Romhelp

2007-03-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday and Sunday in Switzerland (speaking engagenments). Monday - a lady came by to inform me that she is interested in helping with organizational matters in the office. Showed her ware-house and explained procedures. Tuesday: The guys were in the ware-house as usual - a mission from near Frankfurt that handles our LATVIA transports came by for a discussion on how we could improve our co-operation. Wednesday and Thursday were office days, and nipped a little off of Maria's "honey-do" list.
Today we worked in the ware-house and did a pick-up run. Carlo (14) was a real help!

Lisa Leading Lady - for the 3rd year

2007-02-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

This evening Lisa will be part of the cast for the annual "Candle Light Dinner" produced and hosted by the Black Forest Academy here in Kandern.
It is a well designed and orchestrated evening emerging out of a play entitled: "Finding Everland" this year.

There will be a dinner, music by the staff and students of BFA as well as information sections.
The purpose is to expose BFA to the community and vice versa.

Will let you know how it went ....

Greek Orthodoxy In Romania

2007-02-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Superstition is one of inate human characteristics the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ overcomes!
The following report from a British Newspaper is but an illustration how religious traditional approaches only demonstrate again what can happen, when procedures outlined in Scripture are replaced by agenda!

The only purpose for releasing this report is to encourage all to uphold those working in Romania with your prayers, that the light of the Gospel will make way for the sufficiency of Christ through the sufficiency of the Bible in all matters of life!

From THE DAILY TELEGRAPH (London)
Priest and nuns jailed for crucifying novice
By Michael Leidig in Vaslui
Last Updated: 2:13am GMT 20/02/2007

An orthodox priest and four nuns were yesterday convicted of killing a young nun who they gagged and strapped to a crucifix during a five-day exorcism ritual in Romania.

Father Petru Corogeanu, who has been excommunicated by the Romanian OrthodoxChurch since the killing in 2005, was sentenced to 15 years. The nuns, who helped "guard" the novice, received lesser sentences. They all have 10 days to appeal or will have to begin their sentences.

The five accused told the court in Vaslui, eastern Romania, that they had performed an exorcism to help 23-year-old Irina Cornici, and pleaded not guilty to charges of illegally detaining a person against their will and causing their death.

Miss Cornici died of dehydration, exhaustion and suffocation after being kept locked in a room for five days at the Tanacu Monastery hanging on a cross with no water or food and a towel stuck in her mouth.

The accused said at the time that she had been possessed by Satan and that they had been compelled to carry out an exorcism.

It emerged after her death that Miss Cornici had been diagnosed as mentally ill.

R 121

2007-02-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we filled yet another truck for Romania. I forgot to take my camera - which I regretted.
This was Romania sortie number 121 (since 1990).

Our "silver league" (men over 60) came to load - and did a swift and professional job. NEVER underestimate the drive of senior citicens!
Timo (16) was the only younger member of our team - except the truck driver.

Even though loading went swift, he became very impatient, and tried to manouver this truck around mine - totally uneccessary! He oversaw a bolder protecting a hydrant - and sprung a hole in his 200 gallon gas tank!
So - we wasted about as much time fixing this problem as we neeed to load the truck!
All the same, ever since Romania has joined the European Community, the request from churches and mission groups for aid has at least doubled, even tripled!
So - y'all keep up the prayers for a full time ware-house person to replace "uncle Mark" - as he cannot pull that off!

More about the fine folks on the receiving end later.

Doris in the US

2007-02-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

We took Doris (17) to Frankfurt (Germany) to catch her plane to Indianapolis via Dallas (TX). Fortunately we purchased the "special assitance" package, as this is Doris's first time alone.
Immediately at the passport counter - she needed it! The German officer was upset that Doris - a dual citizent - only had her US passport along. She threw it accross the counter and became very belligernt. At this, the special assistant from US Air "blew her top" - and so you had to women going at eachother! Anyway, US Air won, and Doris was on her way! In Dallas she was grounded, as due to a snow blizzard, flights to Indianapolis had to be cancelled - so it was US Air that put Doris up for the night. Of course they have a room for these purposes - but it is equipped for kids about 10 years younger than Doris.
All the same- we were at rest knowing that someone was there making shure Doris will get a breakfast on catch the right plane at the right place and the right time! Seldom were 60$ so well invested!!

when it rains - it pours

2007-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

We had our first collection drive for clothing, shoes, household items etc. on Saturday. We were overwhelmed by the response - and now I am hoping and praying, that enough help will come tomorrow (Monday) to help pack from 3.00 - 10.00 pm!!

