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.