Hughes News #57



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,
 
We have been encouraged by some of the recent opportunities to minister:
 
• In the last few weeks at the Romanian Bible study, it has been neat to see C., a nine year old boy, voluntarily sit with us and read along as David teaches.  Although the original intent was to minister to his mother and grandmother, I believe the Lord wants to work in his heart as well.
 
• After being very standoffish at first, O. opened up to us when we visited her recently.  It seems that she is a believer who drifted away from the Lord after the former Baptist church closed.
 
• In our last conversation M. asked, “How then does a person become a child of God?”  While she appears to have a genuine desire for God, she has not had someone to come alongside and patiently answer her questions.
 
• Last week one of our neighbors accepted our invitation for a snack, tea and a chat with us.  We pray that further visits will allow us to explain the Gospel to both her and her husband.
 
• Sunday we had our first visitor to a service.  J. is in Moldova while her husband helps repair the road to Soroca.  We hope to encourage her in the Lord for the duration of their stay.
 
Would you go to the Lord on our behalf and on behalf of these dear souls?
 
As expected, we received our two-year residency permits last week.  Today when I stopped by the Grosses house, grout was being added to the tile.  Within a few days they should be ready to begin living on the first floor.  Last month I found a place to play basketball.  I love playing the game, but I also want the Lord to minister to the other players through me.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. The individuals to whom we are seeking to minister
2. Final details of first floor at our coworkers’ home
3. Further understanding of and ability in Russian
 
For Praise:
1. Opportunities for discussions of spiritual things
2. Our first visitor to a Sunday service
3. Residency permits now in hand


Hughes News #56



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,
 
Throughout the last couple months we helped our coworkers with the work in their house.  When they are able to move down there from the unfinished second floor (Lord-willing this month), it will give more comfortable surroundings for them and more room for others to meet with us.
 
Last update we mentioned the resubmission of documents for residency.  With the applications being accepted, we should receive our two year permits later this month.
 
Jacob is continuing to preach in Russian on Sundays.  The Sunday evening Romanian Bible study with David’s neighbor has given many opportunities to explain the Gospel.  However the Russian study has halted until we are able to reestablish contact with the lady.  With this stage of house construction coming to a close, we will be giving more time to sharing God’s Word.
 
Recently Viola has had several ladies stop her and begin conversations for various reasons.  Usually at these times she is able to share our purpose for coming to Soroca.  These chats have also aided our understanding of people here.  When Viola told one lady that we pray only to Jesus and do not pray to icons (pictures of “saints”), the lady responded by telling her that to not pray to them is sin.  People certainly have a religion here, but sadly it is not one that is based on God’s revealed Word.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. Grosses to be able to move downstairs soon
2. Holy Spirit to work through the Bible studies
3. Further opportunities to plant and water
 
For Praise:
1. Jacob’s progress in preaching in Russian
2. Viola’s opportunities to speak to women
3. Permission from government to be here two more years 


Hughes News #55



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends, 
 
Our main activity during the month of August was construction at the Grosses house.  Looking forward, there is still much to do, yet when looking back, we realize how much the Lord has helped us to accomplish.  New experiences for us have included working with metal studs, installing a septic system, laying rebar, and mixing concrete.  The next two months we hope to help get their house winterized and finish the first floor.
 
We have been able to continue with the Bible study I have been leading.  For now we are giving an overview of the Bible, bringing out truths about salvation as often as possible.  Please pray for G and for us as we share God’s Word with her.
 
Up to now it has just been our two families meeting together on Sundays.  Lord-willing, soon others who are interested will be able to join us.  Anticipating that, I have been preaching in Russian on Sundays and David in Romanian.  These few weeks have given me good practice for when others meet together with us.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. Construction work on the Grosses house
2. Holy Spirit to work through the Bible studies
3. Renewal of residency documents in September
 
For Praise:
1. A few construction projects behind us
2. Encouragement in Russian after some frustrating moments
3. Some more contact with our neighbors 

Embracing Obscurity- Chapter 5

(A few friends and I are reading this book together. Each week we are reading one chapter. On Fridays, I am posting my comments, then giving them 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 5: Embracing True Success

- I know my view of success has been wrong in this aspect: I know that integrity is more important than the visible things the world considers "success," but I know I tend to think that if I have integrity, that other "success" will come.  I am thankful for the reminder of what God considers success.

- The section about craving for material things (starting on page 77) had some good soul-searching material in it.  I find it hard to apply the principles without swinging to another extreme- do I never have a tv? must I buy the absolute cheapest cell phone? should we get rid of one of our computers and just share?  I agree with what this section discussed, it just is difficult for me to apply it.  I'd appreciate feedback on how you sort through this.
 
