Philemon 1:3 - “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!”
In the midst of this global crisis, with no precedent in our lifetime, we greet you with peace! In the middle of so much tragedy, human loss, fear, and confusion, God is in control of all things.
Many people are overcome by fear: fear of death, fear of financial loss, fear for the health and future of their families. We as people of faith ought not to be so.
John 10:10- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Perhaps it is difficult in such as times as these to fully understand the meaning of abundant life, but Jesus wants us to know that in having Him we have everything. This is a time when our faith is tested.
Proverbs 3:5 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
GOD IS IN CONTROL
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has affected us in a way we did not foresee just a short time ago. We had tickets to come to Romania on March 23rd. We planned a full summer of several short-term mission trips with different teams. These USA teams planned a variety of ministries to work hand-in-hand with our national missionaries in June and July.
In March we were looking forward to our PIE Annual Retreat with our missionaries and their families. This event is cherished by all. Last year the retreat was such a blessing. We met for three days at the PIE Center in Alba Iulia and also in the surrounding area of outreach ministry.
This year especially Gabi met a group of ladies at a Bible study in Florida that were very generous in giving and making some beautiful items for the missionaries’ wives and also donating some chocolates and other household items. We were excited to have this special time to encourage one another and enjoy a sweet time of fellowship. We came together as a group of ordinary people serving an extraordinary God.
This summer we had plans for both June and July. We know that some of you were signed up to go, perhaps for the first time, feel disappointed. Do not let the enemy bring that disappointment into your heart. Remember that God is sovereign, and reigns over all things.
Colossians 1:15-17- “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
We are perplexed that we do not understand why God has allowed this to happen, and on a global scale. We also acknowledge that our ways are not His ways, and we do not see the big picture as God sees it. It is most possible that our full summer plans are going to be cancelled, because God has other plans for us. Perhaps He desires for us to have a travel sabbatical so that we rest more, spend more time in His word, be more a Mary than a Martha, because He is preparing us for something exciting that is yet to come. Pray with us that we can encourage the missionaries to stay strong and courageous, and for God’s protection upon each family.
HOPE
John 14:1 -“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
We celebrated Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, in unique ways, the majority of us being at home, watching a service online, and having fellowship with one another on some type of social media. The best way to celebrate remembers what God’s Word tells us that Jesus has done for us. The majority of our missionaries will observe Easter next Sunday. So this week begins Holy Week for them.
The missionaries are also facing uncertain times. Pray that in spite of massive loss of jobs everywhere that the Lord will provide for their financial needs and carry them through this difficult time. Remember them in our prayers as we spend more time talking with our Heavenly Father. Some of them are going through physical needs, others through various other hardships. May the Lord be gracious toward each of them, protect them for His glory and for His kingdom’s sake. Take some time to look over their pictures, their names, their stories, and thank the Lord for calling them to serve Him.
We also are thanking the Lord for each of you faithful servants, our partners in ministry, brothers and sisters in the Lord, as we serve together to glorify our Risen Lord.
Cornel and Gabriela Stef- Chairman for Romania ministry
