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.

Our four and a half month furlough is over, and we are back in Moldova. Rejoice with us on what God did during our furlough and so far since our return to Moldova.

In the span of four months, we visited 25 of our supporting churches. We enjoyed spending more time getting to know the pastors and congregations.

Despite being busy during furlough, we were able to spend the last four weeks with our sending church, Heritage Baptist Church. My pastor allowed me to preach several times during our furlough, which I appreciated. We enjoyed getting caught up on what God is doing in the lives of those in our church.

Over a month ago, I mailed out our furlough DVD and new prayer cards to all the churches we were not able to visit this furlough. If you did not receive our packet, please let me know.

It was a blessing to be able to witness in my own tongue again as we traveled around. One person we invited came to church the next day. Another person trusted Christ after a service. I even got to speak to a Russian lady and give her a tract.

In Moldova, I do a lot of spiritual feeding. On furlough it was nice to be on the receiving end again and challenged and fed spiritually.

This past furlough we again rented a vehicle from Baptist Missionary Transportation Ministries. Praise the Lord, in four months of traveling about 10,000 miles, we had no car trouble and no accidents.

In our travels we were also able to spend time with family in Michigan and Ohio. And my brother in Virginia drove to meet up with my parents and us in Kentucky. We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with Stephanie’s family in Memphis. We really miss family when we are home in Moldova, so it was a blessing to be able to spend some special time and holidays with family for a change.

Due to an engine problem with our first flight out of Memphis, we were delayed in getting to Moldova by 4 days. In the end, we arrived in Moldova on January 20th and all our luggage by the next day.

What a joy it was to see our co-workers again and get back to work here in Moldova. Shortly after our arrival, though, Viola’s father passed away. Please pray for her and her family as they grieve the loss of Mr. Hitz and for the Lord to comfort them in this time.

Other than the worst case of jetlag we have had as a family, we are feeling refreshed and very positive about what God is going to do this year in Moldova.

For example, after the service this past Sunday in the village church plant, the 90 year old man who has been coming for months stood up and said he wanted to be baptized and be a part of the group. We explained once again the need to repent and accept Jesus and his Lord and Savior. He said he wanted to do that right then. What a joy to see him trust Christ in front of all there. He is already wanting to be baptized, so we don’t have to convince him of that step of obedience. Even though his family has been against him coming on Sundays, he has been faithful. Please pray for “Peter” to grow in his faith with the time God grants him left.

We have two other prayer requests for you. First, we are renewing our residencies for Moldova. In the past, we have received two year residencies. Our lawyer is trying for a three year residency for us. Please be in prayer for our residencies to be extended, Lord willing, by three years.

Second, please pray for the political situation in Moldova. They will have elections on February 24th for seats in parliament. If the Socialists get the majority, that can be bad for Moldova and us as missionaries. The President is a Socialist, too, and favors Putin, who does not favor freedom of religion. Please pray for peace and freedom here to continue.

Thank you for your prayers for us and your continued giving. May each one of us be even more fruitful in the coming year.