“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)
The same happens in our lives. Seasons and situations change, but we are confident that whatever may come, God remains faithful.
In the last 3-6 months, we have seen God's faithfulness and favor like never before. We as a family are doing well and our children are growing healthy. We are excited about what the future holds!
Three months ago, we moved to Cluj-Napoca! We are so excited to be here! We found a place to call home just 20 minutes from the city center, where the project we are working on is located. The opportunity to rent this house came to us at the right time, just when we were finishing up the setting up of Lighthouse to launch our first event.
LIGHTHOUSE CLUJ, ROMANIA UPDATE
In August, we hosted the first five-day event in Lighthouse, a 'Barista Training & Life Skills'. It was aimed at teenage orphans, single-parent kids, and Ukrainians who had found refuge from the war in Romania. What was beautiful to us was seeing them learn and develop a new skill and the fact that they felt safe enough to open themselves to us, allowing us to get to know who they were.
This wasn't just about making coffee (even though it was good coffee) but, the main goal was them, the participants. Seeing these youngers discovering their talents and uniqueness and the love of God throughout the event.
We are so happy that the first event we hosted was this beautiful life-changing event.
We have fully launched Lighthouse! -As a free student coworking place-. The city has over 65,0000 local students and approximately 11,000 international students. We want Lighthouse to be a place that intentionally serves the student community, not only as a study space, but a place to interact, to feel welcome, listened to, cared for, and encouraged, and through our serving and connection, the love of Christ.
UKRAINE UPDATE
Alejandro continues to go to Ukraine every 2-3 months to bless, encourage, and minister to the people. We do this through one-on-one meetings, counseling, donations, and preaching the hope of Christ.
The war in Ukraine still ranges, even when news is far less than when the war started. Daily people are losing their homes and their loved ones. The war in Ukraine will have repercussions for many years to come, from generations growing up without a father of both parents to psychological damage, addictions, etc. Still, the Ukrainian courage and hope is stronger than ever! Pray for this brave man and women who continue defending their nation. During this time of war, many have also turned their eyes to Jesus and are pursuing God in prayer and reconciliation.
On my last trip to Ukraine, I was amazed at how people are so hungry for God in this time of war and want to continue their relationship with Him. I was invited to preach at the water baptism of some beautiful young people who courageously made their faith public. As well, I was invited to preach in a youth camp for orphans of war. What a heartbreaking reality these kids have lived and live daily. They come from towns and cities at the ZERO LINE (the frontlines of battle). This camp was organized by a Ukranian man, with the desire to bring them some joy and home amid so much loss, pain, and chaos.
Also, the privilege to visit a men's rehabilitation center. I shared some words of encouragement and had a good time of prayer and fellowship with them.
I was also glad to stay in the Orphanage (connected with the local church) to share time and be just a listening friend for some of the kids. They are so valuable and so full of dreams!
OUR LONG-TERM GOAL FOR ROMANIA
Many of you have heard about a desire that God has placed in our hearts to open a 'Shelter Home' for people at risk, this means, victims of human trafficking (Romania is the biggest source of sex trafficking survivors in Europe. 78% of sex trafficking survivors rescued in Europe are from either Romania or Moldova. -according to Uncaged Organization-), domestic violence, and addictions.
We understand this ain't an easy task and we can't do that by ourselves. We are on the stage of praying and searching for the right team to carry this vision, as well as to prepare ourselves. We understand that this vision will take time, planning, preparations, effort, knowledge, and faith, that's why we are making every decision with peace and looking for counseling/advice from people experienced in this area of work. Please, join us in prayer as we walk in faith into this vision.
PERSONAL GROWTH AND MENTORING
In the last period, the Lord has been putting in Alejandro's heart a desire to mentor men through different life situations. We recognize the lack of intentional and healthy input from the church into the lives of men within and outside the congregation. We need healthy-Christian man, who will stand up for their families, identity, and values.
At the moment, a young man is having one-on-one meetings with Alejandro.
The goal is to be a 'good man' and not just a 'nice guy'.
Alejandro is taking a course called ITR (Instinctual Trauma Response), to learn and develop skills that will equip us to help in our long-term vision of working with people in at-risk situations.
Prayer Points:
For the people that come to Lighthouse, to be reached by God's love and salvation.
For peace in Ukraine and protection for the many innocent lives at risk.
For wisdom and open doors in our ministry life.
For finances to support our mission work.
For our Alejandro and Rozanne, as they both have problems with their backs. Alejandro has a herniation disc (2 hernias in the lower back) that has kept him in bed for the last week. he is at the moment going to physiotherapy.
Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter and pray for our mission. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
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