Hughes News #103

 

"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

 

Dear Friends, 

 

On April 4, we got word that a faithful member of the church in Bulboci, Ilie (Elijah), passed away.  After being saved as an adult, he had a strong desire to know God’s Word.  His attentiveness to the Bible was displayed in the many discussions in which he quoted a verse or referred to one by chapter and verse, even when he was in his early 80’s.  His family respected his wishes and allowed David and I to lead the funeral and exclude the Orthodox traditions that are contrary to Biblical teaching.  While we rejoice over his testimony, his death means one fewer witness in his village of Zgurita. 

 

 

Last month we attended a retreat organized by our missions' agency for its European missionaries.  We were challenged and uplifted by the preaching and encouraged by the other sessions.  We also greatly enjoyed spending time with the others who came to the retreat.  It was a blessing to set aside work for a few days and be ministered to. 

  

On the last Sunday of April we watched as Daniel and Ana Gross were baptized.  They had each expressed some interest in the past, but that was rekindled when we were planning for Victor’s baptism in March.  The timing worked out that their grandparents were visiting and Stephanie’s dad preached one of the messages.  This special day allowed us an opportunity to again emphasize Gospel truths to those who have not yet been saved but regularly attend services. 

 

  

We usually celebrate the resurrection a week or two after you do in the States.  This year there was a bigger difference – ours was five weeks later, on May 5.  We had special things in each service and a meal with each group (breakfast in Soroca, early supper in Bulboci).  The following Friday we had an Easter outreach program in Bulboci.  While attendance was lower than previous events, we were glad to have two adults join us and participate and to be given permission to use the library.  I wouldn’t say that everything is resolved in that situation, but I am hopeful we will be able to use that location for VBS this summer. 

 

Easter Meal in Bulboci

 

Easter outreach at the library in Bulboci

A week ago we picked up our renewed residency permits.  Because of waiting on someone else’s scheduling, there were a couple of weeks in which our car’s registration was expired (we have temporary registration that is connected to our residency permits).  Yesterday I was able to finish the registration process, so we are behind the wheel again.  Each time, it is a relief to get those things behind us.  Regarding our desire to obtain citizenship, it felt like we made one step forward … and a couple steps back.  Our US background checks are on their way to us, and we signed a contract with an agency to walk us through the process, but we found out there is more to do than we were originally told.  We want to give time to this to get our part done, but we don’t want to neglect other responsibilities in doing so.  We’d appreciate your prayers as we prioritize work, especially in June as we try to prepare documents for citizenship, plan for VBS and do some construction projects on our house.

 

In His service,

Jacob & Viola Hughes

 

For Prayer:

1. Work on house / property in June

2. VBS - planning in June, 3 weeks of activities in July

3. Progress with obtaining Moldovan citizenship

 

For Praise: 

1. Encouraging retreat with All Points Baptist Mission

2. Baptism of Daniel and Ana Gross

3. Residency permits renewed for another year