"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” "For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
– Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10
Dear Family and Friends,
It is a wonderful time of year, to be able to observe both Thanksgiving and Christmas within just a few weeks of each other. Moments when we can reflect in gratefulness for all that the Lord has done in our lives, as well as celebrate the joy of God sending this dark world a light, His Son Jesus, the greatest gift we could ever possibly receive.
We are grateful that God has chosen to still call us and use our family as fellow workers in His Kingdom here in Romania; and it is with joy that we share with you some of the ways God has been at work around us, as well as some prayer requests.
It has now been five years since we began working with a pastor from our local area, Pastor Nelu, who for many years, has overseen several rural churches. People are needed to serve and be present there, and to encourage, pray, and teach the Word of God. We go where the pastor has need of us on any particular Sunday. It has been a privilege to be able to work with Pastor Nelu more frequently this year, which has allowed us to be with the brothers and sisters on a more regular basis, and for our friendships and fellowships there to deepen over time. Something that always speaks to our hearts in these village churches is how welcoming and grateful the people are; no matter what problems they may be facing, they still have joy, they hunger for God’s Word, and they love to be together with other believers!
It was also a great blessing to be able to be involved with several different camps and outreach opportunities this year. There was one in May, two in July, and one in August, and a number of us were able to serve in varying capacities at each one, such as cooking in the kitchen or doing cleanup, or helping to organize the programs and translate. Our three youngest ones (Nehemiah, Jonathan and Timothy) were thrilled to be able to participate in two of the camps. Three of our older kids (Ammi, Elijah and Jeremiah) even went to one of the camps a few days early to help in a major cleanup after some serious flooding!
There has been changes for us this year as well as far as our family is concerned. Our three oldest children have gone to the United States for the present, to see what God may have for them there. Joseph went in early March, and was joined in late July by Ammi and Elijah. It is a time of change for us as parents and for the other children that remain here in Romania with us. We know God has all things in His hands, and we are excited to see how He will lead our children. One way we have seen is that God has led our oldest son Joseph to his future wife; he and Priscilla are now engaged!
Each day that we are here is a blessing and a reminder of God’s unfailing providence. It is encouraging to see that God is still at work all around us – whether through the hunger of believers to hear the Word of God, or the wonder of children playing and learning at a camp. God is still speaking, and calling people to Himself!
Prayer Requests
We are grateful to have family and friends such as you alongside us; your encouragement is invaluable to us, and so are your prayers. Prayer is the most important thing that you can be involved in for us. We know there are many of you who have been faithful in your prayers for our family and ministry. Thank you; and remember that prayer moves the hand that moves the world!
Here are some current prayer requests that you can bring before the Lord:
>> We ask for prayer for Pastor Nelu, the pastor we are now working with: he still struggles with some health issues, and even had a recent cataract operation. Please pray that God would give him healing and health, as well as encouragement.
>> Please continue to pray for our family; we are praying that God will continue to use this time of working together with Pastor Nelu and various missionary families as great opportunities to encourage, share the Word of God, and build the Kingdom of God. Pray that we would be open to new ministry opportunities as they arise.
>> We would also ask prayer for our children. The older ones especially: Joseph, nearly 23; Ammi, nearly 21; Elijah, nearly 20; and Jeremiah, nearly 18. Prayer for wisdom in their lives and seeking God as they explore what He has for their lives.
>> Finally, we ask you to keep the believers in Romania in your prayers; pray for continued desire to know God and His Word more, for encouragement, and for the blessing of fellowship. Pray also that God will bring more workers for His Kingdom.
May God bless each of you in a special way as we all celebrate with joy the birth of the King of Kings!
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." – Isaiah 9:6
Andrew & Geta Roby and kids: Joseph, Ammishaddai, Elijah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Jonathan, Timothy
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