As my name and telefone number were in the newspaper advertising this drive, I fielded 54 inquiries!

Today I was invited to Switzerland to preach.
My grand-daughter Jana (3) who is staying with us came down with a bladder or urinary track infection. So this Sunday was quite eventfull!

battery problems

2007-02-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

I tried to start our truck, when I heard a strange noise and smelled something funny. I got out of the cab and saw a bunch of smoke up out of the battery bay.
The truck has a 24 Volt system running 2x 12Volt 88 amp batteries.
The connector cable had come loose on one side - and simply melt the battery pole down! In fact - there is a hole now where the pole used to be!!
I swapped an identical battery from our fork-truck and drove to the shop. They told me that I was fortunate that the battery did not explode!

So - the LORD allows some things to happen, and prevents other things from happening!!

(might want to remember that when you are prompted to want to ask: "Why, LORD?""

the three "wise men"

2007-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today, Peter, Gerhard and myself finished the recommondation for the session of a church that had called on us to mediate and solve some serious problems in their leadership.
The problems came to surface last summer. Peter had a serious accident (tripped and then fell down a flight of stairs) - and still is recovering! All the same we interviewed all participants of the problem and then met a couple of times to pray and council.
We were able to isulate the origin of various problems leading to the strife, and we drew up conclusions as well as advised the session how they should proceed.
Now - we can only pray that our work will be used by the LORD to restore unity, credibilty and the good example anyone would expect from church leadership!

new era - Swiss joint venture

2007-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Romania is in the EU (European Union). This happened 1. Jan - but it took up till last week for us to obtain all the permits we needed to transport humanitarian aid - without any restrictions or red tape.

So now our Swiss friends we joint-venture with, can send things through us to Romania, without the age-old frustrations or bothers.

One friend in this picture left for Romania last Sunday night loaded with 0ver 19 tons of goods for a Romanian mission group.

Here in Germany, trucks over 7,5 tons are not allowed to drive on Sundays!

So now I am really praying for a secretary to help with all this added paper work!
I now have to provide only 3 forms for a transport - down from up to 9 before EU days!

content - or only the cup??

2007-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

John Shoemaker, a dear brother and friend in Fayetteville, sent me this reminder - and I think, you should take it to heart, too!

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups...And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups......Enjoy the coffee! "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

much - but not many!

2007-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today I want to introduce you to my ware-house team.
Fritz is 70, and was mayor in a nearby town. He and Gustav (68 from Switzerland) come every Tuesday and Friday to help in the ware-house.

Timo (16) is Fritz's grand-son. He comes whenever I ask him to.

Missing in the picture are Klaus (68) as well an Ulrich and Paul (66) who come once a week or as often as they can.

No great numbers - but good fellowship - and hard work!

Remember us when you pray for wisdom to understand what we need to do that day with the limited manpower we have. Also, we praise the LORD for minimal personal damage (accidents etc.).

soup eaten not nearly so hot as it was coocked!

2007-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

God answeres prayer!
I informed you of the struggles of my dear friends and fellow-missionaries in Romania: Robert & Jody Frye.

Their recent communication is a real encouragement as well as proof that the LORD is alive and well!

Read for yourself:

Dear Walkers,
First of all, thank you for all your prayers. It is evident that God is continuing to give us strength, resolve and peace about our mission here.

