. We thank the Lord for the time we had to give her the Gospel and speak God’s truth to her. Please pray for her family in this difficult time, especially with the lady’s daughter being in poor health, and for the relatives to seek God’s truth for answers.

OUT OF SEASON BUT NOT OUT OF ORDER
With the additional stay-at-home orders and the city being put in quarantine, ministry opportunities greatly dwindled. With the majority of those we minister to not having internet, online services were not a viable option. I contacted multiple companies to see about hosting a conference call for services but to no avail.
I had the idea of creating a video series and posting it online in order to give Bible answers and the Gospel to people in town. I made an introduction video (which I posted to the town’s community Facebook group) and four other videos. People responded positively until someone took down the intro video. There were still a number of people from town that watched the videos. Seed was sown.  If you have some Romanian speaking friends who you feel may benefit from the videos, you can find the link HERE.

GARDENING… IN SEASON
In addition to the extra personal time studying the Bible, preparing for future messages, and getting some other things in order, we have enjoyed the extra time as a family. Our big project has been planting a bigger garden than we ever have. With the economic uncertainties that still lay ahead, we added new garden areas on our property. The children have been a big help and have worked hard. We have planted sweet corn, peppers, beans, peas, onions, garlic, squash, pumpkin, spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Lord willing, we will have food for our family and plenty to be a blessing to others.

Thank you for your prayers and support, even through these difficult times.

March 2020 Prayer Letter

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Fragile and temporary do not equal not important. Toilet paper is both and yet seems to be very important right now. But seriously, in times like this, people begin to see the truth in Scripture that man is like the flowers and grass in the fields that grow, bloom, and die. Though man is more aware of being fragile and his life on earth temporary, he is of great value to God.

CORONAVIRUS

You may find it interesting that the Russian word for “crown” is “корона” (pronounced “kah-RO-nuh”) and the Romanian word is “coroană” (pronounced “ko-ROA-nuh”). Yes, that virus crowned with spikes is here, too. As I write, there are 8 confirmed cases with others being suspected of it and being tested. In order to prevent a serious situation like the current one in Italy, the government of Moldova has established a code red for two weeks, banned all foreigners without residency here from flying into the country, closed all schools and universities, and requested that all churches of all faiths not meet for a couple weeks. As a result of all this, we will not be having our children’s Bible club, Sunday services, nor midweek service. Please pray for the government to have wisdom in helping to curb the spread of the virus. Though the death toll currently is low, every life is of value to God.

LBC MISSION TEAM

     Due to the restrictions listed above, the mission team we were expecting will not be able to come this month. Lord willing, we will be able to reschedule for a later time. God has a purpose and a plan in all this.

WOMEN’S EVANGELIZATION

     With the 8th of March being International Women’s Day, we decided to use our monthly ladies Bible study on Saturday, March 7th, to invite women from town to a special program that included lunch, craft, games, and Bible study. We praise the Lord that we had 12 Moldovan women attend. Viola gave the Gospel in her Bible lesson. Please pray for the lost who attended to further seek the Lord and be open to further discussion about Christ.
One of the ladies who came was the faithful lady who used to come to our ESL lessons and stayed afterward for the Bible study each week. Yesterday I spoke with her and her husband for three hours. She has heard the Gospel from us before but not her husband. When I asked if they would like me to start the chronological Bible study with them, he quickly responded with a “yes!” Please pray for Ala and her husband as I begin the Bible study soon. They are valuable to God.

MENTORING FUTURE MEN

     Each week, we run a Bible Club at a children’s home in the town just north of Soroca. The boys there, though, have few, if any, men that are investing in them at the center. I have had in mind a while to add in a time just for the boys. After the restrictions from the virus pass, I plan to stay after the regular program in order to focus on the boys, teaching them pertinant skills and character traits that men should have. I want to give biblical teaching to boys their age (12-14) that would be helpful for the challenges they face. Please pray for me as I seek to mentor them and for them to respond positively to it. They are important to God.

THE NEED FOR MEN

     In a world where women often tend to be the most faithful to the Lord, every missionary yearns for faithful men. Two men in particular, “M” and “V,” have potential. I mentioned “M’ in our last prayer letter. We have kept in touch, but we have not been able to meet and talk more of the Gospel due to things he has going on. “V” continues to come to our midweek Bible study and prayer meeting. Please pray that we will be able to meet outside of service when he isn’t working, as I have been offering to him.

Life on this earth is truly like a vapor that appears for a little time then vanishes away. These precious souls need saved from sin and to become followers of Christ. They are of a very precious in God’s eyes and ours, too. Thank you for your prayers and support that allows us to focus on working to make disciples for our Lord and Savior.

January 2020 Prayer Letter

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click HERE for a printable PDF

Even though there is only one way of salvation, people end up hearing the Gospel through a myriad of different ways. The past couple months, we have been reminded that God brings the Gospel to the lost through different times, places, and people.

