January 18, 2018 – January is a much slower month for the work in the Balkans. The temps are colder and most churches do not have great heating systems to hold meetings or training. When it is light out longer people are out longer but with it getting dark early people go home go inside and stay inside. So, because of this we do not fight culture but rather use it as a time to rest (after a busy Christmas season), plan and get ready for the coming spring and the pick-up in the ministry.
As a way to celebrate Diane’s special Birthday this week we got a way for a few days to rest, explore a new part of Europe and celebrate all that God has done and will do! Just like nature who takes a break during the cold before busting back onto the seen in spring we too from time to time need to rest and chill a bit. We were glad we could and glad to be renewed after our time away.
(Diane posing for a picture with the baby camel and Al taking a ride on one)
This week pray for Dee Dee & Alan Galloway as they are finishing up Partnership Building in the states and will be returning home to Bulgaria soon. Pray that their time left will be productive for the advancement of the kingdom.
Pray also for the expansion of the Micro economic efforts in Bulgaria. We have some ideas and are asking God to lead us to the right folks to take them on to help the people of Bulgaria.
Pray finally for Diane’s family – her father is having surgery (today) to hopefully improve circulation in the legs. If it doesn’t correct the problem more drastic measure may need to be taken. It is hard being away and not able to go to family when difficulties come but God can and does provide peace.