Tonight, we met with the priest and his wife in their home here in our village. We were a little surprised that they welcomed us in so nicely. Basically, the young priest, (25 years old) denied that he said anything agianst us, or that he told the children that they were not allowed to come to our house. He did say that they were not behaving in church so he threatened them to scare them, but he didn't say how. When we asked if he said he would have their grades changed at school if they continued to see us, he avoided the question, and never really admitted one way or the other. We know how gossip is and we aren't believing what everybody says, but are also realizing that he isn't telling us everything either. All the same, we had a very peaceful discussion. He wanted us to know that his bishop is concerned and really doesn't want him having much to do with us. He said that if we hand out material the people in the village will be upset, and that we shouldn't put on our programs, that the "children of Ighisu Vechi invite you", because it will make people mad. At the end, he said he really doesn't care what we do, as long as we don't encourage the children to do bad things (which he said he was sure we were not), and to not be respectful of others. Robert told him that our purpose is to show the children a Christ-centered life, not just tell them. The priest re iterated that religion really should be left for the church to take care of, ,and to only those people who choose to come to the church. We didn't argue about anything, but all the same, we know that this will not be the end.
As we read in the Bible, we are rejoicing at this opportunity for our faith to shine. We will continue to pray for the strength to live a life worthy of the calling that God has given us, so to silence all manner of ill that men may say about us. We are exremely grateful for the relationships that God has allowed with our neighbors, even though they claim they are devout orthodox, they didn't believe all the things that have been said about us, and for this we are thankful. Even so, we will not be surprised at the next battle, for God tells us that we must be ready for the storms to come in this manner as said in I Peter 3:14-15
"But even if you should suffer (which we don't feel we have yet) for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"
Earlier today, Robert and William took the teenage boys on a hike through the hills to a nearby village in preparation for spring camp. They ended up at our friend's office, which happens to be a policeman. He is orthodox also. We have talked about him previously in some other newsletters. The Lord has allowed us to spend some time with him in the past, and we are on good terms with him. Robert took the boys inside to get warmed up. He asked Robert how things were going in Ighisu, and Robert explained some of the problems we have been having with the people and the priest. Nicu, the policeman, sat the boys down, and explained that they are free to choose whatever they want to believe. He reassured them it is not against the law to believe something other than orthodoxy. Robert was very surprised. He didn't really expect this response. He encouraged the boys to listen to Robert and follow his example, because he said that Robert does what is right. We praise the Lord for the support He provides for us, even through those that are not believers. The boys came back revived and feeling free from fear.
Please continue to pray as we continue to work with the kids, and try to live a life that shows the truth and light. May God bless each of you.

Continuing On,
Jody for us all

EU - and EU Opportunities

2007-01-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

Today marked a new event on my calender: Since Romania is in the EU, it is now possible to send boxes to Romania hassle-free.

We do business with a bus company (similar to Greyhound in the US) that embarks from our area to Romania every Wednesday and Saturday.
Up to now, we have utilized their services to transport folks. Today I sent 6 packages on a trial run.

Iris is a German nurse who has been serving in Romania since 1991 and has adopted two Romanian girls. Her brother sent her a gift.

A missionary in Scottland, Fred Stonehouse, sent a large box to the Romanian Bible School where he teaches itinerately. Fred and my folks have know each other. They were members of different mission societies, but both worked in Bavaria not very far from eachother.
So this cooperation has been carried over to the next generation.
Fred's daugther Laurilee is a teacher at the Black Forest Acadamey, a Christian Boarding School here in our town Kandern that was founded over 50 years ago to serve missionary children.

The son of a brother with whom Matthew and I worked closely with while starting the church in Weil am Rhein (1976 - ) was in Romania last summer with his youth group. He is a youth pastor about 20 miles from here. I understand that one of his vehicles broke down, and this family he has sent 4 packages of groceries to through me, took the whole group in for 3 days till the vehicle was road worthy again!

This trial run will be interesting for us, as if it works out well, it would offer the opportunity to send boxes between our truck loads, especially if smaller quantities have specific individuals as destinations.
They charge roughly 0.65$ per pound, and it goes into the companies depot in various cities along their route.
The recepient has to go to the depot to retrieve the shipment.

To send Iris's package by mail would have been 23$. I payed 6.75$ this morning!

It is our desire to serve and encourage our faithful brothers and sisters serving the LORD in Romania - and by being able to respond more rapidly, we can benefit their ministries when the situation calls for it!

So we are greatful to the LORD for providing more opportunities which in turn are providing more flexiblility - improving our usefulnes for HIM!

Do pray with us that these much desired goods will reach their eager recepients on Monday!

