A Glimpse at How Christ has "Refreshed the Memories, Strengthened the Hearts, and Renewed the Ministries" of Three Missionary Families during 2001

God Strengthens the Hearts of our Friends in Romania

The Marian Family

August marked a year since we began serving in Romania, working with mostly "special needs" orphan girls. During the summer we did VBS which we truly enjoyed, and yet because of the extra physical and emotional involvement, our whole family was exhausted and home sick. One particular morning, there was much wailing and crying in our apartment building, and we could hear it like it was in our own apartment; a 55 year old woman had killed herself and her children were mourning over the loss. This incident reminded us of the evil forces at work in this country. Almost feeling defeated in the spiritual battle, all we could do is pray silently for the poor family.

Just then, the mail man told us that we had a package, and Voicu rejoiced at the chance to run to the post office. It was a package from the FROG Club kids at our home church in Alliance, Ohio. Inside, there were books, tapes, peanut butter (which we can't find in Romania), beany babies, and letters of encouragement from kids and their teachers, who cared about us!

What we got that day was more precious than any earthly treasure. It was the expression of Christian love: it came from those we least expected, at a time we needed it the most.

Submitted by Voicu, Ana, Christina and John Marian Ministering in Sibiu, Romania

Vision of Four Generations of Mission Fields Brings Encouragement

Stu Reed

One of many times of encouragement occurred at our first Cross-Cultural Missions Conference. People from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras gathered in Soyapango, El Salvador in June. I attended as a missionary to Central America.

One purpose of this Conference was to enlarge the vision of the Central American Christians by encouraging them to "send out" their own missionaries to the newer mission field in Cambodia.

During this conference, we received word from the missionaries in Cambodia that there were several Cambodian brothers with a burden to go into Viet Nam to preach the Gospel. We were asked to pray for them and their safety in this enterprise for the Lord. Much time was spent in prayer for them over the next several days. And I was struck with a clear vision of how the Lord wants the Church to work.

Here I was as a missionary to Central America, meeting and praying with people who are preparing to send their first missionaries to the people of Cambodia, who are already gathering a vision for missions and sending people into a closed neighboring country! Four generations of mission sending in one vision of the Church Victorious! What a remarkable inspiration for me to see this and to be a small part of it as well!

Submitted by Stu Reed,
Missionary to Honduras and Guatemala

Observing Spiritual Growth in Filipino Women Renews Cindy Aufrance

The Aufrance Family

Stiffanie was a strong Christian when she came to Faith Fellowship, but since then has grown in depth and wisdom. She has taken up an increasing load in the ministry of the church and other ladies all respect her and see the qualities of Jesus evident in her life. About 6 months ago, she felt God calling her to enter Bible College when she returns to the Philippines to prepare for full-time ministry. One of my greatest joys has been studying the book of Philippians with her and seeing God minister truth in her Spirit. It is a marvelous privilege to see the Spirit reveal truth to her soul and then to see her act on that truth.

When Lina began meeting with me, she seemed to have a rather "halfhearted" interest in spiritual growth. Many times she would call and cancel our appointments. I felt the Lord wanted me not to make this an issue but continue to just keep the door open and spend more time praying for her. There was a period of time last summer when we could not meet because I was out of Hong Kong. When I returned she wanted to begin meeting again. I soon saw that something had changed and she had a new hunger for the Word, new desire to pray, and a willingness to meet regularly. God has proven Himself faithful and she has grown in her trust and faith. I am blessed just to see how she perseveres in a tough job situation and has found the Lord sufficient.

I have been the prayer facilitator for both Stiffanie and Lina as they have walked through the "Steps to Freedom" and continue to grow in that freedom. I know what John meant when he said: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (1 John 4) I have a discipler's heart so this puts fuel on the fire of my passion. I know I am the one receiving the blessing as I witness God working in them.

Submitted by Cindy Aufrance,
Missionary to Hong Kong