Hughes News #30

Dear Friends,

Often the assistance of hindsight allows us to better perceive God’s care for us.  Acquiring our residency permits this week has reminded us of His providence in our lives.

When we arrived here in August, we were not completely sure how we would apply for residency.  A couple of weeks after making our decision we began the lengthy process.  On the day our tourist visas were to expire, we received an eagerly awaited call from our lawyer.  That day we went to a government office where they took our pictures and finished the last few details.  Several days later, we picked up the anticipated permits!  Looking back, we see that we should have started the application process sooner than we did.  It is a comfort and a reassurance to know that our Savior is in charge of our lives.  He has worked things out and will continue to do so despite our ignorance and imperfections.

This past month we began attending a Moldovan church that is very near our apartment.  The services throughout the week will provide more occasions to immerse ourselves in the language.  Just as important, or maybe more so, are the believers with whom we will be able to fellowship and from whom we can learn much.

Prayer Requests:                                               
1. For us to make steady progress in Russian 
2. For a family to work with us here             
3. For opportunities to witness as we can     

Praises:

1. We have our one year residency permits!

2. We found a Moldovan church to attend!

3. Шаг за шагом (step by step) progress!

In His service,
Jacob & Viola

“Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes.”

Hughes News #29

Dear Friends, 

After being “homeless” for a little over two years, we again have a place to call home!  The Lord has provided us a two-bedroom furnished apartment in a convenient location.  The apartment is in good condition and the rent is very reasonable.  (Our new Moldovan address is listed at the top of the page.)  In the grand scheme of things, we realize that an apartment is of little importance.  However, it is yet another instance in which God has supplied for us and has reassured us that this is His work and that He will continue to care for us!

In our September update, we mentioned gathering paperwork in preparation for our residency application.  Despite a couple of minor problems, we were able to obtain the necessary documents and our lawyer has submitted them to the government.  With that accomplished, we simply wait to hear if we will receive the one-year living permits.

The major obstacle that keeps us from ministering right now is our deficiency in the language.  Fumbling around when trying to talk to someone, watching people crumple tracts and throw them on the ground, having Jehovah’s Witnesses talk to us on the street and at our door, observing the grief on the faces of those in a funeral procession−each of these in its own way reminds us of the need and motivates us to study Russian.

Prayer Requests:                                               
1. For God’s wisdom concerning a decision

2. For Moldova to grant us living permits    

3. For us to continue to progress in Russian  

Praises:

1. All of our totes have arrived in the mail!

2. We finished our application for residency!

3. We have settled in an apartment!

In His service,

Jacob & Viola

“Tie your shoes and pray for the Hughes.”