SAW OUR SIGN

     Back in December, a young man showed up for our Thursday mid-week Bible study and prayer time. He had passed by our meeting place many times in the past, wanting to visit. “V” gained enough courage to come to a service and has been faithfully coming on Thursdays since. Due to his busy work schedule and being a more private individual, I have not met with him outside of service. Please pray for “V” to continue coming and for us to help him take whatever next steps he needs to in his life.

CHANGING TIRES

     While waiting in line at the “vulcanizare” to get our winter tires put on our van, I met a man whose son has come to our kids ESL classes. Being Orthodox, he was concerned about us trying to convert his son. He invited me to his house to talk further. After I told him that only English is taught and not “religion,” he began to ask question after question about things from the Bible and what we believe. Several weeks later, Stephanie and I were invited to his house. We gave them an Orthodox Bible (he wouldn’t receive anything else) and spent a couple hours answering additional questions. Please pray for “M” and his family to read the Bible and continue asking questions.

AT THE PENITENTIARY

     A Moldovan brother in Christ, who preaches at the different prisons throughout Moldova, asked us to do a Christmas program for the officers who work at the Soroca Penitentiary and their families. Our team worked together to provide a rich program for the families that included Christmas carols, games, snacks, and preaching the Gospel. Around 75 people were in the great room and heard about why Christ came. We were pleased that many of them also asked to receive a Bible at the end of the program. Please pray for further contact with these dear people and for those open to seek the truth.

1-Day VBS

     On January 6th, the day before “Old Christmas” (Orthodox still follow the Julian calendar for religious holidays), we held a two-hour Christmas VBS at our house in the morning and then the same program in the afternoon at our meeting place in Soroca. In total, there were 25 children who came and learned what the Bible teaches about Christ’s birth. Most of those who came also came to our summer VBS. Please pray for these children to continue to grow in the truth and personally accept Christ as Savior in the future.

CAROLING AND CALENDARS

     The next afternoon, we went to the village of Bulboci and joined a couple of the ladies from the village to go door-to-door caroling, Traditionally here, people (often children/teens) go house to house saying poems or short songs about Christ’s birth and, in exchange, receive gifts from the homeowners. Gifts can include cookies, chocolates, fruit, or even a sit-down meal. We went to a number of houses, sang a couple of carols, and then gave each home a calendar packet that included the Gospel. Due to the tradition, we had an open door and were welcomed in each place we went.

DEATH

     Within the past year or so, several neighbors we had witnessed to in the past have passed away. While it is doubtful that most of them were trusting in Christ for salvation, the most recent death was different. Shortly after moving into our house, I had met our neighbor Nadia at the well right outside our gate and asked if I could visit her at her house. Later on, I spent several hours talking to her about the Gospel. Her father had taught Orthodox priests and was later sent to Siberia during the rule of the USSR. Nadia grew up in the traditions of Orthodoxy, but when I went through the Gospel, she testified that she is not trusting in her works for salvation but in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. For the next five years, she was part of the Bible study we held on Sunday evenings. Though she had a difficult life, being a widow who took care of her bed-ridden brother, her daughter, and grandchildren, I don’t recall her ever complaining.
In December, her health rapidly declined until she passed away at the end of January. The day after her burial, her brother passed away. We are thankful to have shared God’s Word with her and to have been blessed to know her. Please pray for her daughter and grandchildren to seek the Lord through this.

OTHER NEWS

Two other things. Sarah Bodaly made it back safely from her furlough. We will have a mission team come help us at the end of March. Please pray for the 10 young people coming from Lighthouse Baptist Church to be blessed and be a blessing while here. Pray for wisdom on our parts as we prepare for their time here. Thank you all for praying for us and partnering with us here in Moldova.

2019 November prayer letter

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I like and fear building things. I love seeing the transformation and progress but struggle when I don’t know what to do or do not see the kind of result I had envisioned. In life and ministry, we see this playing out metaphorically and literally.

BULBOCI EVANGELISTIC BIBLE STUDY
We are now about a month away from the New Testament and life of the Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ. Those coming have been building their beliefs on what they are personally reading in the Scripture rather than man’s faulty ideas. Some have been verbalizing their concern over their sin and are seeing their need for salvation. Not only is the group being built in doctrine but also in number. I was excited when another lady and her son started coming to the study for several weeks, but they have not come the last couple weeks. Please continue to pray for this group to receive salvation and building their lives on the foundation of Christ and His Word.

TAMARA
I honestly cannot think of anyone I personally know whose life looks so much like the life of Job in the Bible. After her last surgery, a group of people and family donated money for a well to be dug next to her house. Currently, she and her husband (who walks on crutches from an accident 25 years ago) have to pay someone to bring water from the closest well, which is down the road. A large amount of money was spent to buy the concrete rings and labor for the well. Shortly after we visited her, one of the workers went down to resolve a problem due to the amount of sand at that depth, and the walls caved in, burying the worker up to the neck. Tamara was so stressed from the news that something burst in her forehead, resulting in enormous swelling under the skin which spread and ended up having to be operated on. Praise the Lord that the man in the well was able to be rescued alive, but Tamara was left with another surgery, more medical debt, and still no well. Please pray for her to continue trusting the Lord despite the sequential hardships.

