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.