Hughes News #62



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

We went back to the States at the end of July and spent five weeks there.  The primary reason for our visit was to be with Jacob’s parents as they celebrated their 50^th anniversary.  We are both privileged to have parents who love our Savior.  While back, we were able to spend time with family and make lasting memories.
 

At Jacob's parents' vow renewal

 
The time back in the States allowed us to attend our missions agency’s training week.  Chapel messages challenged our hearts, classes provided support and insight and interaction with other missionaries uplifted us.  Families in a supporting church kindly housed us and provided a vehicle for our use while in Ohio.

Since we were not able to obtain the required permission for our outreach to families, we will save that idea for next summer.  Our fall plans include starting a kids’ Bible club and English lessons, expanding the Sunday evening Bible study to include more people and searching for a meeting place to rent.

Twice David and I have chatted with “A.”  He has expressed interest in coming to a service.  Last Thursday was the first time “L” visited the Bible study.  She gave testimony of salvation and told us she is glad we are here.  David and I gave “G” a ride back into Soroca.  Nine years ago he heard the Gospel at a Christian camp- the same camp where David worked that summer.  We hope he will talk with us more.  Either right now or sometime this week, would you take time to pray specifically for these individuals and for us as we seek to minister to them?

In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes

For Prayer:
1. Plans for starting a Bible club this fall
2. That teaching English would bring witnessing opportunities
3. The lost to be saved and believers to be encouraged

For Praise:
1. Trip to the States for Hughes 50^th anniversary
2. A week of blessings at our missions agency’s training week
3. New contacts we have met

Hughes News #61



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

June 7th was a memorable day as we witnessed two souls receive believer’s baptism.  The first was Abby, our coworkers’ daugher.  The second was Jeanet or “J” in previous updates.  Jeanet came to saving faith several years ago, but had not yet been baptized.  The management of a hotel allowed us to use their pool and refused to take money for the event.  The day also included singing, a charge to those being baptized, gifts, another message and the Lord’s Supper.  Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch together at a local restaurant.  An added blessing was that the weather was perfect!  For me, the highlight of the day was hearing Jeanet give her testimony and seeing the emotion in her eyes as she shared with us God’s work in her life.  We want to hear many such testimonies in the years ahead!

Jeanet giving her testimony before the baptism

 
Recently Viola finished leading the ladies’ study through Ephesians.  They may begin another study in a few weeks.  Last week, a group from our coworkers’ sending church was here to help with construction on their house.  Both that week and the one prior were filled with various construction projects.  As it turned out, I spent a large amount of that time helping tile the bathroom.

Also last week, we held a three day VBS in David’s neighborhood with the help of a couple from the group.  Viola organized and led the crafts, I planned the games and David preached the lessons.  The crafts, memory verses, and lessons all focused on the Word of God.  On the last day, we presented each child with his own copy of Scripture.  We would like to begin a Bible club or something with these children in order to have the opportunity to continue to influence them.

David teaching the lesson the first day of VBS

 
We will be specifically reaching out to families in Soroca each Friday evening in July.  We want to provide them with activities they can do together and point them to God’s principles regarding families.  We are praying for more contacts and opportunities to minister to people’s lives.

In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes

For Prayer:
1. Follow up with VBS children/possible plans for a Bible club
2. Outreach to families in July
3. The Holy Spirit to bring understanding, conviction, salvation

For Praise:
1. An encouraging visit from our agency’s director and his wife
2. A wonderful day for Jeanet and Abby’s baptism
3. Help from the group and resulting ministry opportunities
4. Good results from our first VBS

Embracing Obscurity- Chapter 10

(A few friends and I began reading this book together. After dropping it for over a year, I am endeavoring to finish it.  After reading a chapter, I am posting my comments, then giving my friends the opportunity to add their thoughts as well. If you would like to join us or simply find out more about the book, you can read about it here.)
 
Chapter 10: Embracing Hope
- I would summarize this final chapter by saying that the author calls for the reader to consider the eternal rewards that accompany embracing obscurity in this life.  He shows that desiring rewards and working for them are not wrong, provided it is future and not present rewards that we seek.
 
- The author discusses a couple of passages that discuss Jesus' rewards He earned through His suffering.  He comes to the conclustion that "He didn't have to choose rewardless suffering, and neither do we." (Page 167)
 
- There are several wonderful things (rewards, we could say) that await us in heaven.  The author is convinced that there are even more because: 1) He feels God could not convey everything to fallen man and 2) He is convinced that God loves to surprise and has some special things for us.
 
- The idea of embracing obscurity in this life only makes sense when we place higher priority on the life to come.
 
- The author asks, "Will you walk worthy of the glorious gospel- even if no one ever knows your name?"  (Page 173)  I want to walk that way.  May the Lord help me!
 
I've had my say, what say you?
Discussion on Chapter 9