Ana with Lidia

As Daniel and I sat on the couch in Lidia’s house after a meal of homemade mac ‘n cheese, she told me that she has a gift for Jesus that she is working on. “It’s a song that I plan to sing for Him when I see Him,” the eighty-six year old believer said with a big smile. She then began to sing through her gift for Jesus. A host of emotions and thoughts flooded my heart and mind. I have never heard of someone working on a gift like that. What should I prepare? Am I anticipating seeing my Savior as much as Lidia is? Though we are here to minister to and teach Moldovans, we still have much to glean and learn from them. Here are some other things that the Lord is teaching us.

WORDS MATTER
Thank you for praying for clear leading on Vacation Bible School. While the answer became clear, it was not what we were hoping for. One of the problems was my use of the word “tabără,” which means “camp.” We have always used the term “day camp” for our summer VBS program, since it is the closest parallel that people here would understand. The problem was that in using that word, the health department gave us the host of requirements for day camps here. Even after I went in and met with the director of the public health department to explain it would not be a day camp, he gave us an unrealistic list of requirements. All workers and kids would need to get a health exam, show proof of up-to-date vaccinations, have space of 43 square feet per child, and more. If any child did not come back the following day, we would be required to call and find out why. If they had any symptoms that could be COVID-19, then all workers and children would go into a 2 week quarantine. We ended up canceling VBS.

THANK GOD FOR THE FREEDOMS TODAY
Though the COVID-19 cases had a drastic drop this summer, we have since seen an increase. With this “third wave,” Moldova has been put under a State of Emergency once again and most regions under “code red.” Currently, we are still allowed to do all ministries as we have over the past several months, for which we are thankful. There have been talks and threats by leading health officials of a country-wide lockdown if the numbers keep climbing. Please pray for wisdom for the leadership here and patience on our part.

POLITICAL CHANGES ARE POSSIBLE
Thank you for praying for the parliamentary elections here in Moldova. Despite the coalition between the Socialists and Communists, they did not win the majority seats. On the contrary, the President’s party won the most seats, giving her and Parliament the opportunity to bring about positive changes in the country. Please pray for our president, Maia Sandu, and for wise, positive changes to be made here.

MOTIVES ARE HARD TO SEE AT FIRST
We saw a couple families show an interest in spiritual things but in the end, it seems that either the interest fizzed out or was simply a front to receive materials things. In one of the instances, it appears that we had several items even stolen from us. Pray for us to have wisdom to know how and when to test people’s motives.

On the positive side, my disciples in Bulboci who trusted Christ last year are continuing on faithfully in their walks with the Lord. Ironically, others in the village are assuming that they are coming in order to receive material or financial aid. They cannot understand that people would come in order to learn the Word of God. The ladies are not getting material aid from the studies but joyfully receive spiritual food. We rejoice in having seen the long-term fruit in these believers with pure motives.

LIFE IS LIKE A VAPOR…MAKE YOUR STEAM COUNT
Stephanie and I celebrated 17 years of marriage in August, I turned 40 in September, and our oldest will turn 16 next month. I was once again reminded just how short life is and how each day, each anniversary is special. We heard about another missionary our age who lost the battle after getting COVID-19. We never know when we will celebrate our last anniversary, birthday, or no longer have an opportunity to minister to others. We must make the most of what God has given us today. Please pray for us to redeem the time and be fruitful.

Thank you very much for your continued prayers and financial support.