And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15)
Yes, those are Jo Ann's feet and they are ready to return to Moldova to make disciples.
Fall Fixed
We were on the road and staying with friends in Georgia when Jo Ann fell and broke her ankle in July. It has been about 5 weeks since the surgery on Jo Ann's broken ankle and X-rays were just taken that revealed all is well. The bones are healing perfectly and the surgery was a complete success. The doctor told us that she can return to her normal activities and put weight on that foot. We were elated as that is what we were praying for along with many of you.
It is not all peaches and honey though! Since she has not used that leg in 6 weeks, it has gotten very weak and her Achilles tendon is rebelling since is has not been stretched for a long time. It will take some prayer and time before Jo Ann will be able to get around as she did before breaking her ankle.
Fall Frenzy
We just received notification of the classes that we are scheduled to teach this Fall at the Christian University (UDG). Classes begin on Monday, September 4 and we arrive the following day. That does not give us much time to get resettled and our materials prepared. Jo Ann will be teaching English and Rich will be teaching Evangelism for different target audiences for both Russian and Romanian speaking students as well as another course in Discipleship.
The start of the next phase of the Institute of Church Planting (ICP) has not been scheduled yet, but we are hoping to begin classes perhaps by the middle of September. There are two teaching locations already established and a possibility of a third center for training church planters opening. Please continue to pray for us as we work together with our Moldovan partner, Eduard, and also our ABWE colleagues, Bill and Denise Braun.
Falling Forward - Back to School
A few months ago, Rich was led to begin studying a Master of Biblical Studies program at Redemption Seminary which is closely connected to Logos Bible Software. The studies are challenging and refreshing. It is so helpful to keep the biblical skills sharp and up to date by reading and studying contemporary scholars and interacting with his chosen mentor from the seminary faculty. He just completed New Testament Theology and is now taking Old Testament Theology. Please pray as Rich continues to study God's Word in a formal academic setting while at the same time making disciples in Moldova at UDG and the ICP.
Finally
The Lord had a reason for extending our "short" trip back to the US. We have been greatly blessed as the church we attend here in Pennsylvania, Grace Baptist, smothered us with love and support in so many ways. We didn't have to cook for weeks as friends kept bringing meals for us while Jo Ann was confined to bed. It has been wonderful to reconnect with family and friends during this time. We thank the Lord for His perfect plan and we thank each of you for your timely prayers and generous financial support. Please continue to pray for us as the next couple of months are going to be challenging and we are scheduled to fly back to Europe in less than two weeks.