Mark

2007-01-26T01:24:00.000-08:00

Monday, Jan.22 - 4:30 pm - a truck needs a return load for Hungary, and was waiting in Basel, Switzerland (right acrossed the border from us).
We had just been informed that a Hungarian mission was in great need for clothing for their second hand store (they support various mission projects with the proceeds, like a Christian radio station in Cluj, Romania) - so we told him to come.
Now - on such short notice, finding engough personell can be a real challenge.
In the picture you see Timo (16) and Gusti (68) - they shouldered the brunt of loading 1800 boxes = 15 metric tons into that truck.
I was able to help to about 1 PM when I had to leave to take care of the paper work. I returned at 3:30 PM with Remy (19) and Fritz - Timo grandfather (70) came along at 4 PM.
The truck was ready to roll at 5:30 PM.
At about 1:00 AM on Wednesday, winter literally fell on us. Temperatures just dropped below freezing and loads of snow fell out of the skies.
But our truck was already out of the snow front - and pretty much able to stay ahead of it!
So the LORD is good in providing such perfect timing, as now we cannot use the fork truck, and would have had the freezing inclement weather to suffer, would the truck shown up today, as orginially planned!
As all the goods have been carefully presorted and packed, the folks on the receiving end should be pretty happy with what they are getting!

freedom of religion - in Romania ????

2007-01-24T01:38:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
I am most fortunate to enjoy the fellowship of very fine co-workers.
Robert and Jody come from Crawfordsville, Indiana and have been in Romania now for a number of years.
They moved out into a small village near Sibiu - Ighiseu de Vecci - where they bought a house with plenty of acerage around it to start a Christian conference and retreat.
The LORD opened many doors into their community to fellowship and share the Gospel.
Now the Orthodox priest is offering stiff opposition, and using all his influence to stave off the well developed interest in the Gospel and contact to Robert and Jody.
Today I need to share their latest prayer request and ask you to take this matter with you before the Throne of Grace!

Here are Robert and Jody Frye:
Just wanted to keep you abreast of the situation and some interesting happenings today. Thank you for continuing to pray for the kids in our village and the work here. Just today, the children came to tell us that they have been prohibited by the priest to come to our house anymore. The three boys that came to tell us said they were going to come anyway, but the other children can't come because the teacher also told them that if they came, she would give them bad grades in school. Needless to say, the children are afraid. So we went to talk to the preist, after praying quite a bit, but he won't be back in town until Saturday. Then we went to talk to the teachers. After a good discussion for about 1 1/2 hours, we think they understand us a little better. Some people, including the priest, were upset because we handed calendars out, with Bible verses on them. We apologized for upsetting them, and explained that the verses are from the exact same Bible that they have.
After alot of discussion about Orthodox being the religion of Romania, we agreed to "work together" to help educate the children of the village, which is what our purpose was to begin with. We reminded them that the director of the schools invited us to work with the children, and also the children had a great desire to continue meeting once a week. I guess one of the boys, on Sunday was making fun of the priest, and they said that he must have learned it from us, so this prompted a little more discussion. We explained that we encouraged the children to show respect to everyone, but we can't be responsible for what the children do when they aren't with us. We will talk more with the children tomorrow, if they come, and explain once again that they need to be respectful. Then we visited with the councilman of the village. He told us what the priest said on Sunday also. He said he argued with the priest afterwards, because Romania is a free country and the people have a right to go where they want and do what they want, and there is no law against them coming to our house. He didn't say how the priest responded. He said we can continue to use the village building anytime we would like. Then we went to our cell group in Cisnadie. We were late quite a bit, after speaking so long with our neighbors. It was such an encouragement to hear the prayers our fellow laborers said on our behalf and the encouraging scripture they gave us. Our pastor read in Acts chapter 5, the last part, where the disciples were brought before the high preist. Our church was very supportive and wants to come out and be more a part of what is happening here.
It was just like Acts 6, when the false witnesses came forth to tell lies about what the disciples said. The teachers were saying we were teaching the children bad things and saying bad things about what we are doing, so we invited them to come anytime and be a part of it. I asked them if memorizing scripture is offensive to them, and they said no. I told them that is all that we have done, except playing some board games and card games. They agreed that this was good. They said they will work together, but we will see how long that will last.
Please continue to pray as the battle rages on. Also, please continue to pray for the priest. Saturday will be a testing day for us all. We pray that God will keep us calm and assured of the call and our purpose.

