Hughes News #93

 

"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

 

Dear Friends, 

 

Greetings from Soroca!  Furlough was wonderful, but it is so good to be back in our little corner of the world!  Reporting to two churches, Viola speaking at a ladies’ Bible study and I preaching at a pastor’s fellowship finished our ministry in the States.  There were also special moments with family before we left: our nephew and niece’s music festival, attending a play, family movies from the 1950s, as well as not quite as interesting but helpful tasks- shopping, eye appointments, packing, etc. 

 

With the fighting in Ukraine, we wondered if we would have to delay our return, but very quickly the Lord settled in each of our hearts that we should head back.  The airline changed our tickets to Romania at no charge.  Our flights went well and we spent a night in Iasi before crossing the border into Moldova.  Our coworker drove us to the border where another missionary friend met us and brought us into the country.  Other friends have given us the use of their car for the time being.  Jet lag is usually more noticeable going east, but this may have been the easiest overall transition that we have experienced.  We thank the Lord for His care – within each of these stories are little details where we saw God’s goodness and that were an encouragement to us!

 

We have enjoyed reconnecting with several acquaintances whom the Lord has allowed us to bump into while out and about in the city.  It was also a blessing to both us and our people as we returned to services in Soroca and Bulboci.  On Tuesday we visited the director and kids at the children’s center.  We left with a heavy burden on our hearts after hearing of some of the kids’ struggles.  Please pray for God to work in their lives.  From a social worker, we found out that there are about 350 Ukrainian refugees in Soroca.  With her help and gifts from the States, we donated a small bag containing food items and toiletries to ten family units.  We offered Bibles and children’s Bibles and gave them an invitation to our services.  Although our time to interact was brief, they seemed to genuinely appreciate the gift.  Since there are others who have yet to receive material help, we plan to prepare some more packets to distribute as soon as we can.  Would you pray with us that the Lord will open more doors to minister to them physically and spiritually? 

 

In His service, 

Jacob and Viola Hughes 

 

For Prayer: 

1. Ukraine – the fighting to cease, refugees to find safety 

2. Big needs in the lives of the kids at the children’s center 

3. Ukrainians and former attendees to come to services in Soroca 

 

For Praise: 

1. Many blessings and memories from a wonderful furlough 

2. The Lord’s direction and care in getting us back to Moldova 

3. Good first services and seeing several acquaintances