Hughes News #105

 

 

"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

 

Dear Friends,

 

It may surprise you to find out that this letter is being written in the United States.  We had been planning this trip for several months, but hadn’t announced it publicly as we wanted to surprise our parents.  First, we showed up for Jacob’s dad’s 85th birthday.  Once we were in the States, we let Viola’s mom know that we’d be visiting her for a few weeks as well, but we didn’t tell her about the week planned with all her kids and grandkids.  The lead up to the events was stressful at times – as we did our best to keep from ruining the surprises!

 

 

 

 

The Lord’s work in our parents’ lives has greatly influenced our relationship with Jesus Christ.  It was our goal to have some focused time with our parents while they are in relatively good health.  We wanted to honor them as best as we could for all that they have done for us.  We are thankful that the Lord made this trip possible and that our coworkers could continue the work in Moldova.  In addition to the parties and family time, we tried to help out as we could – painting, moving furniture, yard work, going through grandparents’ belongings, etc.  Through the weeks we have been able to participate in local church services as well.  Although we enjoy ministering, it has been a blessing to us to sit for a time and be fed by the preaching of the Word of God.  Our trip is coming to a close and we are scheduled to head back to Moldova on November 19.

 

While back in the States, we were able to get an added certification on Viola’s birth certificate that is necessary for our citizenship.  Since getting documents together has taken more time than expected, we also needed to redo our FBI background checks.  Those are ready to submit once we return to Moldova.  Hopefully, that will be the last we need to do and will be waiting for the government to decide.  We’d appreciate your prayers as we wait for that decision. 

 

In His service,

Jacob and Viola Hughes

 

For Prayer:

1. Upcoming ministry decisions 

2. Individuals who made decisions while we were gone 

3. Citizenship application

 

For Praise:

1. The opportunity to visit (and surprise) our parents

2. Time with each of our families

3. Returning to Moldova next week

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

Hughes News #102

"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

 

Dear Friends,

 

Last month began with a very special event – the baptism of Victor Catlabuga.  This man, in his 70s, began coming regularly to services with those from Visoca at the beginning of 2023.  Through the influence of the believers there, Victor came to profess Christ as his Savior and expressed to us his desire to be baptized.  It was a blessing to me seeing a man, a man in the later years of his life, take this step.  Our entire service was focused on the event and afterwards we shared a meal with everyone present.  Rejoice with us in the Lord’s working in Victor’s life and pray for him as he continues to grow!  An added blessing is that others have expressed interest in baptism.  We are discussing with them and hope to move forward with them soon.

 

Jacob, Victor and David

 

In many European countries March 8 is celebrated as Women’s Day.  While not all believers here recognize the day, we have used it to have an outreach for women.  This year we were able to stagger our events so that Viola could attend each.  A lady in the Bulboci church headed up the event there, allowing Viola to participate without having to lead it.  There were 26 ladies total, with several who came for the first time.  We held the program in Soroca on Saturday, March 9.  The theme was “Taste and See that the Lord is Good.”  In addition to the missionaries and the ladies who often come to services, there were several visitors, including two from English classes and one of our neighbors.  We were really pleased with how everything went.

  

Ladies' Outreach in Soroca

In our last letter we mentioned the Bible study in Visoca.  David and I split teaching duties and finished up that series in the middle of March.  You may remember us mentioning opposition in Bulboci – specifically with us using the library for children’s programs.  David has tried to get a final decision from the mayor, but things are still up in the air.  We are planning a program in the village during kids’ Easter break, but are unsure where it will be held.  We’d appreciate prayers for resolution to the situation and the Lord’s guidance if we need to hold future activities elsewhere.  

 

In His service,

Jacob and Viola Hughes

 

For Prayer: 

1. Upcoming baptism

2. Easter outreach and special services (first week of May)

3. Unresolved situation with library in Bulboci

 

For Praise:

1. Victor’s baptism

2. Good attendance and participation at ladies’ events 

3. Good finish to winter study in Visoca