Keeping you all in our prayers.
Robert and Jody

P.S. - Come back tomorrow for news on the truck we loaded yesterday!

revival of the blog

2007-01-22T02:33:00.000-08:00

after a long absense - I decided that this blog might be a real help to y'all who might be wondering: "What is he up to"??

The next items on my itinerary:

1. Preparing a truck for Hungary
2. Preparing a truck for Romania
3. Trip to Romania in March
4. "Home assignemt" vom 27. March - middle May

You might find it worth your time to look in at his blog, as I intend to keep it current - so can can keep up with us here - and how our lives are developing!

Romhelp

2007-01-22T02:22:00.000-08:00

Romhelp

back from a wonderful week

2006-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Thomas Jettel and I spent all of last week training 50 Hungarian speaking Romanians.
Thomas did a careful and challeging exegetical verse-by-verse of Daniel.
I did a synopsis of Galatians.
It was a very full week, and the men noticed why it is important to avoid interruptions when trying to study something indepth!

We were able to fly down to Sibiu, Romania. The camp and conference centre is Swiss owned, Swiss built and Swiss run. Even the electrical outlets are Swiss!

The city allowed us to use their gym in the afternoon which was a real help to beef up attention spans in the afternoon!

In the evenings we had general discussion times that were very challenging. I was asked to do an impromptu speech on two evenings of the most common reasons men quit their responsibilities serving the LORD in a church or mission setting!

I also spent a lot of time counselling.
So the days were very full, the nights very short.

My friend Thomas is a "late to bed and early to rise, makes a man healty, tired and wise".
The good old boy is up anywhere from 4 - 5 AM.
But it was a good experience as it provides ample time to spend in the WORD an in prayer!

Thank-your for your prayers!

Mark

fighting hard to stay afloat - a childrens home stays!

2006-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

A telefone call changed my priority list.

A childrens home that we have been a part of for the past 13 years informed us, that their Swiss constituents had to pull out due to financial problems.

Since January of this year, the childrens home has to operate on half their budget.

Smaller children, so I understand, where placed in foster homes.

Kids 16 and up are working hard with the personell of the the home to keep it going.

They also have a second-hand shop, and we were aked to deliver clothing a.s.a.p.

As we have just completed three transports in December, we have to pack.
There are large quantities that have come in, but they all have to be sorted and packed.

It is very cold winter weather , making it very hard to heat appropiately in our packing room!

All the same . for the first half on Februaray we can set up in the youth centre of our church here in Kandern.

Now I am hoping to find enough help to pack by Feb. 15th, when I have ordered the next truck to come.

So much for today!

Mark

Looking back

2006-01-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Preparing for a board meeting on Monday evening, I was asked to ready the main numbers of 2005:

6 transports
2 trips for training
1 trip to Hungary ended in Switzerland when I had an automobile accident (see this blog - September)

2 months in the US - home assignemt

5 mission conferences in Germany and one week as guest lecturer in Austria

Yesterday I was able to put a team together for a mission trip to ROMANIA in March. Now I have to work on an itinerary - as I have more people to see than time to see them (the old challenge!).

Thus far for the new year:
January:
20 - annual mission meeting of Regio Rumaenienhilfe
21 - 28: annual training seminar with friend Thomas Jettel in Romania

February:
1 transport to Romania for two Christan book stores kind of tailored like "Barnes & Noble" = books & café
1 transport for various groups in Romania - we hope this transport will be in the country before we are.

March
2 - 17 : mission trip to Romania

April
one transport to Latvia

May
mission trip to Romania with an evangelism team

June - October
definite plans not in place yet.
Will have my niece Hannah Kaiser as intern as well as young Phillip Thornton (North Carolina) as helper.
We have a lot of cleaning up, fixin and (as the LORD provides funds) - transportation.

We are praying about the option of sending both to fellow missionary Robert & Jody Frye to Romania to help with youth camp work for four weeks.

