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