WOMENS BIBLE EVENT

We had a lovely evening sharing with several women in our community about the Bible; its history, its validity, its authority, the power it has in our lives, the Truth it is in world of lies.

It was a beautiful event, where several received their first Bible ever.  Please pray with us for the ladies who attend, that the seeds planted would take deep root in their hearts and grow.

YOUTH SNOW DAY!!!

JeJe took a few of the youth up one of the local ski runs here.  We actually have 3 ski runs locally.
One is Parang (15 mins from our home), one is Voineasa (45mins), and the last is Straja (about 20mins).  Straja is where these were taken.  Its always great for our youth to have activities outside of the church where they can fellowship and enjoy Gods creation.
Sadly, James hadn't returned yet from the US....but a snow day is in the plans for this month.
We haven't had as much snow this year (not complaining)….lots and lots of rain and slush.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE OUTREACH !!!

As James received word in mid-December that he would be interviewed for his nomination, he and Coleen had to make quick plans to travel to California as soon as he returned from the Powerlifting Championships.  This left Elli and JeJe in charge of EVERYTHING for Christmas outreaches.

When several women heard that Coleen would be gone for Christmas, their immediate response was "who is going to do the Christmas cookies?"; as several of them are regular recipients.  We bake 800-1000 cookies each year, and make up plastic plates with a pretty cellophane wrap & bow - being sure to include a Bible verse and pass platters out to our neighbors and those in the community we are in contact regularly (people at the bank, notary, veterinarian, family doctor, and so many more).  Its really has a great impact as you watch peoples faces when you bless them with something and not expect anything in return.  We are even more happy to report that one of the women in our fellowship make a mean "Rafaelo" chocolate balls and followed suit in blessing others in doing the same - handing out packages to those she is in contact with and including a Bible verse and invitation to church. 

We are so proud of Elli for baking approx. 1000 cookies, recruiting her friends to help decorate the sugar ones (each left with a plate of cookies ;o), and getting them packaged up and delivered.  Such a great servants heart !!!

We pray for each person that has received cookies; that they and their homes will come to know Jesus personally.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CHILDRENS CENTER

Always a beautiful time to do an outreach at the Children's Center where Elli regularly teaches Bible and helps the children with their homework.  This center is close to our home and most of the children are close by neighbors.  Their families are living below poverty level and many have serious problems within their homes.  For several, the hot lunch here is their only meal for the day.
Elli loves the children so much and especially enjoys planning special events like this one for them to enjoy.  The ministry here provides lunch that day for the children, and Elli had a Christmas lesson ready to share and then the kids enjoyed the games, prizes and of course Christmas cookie decorating she had planned for them.
Our hearts rejoice over what good foundations are being built in their hearts by teaching them the truth of God's Word and loving on them.  Praise God for the open door here, and please keep the salvation of these children and their families in your prayers.

Women's Christmas Dessert

It gives us such great joy to see how much our daughter loves serving the Lord and has matured into her own missionary calling.  Her heart and vision for Romania is BIG.  Coleen was called away to the US at the last minute (interviews for James college) and Elli stepped right in and hosted the Women's Christmas Dessert.  She did all of the arranging from hosting the guest speaker, to arranging for gifts for the ladies, and prepared food and desserts.  Women are still talking about what a special night it was.  GLORY !!!

DOUBLE WORLD & EUROPEAN RECORDs at the 2019 POWERLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

We are so thankful to the Lord for blessing James with such great strength.
At this years European Powerlifting Championships he set a Double World and European record in the bench press with a lift of 395 pounds.  James competes in the U18 and -93kg category.
We are super proud of his accomplishment and hard work & dedication.
We are even more proud of his great conduct and character as he competes and with his competitors.
We give God all the glory !!!
He will now train to compete at World Championships in 2020 !!!

WE ARE NOW CONNECTED TO GAS LINES !!!!

Living where we do, has truly taught us to be so thankful for so many things.
And now, we had another one to the long list.
The Lord made the way for us to have a natural gas line installed in the street and as of October 15 we are up and running !!!  This is such a HUGE blessing, as so much of JeJe's time in the winter is working on keeping fires going in our furnace; this includes chopping and stacking wood, cleaning the furnace, and often waking in the middle of the night and early morning hours to keep the fire going.  Our house is old and made of bricks - it requires heating be done beginning at the end of September and continuing even until June.  It just depends on how hard of a winter we have.
Rejoice with us !!!

HARVEST CELEBRATION

Harvest time happens here in Romania in October.
Farmers are clearing out their crops, turning their soil to prepare it for winter, and burning the chaff.
Its a great time for us to stop and reflect on God's goodness - even in the midst of trials - and give thanks for all we have and that every good gift comes from HIM.
What a precious time we had as JeJe spoke on the history of the American pilgrims and how they gave thanks at such a hard time of winter, famine, hardships and so much more.
We have to much to be thankful for, each and every day.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17

YOUTH EVENTS !

One of the best parts of uniting our community is with the youth.
We share testimonials, life lessons and enjoy a night of fun.
These are photos from one of several events this year:  pizza and game night!

YOUTH HIKE AT RETEZAT NATIONAL PARK

Several teens from our youth set out to Retezat National Park (part of the Carpathian Mountains) for a days hike.  Entrances to the park are approximately 45-60 minute drive from our home.

They started early in the morning, and came home late at night.

They all made it to the highest peak which is at 8,028ft.

Retezat consists of 94,000 of National Park territory, and boasts over 60 peaks at the 7,500 ft mark and over 100 clear deep glacier lakes.

It was a blessed time of fellowship for them as they spent the day together and shared in the victory of making it to the highest peak.