September
annual German Mission Conference in Bad Salzuflen

October
annual Bible Conference near Nuernberg

November
annual Novembertrip: training seminar in Hungary; training seminar for gypsies and annual German Bible Conference in Sibiu

December
2 transports (Latvia & Romania)

All this: "If still live and the LORD tarries ... "

new year - new moves

2006-01-02T14:02:00.000-08:00

I hope you started your year off well!
We did!
My eldest daugther Susi has been home for a couple of days now.
At present I am getting ready for IRS USA and Germany, our annual "open house" on January 20th, my annual lecture trip to Romania from Jan. 21 - 28 and then we hope to have the next transport for Romania last week of January or the beginning of Februarary.
A book store in Basel Switzerland donated a bunch of furniture for a Christian book store in Romania. Really nice stuff - very much worth the effort to pack, retrieve and forward to Romania.
I am presently looking for folks willing to help with all the packing as well as someone on the receiving end comptent with customs authorities and the paper work that goes with it.

We also have lots of stuff in the ware-house waiting to be packed. That alone would fill one 18-wheeler!

I preached on January 1st in our church here in Kandern, and have one more speaking engagement before leaving to Romania.

Well - so much for today!

Greetings in HIS name!

Mark

from "draught" to "flood"

2005-12-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

Snow and early dusk plus low temperatures was part of the challenge in loading this truck yesterday (Dez. 27).
We only had 24 hours to gear up to loading this truck. Fortunately I had most of the permits on hand. But we "lost" 2 computers trying to get the paper work done! This truck was loaded on Dec. 24th.
How often have I mentioned our prayer need for transportation of aid?
Our ware-house was getting pretty much to maximum capacity - with a high volume of donations coming in. But here it was stuck due to a critical shortage of trucks.

In Romania, the average monthly wage is anywhere from 200 - 300 US Dollars. Therefore many west European countries are investing in factories and "sweat shops" in Romania. They send the raw materials or parts to Romania where they are assembled or manufactured and then returned to Germany for quality control and marketing.
This has led to a shortage in transportation, as these companies guaranty loads going and coming. Also, there is little problems with customs, as the weekly loads in both directions are rather similar.

But at Christmas, this otherwise well greased pendula got out of synch, so a good number of Romanian trucks were grounded as there was no return load to Romania.

SO we ordered the first truck which arrived on December 24th (!!).
As the 24th is the day of church services and pagents, most folks told me they would not be able to come and help load. All the same, the LORD burdened 13 men to show, one even came directly from night shift to be the main loading man!!

We did run into a serious snag, though! Our ware-house computer (notebook) decided to die. Fortunately the battery held long enough to secure the data-base. I took the machine to the shop today, but the bad news is: the thing is beyond repair (unless I am willing to fork over 900$).

I have a back-up computer we use for various ministries - and it "died" as well. Again we were able to save the data-base a second time, before the "lights went out". Fortunately the computer itself is ok, I had to buy a replacement for the power supply.
To get the truck packed and proper paper work accomplished, I drove home and fetched my private computer - and we were able to send the truck off at 5 PM.
As this company was not able to obtain an Austrian permit, the driver has to return via Poland - Ukraine - Romania!

A half hour after faxing the contract to the first company, the company we usually work with informed me that they had 2 trucks "grounded". I could only load one.
It came on Tuesday at about 2 PM. Again the LORD provided us with 10 helpers, but also allowed a snow storm.
All the same, the truck was loaded at 6 PM - and by the time the paper work finally came through the printer, the truck could leave at 9 PM.

I was kind of amazed at the fact, that the LORD allowed us to sit on all that stuff for three months! The way things turned out, both loads will be delivered right in the middle of two flood devastated areas.
Both churches have planned an outreach to the most needy in the community.
Last week, our German partner mission, Evangeliumsmission, donated about one ton of Romanian childrens bibles and evangelistic calenders.

So, we are a little worn out - but deeply satisfied that these trucks will be in the country before the Romanian Christmas, which is in the first week of January.

Again - thank-you for your prayers!

Mark

pray for a dear friend

2005-12-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today a longtime friend informed us that his 17 year old son had tried to commit suicide.
The fellow had an accident involving a industrial tree shredder losing an arm.
We all thought had was doing fine, and was trying too hard to act "normal" often wearing out his artificial arm.