- Being in Moldova where I can more readily see the poor, this phrase stuck out: "How many of us ignore the poor daily and instead wall ourselves into our relative castles, nestled in sanitized suburban neighborhoods?" (Page 82)  It made me consider how I can be more attentive and how I can better help those around me.

- "Job's 'success' was loving the things of the Father, rather than trying to replace Him with the things of the world." (Page 82)

- In the section entitled "Wrestling with Success" I appreciated these thoughts: "The struggle to define what integrity, goodness, and fearing God demand in any given situation is part of the great tension and triumph of the Christian life. . . Without detailed, personalized instructions, the best thing we can do is wrestle with our consciences, with God's Word, and with the Holy Spirit in these matters." (Page 86)  It is encouraging to know that others come across situations in which it is difficult to discern what decisions to make and in which they must struggle to determine what to do.  May I not desire the easy way out, but embrace that struggle that comes with difficult situations.

- I loved the following paragraph: "You want to be successful? If you live comfortably, share what you have.  If you have a spouse, serve him or her sacrificially.  If your home is filled with the clamor and clutter of children, savor the monumental challenge of raising them.  If others follow you, point them to Christ.  If you are given accolades, receive them humbly.  Love and serve the people around you.  Walk well through the inevitable sufferings of life.  Live your life worth of the gospel of Christ.  This is true success." (Page 89)

I've had my say, what say you?

Discussion on Chapter 4
Discussion on Chapter 6

Hughes News #54



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

 

A month ago today we moved to Soroca.  We are comfortably settled into our apartment other than the occasional problem that accompanies any home.  Our mailing address is the following:

 

HUGHES Jacob and Viola

st. Viilor, nr. 19, ap. 39

MD-3005 SOROCA
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

EUROPE

Using the order we have listed will give letters the best chance to make it to our mailbox.

 

Much of our time the last couple of weeks has been spent working with our coworkers on their home.  That should continue throughout August as our projects include the septic system, the Styrofoam insulation on the outside of the house and the rooms on the first floor.  As you think of us, we ask that you would pray for wisdom.  First, David and Stephanie need the Lord’s direction as they make decisions about the house.  Second, we inexperienced construction workers need wisdom as we undertake new tasks and learn new skills.

 

Ministry to this point has consisted of our two families meeting together on Sundays and a pair of Bible studies.  A couple of weeks ago I began joining David for a Bible study he is leading with a neighbor “N” and her adult daughter “S.”  I will be leading the other Bible study with a lady “G” but we have struggled to find a consistent day when we can visit her.  The work on the house is important for ministry because we have already had two people express interest in joining us on Sundays.  Since we are planning to begin the church plant in the Grosses home, further progress on the house will give sufficient space for others to come.

 

In His service,

Jacob and Viola Hughes

 

For Prayer:

1. Progress to be made on the first floor of the Grosses home

2. Jacob as he begins preaching in Russian every Sunday

3. Grace to balance physical labor on house and ministry

 

For Praise:

1. Areas at Grosses house that are beginning to look like rooms

2. Furniture purchased and settling in completed

3. Bible studies with N, S, and G

If you are looking for a printable version of this update, here is your link.

Hughes News #53



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,
 
Our trip back to Eastern Europe was one of the better ones we have had.  The flight itinerary worked well and we arrived with all our luggage.  It took a little longer than previous times for our bodies to realize that we had changed time zones but they eventually figured it out.  This being our first furlough we wondered how our Russian would be.  We found that while some fringe elements of the language have drifted and need review, some of the core ideas seem to have actually sunk deeper into our understanding.  We still have a lot to learn, but there are not large volumes to relearn.
 
Through an acquaintance of an acquaintance of a friend, we were able to find an apartment to rent for the next few months.  We moved July 1^st, and I could fill the rest of the page describing the little blessings from God’s hand throughout the day as all of the necessary details came together.  Although we know where we live, we are unsure about our address.  We will include that in our next update.
 
The task at hand is unpacking our totes, boxes and luggage and settling into our apartment.  With a couple more days’ work, things should be pretty well under control.  After that we will give as much time as we can to help David and Stephanie with the work on their house.  Our two families will be meeting together on Sundays and we will lead Bible studies as we find interested people.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. Progress to be made on the first floor of the Grosses home
2. Opportunities to witness while working on the house
3. N. and S.- ladies with whom David has been doing a Bible study
 
For Praise:
1. A very good trip coming back to Moldova
2. Continued functionality in Russian
3. An apartment to call home in Soroca

Hughes News #52



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

 

As our time in the States concludes, we look back at what has been a whirlwind of a furlough:

    -We covered 22,000 miles, just three thousand miles short of the circumference of the earth.

