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.