For no apprent reason he shot himself in the lungs - but could be hospitalized before bleeding to death.
This was Friday. He is in a special hospital in Basel, Switzerland at this time.
His immediate condition is stabilized, but nobody is giving an prognosis what effect the self inflicted dammage will have on him.

So we ask you uphold our dear friends Klaus and Verena as they grieve over this totally unexpected shock groping with the issue: "What now?"

Pray with us that the LORD will give us the love and wisdom to be available to the LORD's working in Micha's life, as all of us are pondering what avenue of ministry we can avail ourselves for to Mica's benefit!

gearing up to new transports

2005-12-17T03:26:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks were slave weeks! The two collection points netted close to 20'000 pounds, and I have quite a bit of furniture that needs packing.

A friend from Romania asked me to help a church near Linz, Austria, that was putting a truck together. They were shy of 10'000 poinds.
I told them I would deliver. What often happens in these cases is that on final notice someone will come through with high volume. THis is what happened here near Linz. Now they have about 8000 pounds they are hoping I could come and pick up. But we are talking 1200 miles round trip - and our ware-house is bursting at the seams now!

After a number of emails back and forth we decided the most efficient solution is that we order a truck for their mission/local church in Harghita, Romania. This church is ministering to flood victims. The needs are staggering!

As of today I have the following request:
1 x 18-wheeler (we call them 40 ton trucks) for Onesti (flood victims)
1 x 18 wheeler for a transport of everything you need to start a book store for Targoviste, where a Christian books store and meeting point is to be errected. Available left over space will be filled with house-hold items, clothing etc.
1x 18 wheeler for Harghita (flood victims)
1x 18 wheller for Sibiu area also loaded for a Bible school in northern Romania (furniture, matresses)

Then Onesti and Harghita would each appreciate 2 more 19 wheeler!

My problem?
Money? We have enough to send three trucks at this time.
Material? - We have enough to send the three trucks we can pay for at this time.
Machine - YES: I am having a real problem finding transportation!

All I can ask for is PRAYER as we are scanning the market for transportation.

I am not the only person with transportation problems!
A friend of mine found a orange grove in southern Italy that wholesells large quantities of "natural oranges" at cut rate prices.
Every year he ships them up to Austria, Switzerland and Germany where they are mostly sold through local churches on a "order and buy" basis.
The profit goes to a Christian radio station and mission that is effecitvely reaching many in mafia infested areas with the Gospel of Christ!
Now - even he is having the time of his life scrounging around for transportation of his oranges.

All the same, I want to stay away of buying my own trucks, as we would need an extra 20'000 $ annually to keep a "big one" on the road!

This way - we squeeze in the ware-house, comfort those waiting on the receiving end, and jump as soon as we can get our hands on a rig!

collection point Kandern

2005-12-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a collection point here in Kandern.
It was very well received, and a good dozen of the members of the local church here pitched in to help with packing the boxes. We packed about 160. There is still more to pack, and I am hoping that enough will show on Monday to finish the work.
I was again impressed with Lukas (12) who did most of the loading into the truck!
Also, Andrea, the pastor's wife provided calenders and other literature which Klaus distributed among the donors. They were very well received!

Today I preach in a church about 10 miles from where I live. They intend to open a collection point in their facility next year.

A collection point offers an outreach to the community. People bring their clothes, shoes, house-hold items etc. and meet Christians. Many have questions and even some come to help with packing - offering us much time to communicate.
As you might remember, last week I was able to share the Gospel with 9 people.
Yesterday I was responsible for the entire operation, but did spend some time with about 6 people.

Now I am praying for enough help to finish all the packing on Monday as well as turn the rooms back into their original condition.

Romhelp

telegram

Lisa Leading Lady - for the 3rd year

Greek Orthodoxy In Romania

R 121

Doris in the US

when it rains - it pours

battery problems

the three "wise men"

new era - Swiss joint venture

content - or only the cup??

much - but not many!

soup eaten not nearly so hot as it was coocked!

EU - and EU Opportunities

freedom of religion - in Romania ????

revival of the blog

Romhelp

back from a wonderful week

fighting hard to stay afloat - a childrens home stays!

Looking back

new year - new moves

from "draught" to "flood"

pray for a dear friend

gearing up to new transports

collection point Kandern