PETRU
If Tamara has been buried with problems, Petru has gone through the fire. At 90 years of age, his mobility is hindered. Due to the propane line to his gas stovetop leaking, he had a fire in his house. Thank the Lord that he was able to get out with only some burns around his lower legs. He was not able to come to the Bulboci church services for several weeks while he was recovering. I have been encouraged in seeing his faith built through his own reading through the Gospels. Jacob found the Gospels in a very large print, which has enabled Petru to read on his own. His understanding of Christ and the Gospel is gaining more clarity. Please pray for Petru to clearly understand and believe the Gospel.

SECERIȘ (seh-cher-REESH)
In the Fall, believers here usually celebrate a Harvest Sunday, thanking the Lord for the harvest. We had our second annual seceriș in Soroca and held our first one in the Bulboci church plant this year. At the service in Bulboci, three from my evangelistic Bible study came.

BOOTH’S VISIT
Sometimes we are built up emotionally and spiritually through friends. Long-time friends, Joshua and Melissa Booth (church planters in the United Kingdom), came to visit our family and a couple other families here in Moldova. Their visit was like a cup of cold water on a hot day. We were refreshed and encouraged. We thank the Lord that He knows just how and when to build us up through others.

A SHED
Really, I mean a literal shed. Our family project at home right now has been building a shed to hold tools and gardening items. The old house we currently store our items is falling apart and is getting too dangerous to keep it around. Please pray for wisdom as we work to finish it, Lord willing, in a week or two.

Thank you for your part in the building process here in Moldova. May the Lord continue to build lives in Moldova.

August 2019 Prayer Letter

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If variety is the spice of life, then it’s been very spicy recently. We’ve had a good mix of work and refreshment

The first two weeks of July, our team was busy running two consecutive weeks of VBS. The first week we were blessed with a high day of 25 kids. They listened well to the lessons about Moses and played enthusiastically during game time. We rejoiced in seeing some familiar faces and several new ones. Though no decisions for salvation were made, the gospel was preached.
As in past years, the second week we worked the same program in Soroca. Our numbers were up compared to passed years in town. After the Gospel was given on Thursday, one teen girl asked to speak with our coworker, Sarah Bodaly about salvation. She was very interested but was not ready to make the decision. Pray for this girl, “C” and for the Lord to bless the follow up with the VBS contacts.
The last two weeks of July we drove all the way to Greece for the bi-annual missionary conference for BIMI missionaries to Europe. The kids were thrilled to see their friends from the last field conference two years ago. We enjoyed the fellowship, were challenged by the preaching, and enjoyed the historical sights. We extended our stay for five days of camping in Greece for our family vacation this year. Though some people thought our children had the measles, it was just a mosquito problem from the first night.
On August 7, Stephanie and I rejoiced in reaching the milestone of 15 years of marriage. We hope the Lord grants us many more years of serving Christ together.
The following week, our missionary team met for our annual Team Retreat to spend time praying, discussing ministry improvements, and planning the calendar for the next year. The time away together was very profitable. We look forward to what the Lord will do over the next year, Lord willing. Please pray for us as a team to stay unified, grow, and enjoy serving Christ together.

Tamara, who I have mentioned in the past, had another cancer operation recently, which will be followed up by chemo and radiation. The last time we talked, she was encouraged with how the surgery went but still needs your prayers.

The weekly evangelistic Bible study in Bulboci continues to go well with those who come. I have finished 14 weeks thus far. Three usually come faithfully, along with some believers from the church group in the village. The Orthodox priest has not only been warning people not to come to our Bible study but has also started speaking evil of those who come. My heart rejoiced to hear one of the ladies state that she doesn’t care what evil the priest says about her. She cares more about hearing God’s Word and learning the truth written there. Others have shown interest in coming but have not yet made the decision to deal with the opposition from the priest. Please pray for Christ to be honored, the Word to grow, and for people to accept and follow Christ.

The Bible study with the couple in Soroca continues to go well. Please pray for them to continue learning and for me to have an open door to start another evangelistic Bible study with another group in Soroca.

One of our coworkers, Sarah Bodaly, left for about a 5 month furlough. Please pray for her as she travels and reports back to supporting churches.

Our other coworkers have made exciting steps this summer on their house. The frame is up, roof crew is putting on the roof, and the Hughes are putting up the OSB sheathing. Please pray for them as they work to get as much done as possible before the winter months set in.
Stephanie has a first this year… four students to homeschool. They are off to a good start, but we would appreciate your prayers in this task, too.
Thank you for your prayers and support.

For a PDF printout of our prayer letter, click HERE