August 2011

My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable…

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor 15:57-58

Steadfast, immovable . . . words with which I have become very accustomed. If any one of you has ever worked with “people,” you understand that ministry takes patience, especially when it involves someone who is hurting, abandoned, or abused. To be honest, there are times when I wonder if our work with these kids is “in vain.” There are some cases that seem so far out from my comfort zone or understanding. I am always thankful when the Lord gives me a glimpse at His work in the hearts of the children we love and minister to weekly.

I am also thankful to each supporter of Sufficient Bread Ministry who has been steadfast with your financial and emotional support. Parents know that it takes years to see the fruit of your labor raising the children God has given you. Without your monthly sacrifice, we would not be able to stay and be a permanent presence in these children’s lives. I am humbled every month by your sweet sacrifices to the Lord . . . the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. AMEN!

Testimonies . . .

A few months ago I asked for prayer for the local church here in Petrosani. The church was going through a very difficult season. It had been without a pastor for almost a year and the fellowship has dwindled to a handful of members. There was a strong sense of division and bitterness amongst the believers in the town.

Early this year the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the healing of his church in Petrosani was not going to be through an individual or an evangelist, but through His Spirit in each individual’s heart. As we fasted and prayed over the church, I began to hear members testimonies about how God was revealing Himself to them. I heard statements like, “I never knew God like this before”, “I finally know God for myself; His word is living and speaking to me.” I rejoiced as I saw our loving Father at work. To these precious few who had remained steadfast, immovable in faith, our Lord placed His hands on their eyes and spoke, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Amazing!

There was a instance of a women, hurt severely by the division of the church, who told me she had “lost her faith.” She asked me to pray for her because she could no longer do it for herself. She could not see God anymore. I looked into her eyes and told her that I would pray for her, but then the Lord placed on my heart to tell her . . . ”God is going to show Himself to you.” Later that week the Lord revealed himself to that woman so emphatically that she could not deny His presence in her life. She is now praying and fasting alongside us and walking in VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 . . . Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING that your toil is NOT IN VAIN in the Lord. THANK YOU JESUS!

With all that said, we have officially kicked off our first in-home Bible study! Andrei is teaching through the book of Acts. We have met as a body of Christ four times and it has been a refreshing and healing time. Please keep us in prayer as we continue to minister and love one another in Christ.

“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,” —1 Peter 4:11

A Prayer for Petrosani

After prayer walking my city one afternoon, I returned home and saw this image from my balcony. The sky was littered with white fluffy clouds and directly in front of me was a single black cloud with dramatic sun rays shooting out from it. Sadly this photo can not begin to testify to the glory and majesty I saw in the sky that day. While I stared up into the sky I was reminded of Isaiah 9:2…

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

This is my prayer for my city. That they will see a great light and that they will grow in the knowledge of the glory of God!

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6

Holy Spirit, come and fill Petrosani with Your presence. This city is Yours and I am Your servant! May the Power of God rain down on the people and may they shout out and declare “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God Almighty!”

Thank you, Lord, for this reminder in the sky!

Prayer Requests:

• Holy Spirit come and fill Petrosani with Your presence. This city is Yours! May the Power of God rain down on the people and may they shout out and declare “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God Almighty!”
• Continue to pray for the “aged out” youth. Email me if you feel called to adopt this project.
• Please pray for our Saturday Bible School that God might be magnified in the lives of the children attending.
• For wisdom and direction in ministry. Consistent monetary support to support our family and cover ministry related costs.

PRAISE REPORTS!

• We thank the Lord for each of our supporters. We pray blessing on each of your families.
• We praise the Lord for the work he is doing in each one of us.