    -We traveled through 29 of our states and 3 Canadian provinces.

    -Our farthest points were in southern California, southern Florida and Newfoundland.

 
As we reflect on the past six months, we are reminded that a furlough, like anything else in life, has its blessings and difficulties.  One such difficulty is the volume of time on the road.  If we averaged 60/mph, we spent 367 hours in our car, or half a month just sitting in a vehicle!  One such blessing is the sweet fellowship with friends who are serving the Lord all over the country.  Another is the thoughtfulness and encouragement of our supporting churches.
 
Our flight is scheduled to take off from Chicago in the evening of June 19^th.  In the next couple of weeks we will be finalizing plans for our first few days in Moldova.  Shortly after arriving, we will look for a place to rent short-term in Soroca.
 
After settling in our rental, much of our time will be dedicated to helping our coworkers finish the first floor of their home.  As much as we want to finish the work quickly, we do not want to overlook opportunities to build relationships or to share the Gospel in the process.  Please pray that we would be sensitive to God’s leading, knowing when to work and when to take time to speak with others.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 
For Prayer:
1. Us to find a place to rent in Soroca
2. The first floor of the Grosses home to be ready by August
3. Us to recognize opportunities to witness while busily working

 

For Praise:

1. Additional time with family before flying back

2. Calm still in Moldova in view of the continuing conflict in Ukraine

3. Financial provision: more supporters and generous love offerings

Hughes News #51



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,        
 
When planning our time back in the States, six months sounded like a long time to be away from Moldova.  However, the time has passed very quickly and we are already more than halfway through our first furlough.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with family and friends.  Viola puts it this way: when she was in Moldova, she did not feel lonely, but now she feels that her “fellowship tank” has been filled.
 
Our primary focus has been to visit our supporting churches, explaining to them what we have done in our time on the field and what our plans are after returning.  In addition, we have presented our ministry in five new churches.  In March, Jacob and David Gross attended a Reformer’s Unanimous training conference.  It was a blessing to see this ministry’s reliance on Jesus Christ to change lives and its focus on discipling people.  Also last month we were able to attend several services at Ambassador Baptist College’s Bible conference.  The preaching was challenging yet comforting and we were able to spend time with many friends.
  
Several have asked if the situation in Ukraine has affected or will affect us.  So far we have not heard anything that would keep us from returning to Moldova in June.  We would appreciate your prayers for God to work in Moldova, for we know He can work amidst either turmoil or peace.
 
In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes
 

For Prayer:

1. God to use us in our furlough meetings
2. God to prepare us for ministry in Soroca
3. Continued safety while traveling           
 

For Praise:

1. Many miles traveled without incident

2. The encouragement of being with churches, family and friends

3. Our coworkers, the Gross family, back safely in Moldova

Hughes News #50



"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

 
Dear Friends,

Our last few weeks in Moldova filled up quickly as we prepared for furlough.  We packed up our belongings and left them in a room at the church building.  We are thankful for a storage area that is warm, dry, secure and free!  The last few days were bittersweet as we finished Russian lessons and said goodbye to friends.  God greatly blessed us through these relationships during our time in Chisinau.

In the last couple updates we wrote of an unspecified need for furlough.  That request was for a vehicle.  A friend was searching for us and in perfect timing, the Lord led him to a car that matched each of our desires.  As a pleasantly surprising bonus, we paid about $1500 less than we had budgeted!

The journey back to the States was very enjoyable.  We both agreed that it was the best itinerary we have had thus far.  We visited with Jacob’s family in Illinois a few days before spending Christmas with Viola’s family in Oklahoma.  It will not surprise you that the time has been very special to us.

Our furlough meetings began Sunday night here in Oklahoma.  Starting this upcoming weekend we have a very full schedule with many miles to travel.  This is certainly normal for a furlough, but we would appreciate your prayers for safety.  Please pray also that God would use us in people’s lives during our meetings.

In His service,
Jacob and Viola Hughes

For Prayer:
1. Safety while traveling
2. God to use us in our furlough meetings
3. God to prepare us for ministry in Soroca

For Praise:
1. Good last few weeks in Moldova and a safe return to the States
2. A car for furlough!!
3. Time with family around Christmas