Hughes News #63

"Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes"

Dear Friends,

The response we received from the village council regarding our request to do a Bible club was not what we wanted.  The letter stated that they did not have a place for us to use, therefore we could not continue with our plans.  We wanted to hold the club in our coworkers’ neighborhood in order to follow up with kids that came to our VBS.  The two possibilities we see now are: 1) begin the club at our coworkers’ house once more space is available, or 2) begin it at our new meeting place.

In September, David and I looked at several locations as possible rentals for our weekly services.  Near the middle of October we decided on a place, signed the contract and began getting it ready for use.  After considering options for flooring (the only work that needed to be done), we decided on tile.  We paid for it and laid the tile ourselves, and our landlords are letting our expenses go towards our rent (not a given here).  We got enough of the tiling done to have our first service there on November 1 and finished this week.

The work is begun!

Our rental has one big room, a smaller one about one fourth the size, and a tiny bathroom.  Right now we have Sunday morning and Thursday evening services at the new location and Sunday evening Bible study at our coworkers’ home.  With having the rental, we can plan future ministries/outreaches without needing to find a location for each event.  We view the space as a tool- one we pray God will use to work in the hearts of individuals here in Soroca.

With the Grosses after a Sunday morning service

In His service,

Jacob and Viola Hughes

For Prayer:

1. The Lord would use our meeting place for His glory
2. Decisions about a Bible club and English lessons
3. The lost to be saved and believers to be encouraged

For Praise:

1. A helpful team retreat in October

2. Finding a storefront rental for our services

3. Accommodating landlords

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