Hi friends! Below are snapshots from the past five months since somehow that's how much time has passed since our last e-mail update.
We said goodbye to Dinu last Tuesday! He is in the States driving a semi-truck for the next six weeks. Thanks to modern technology he is able to stay in touch with the young men here. I am receiving lot's of help from volunteers and Dinu's sisters so that the Bible study and other ministry can continue uninterrupted.
We would really appreciate your prayers for our family. We sense God at work in us and for us. Please pray He can freely work through us as well.
April was such an exciting month! My parents came and brought two of my aunts and an uncle with them! Each of them poured into our family and our Bible study kids in their own special way over a two week time. We also spent Easter loving on the kiddos from the Illisua orphange together.
My parents stayed the entire month of April and, in addition to our regular ministry schedule, did a lot of discipleship, preaching and spreading passion for evangelism. Of course, they also spoiled our kids and we got to spend time in the village together too!
Beginning in March, we've asked volunteers to be more involved in preparing the weekend children's programs because of temporary changes in our staff. The volunteers like the increased responsibility and have a greater sense of investment in the kids. We are also making room for them to use their specific interests and talents to benefit the ministry.
Here's a picture from our February volunteer retreat. We spent three days studying, praying, worshipping and playing together. We also worked on practical ways to create and maintain spiritual habits.
We love, love, love these semi-annual retreats! They are always a time of re-focusing for our young people who the world tries to pull in so many directions.
This is Iosif (Joseph). He joined Pas cu Pas in December and the retreat for the Teaca children's home in January was his first ministry experience.
He had been "backslidden" until last Fall when God got a hold of his heart. His renewed relationship with God brings energy and life to every activity he's involved in with us.
Please pray for him as he just left to work in England this summer. His goal is to save up and to go to Bible college!
