CHANGING SEASONS

March 4, 2009

Dear Friends ~

March has arrived with Spring-like weather and we relish the sunshine, although we know there is snow still in the forecast. As we look out our kitchen window at the snow covered mountains and the frozen waterfalls we are reminded of how the seasons of the year resemble the seasons of our lives. Just like the melting snow and thawing waterfalls, our lives have seasons where situations come and go; things don’t stay the same forever. What a valuable lesson to understand when we are going thru illness, grief, despair or loneliness. Our Lord is with us and knows and understands the deepest things of our hearts and minds; He will turn one season into another if we allow Him.

During this first week of March our students are on their outreach week. This is an opportunity for them to experience another ministry in Albania. Being in a different town exploring and participating in what God is doing there. This week they are in the city of Elbasan serving at the House of Hope, which is a Christian orphanage. Our students have planned a variety of lessons, games and activities that we pray will be a blessing for these little ones. Please pray that this week is one where these students will be able to express their love and faith and that the Lord would bless their time.

We are all very excited about the addition of Josiah John Gundy on February 27th to the Gundy family and our family of faith here in Erseke. He was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece. As of this date we haven’t seen him yet because Eric & Kathy need to receive his passport from the American consulate to re-enter Albania. We are praying this process will only take a couple of weeks as we are all anxious to hold this precious child. Please pray for Eric & Kathy, Andrew and Abi as they rejoice over their new family member.

The 8th of March is the day set aside to honor women in Albania. It’s much like our Mother’s Day…although this day isn’t restricted to only mothers, but for all women. As a way to celebrate this special day we are looking forward to presenting the Campus Crusade film, “Magdalena”, which tells women they are loved and valued by God as expressed through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. Please pray for the women who will attend that the love of Christ would touch their hearts and minds.

We are continually reminded of your support as you pray for us, send us encouragements, provide for our needs and love us so lavishly. We are thankful for you and for this season of our life here in Erseke. May God bless you .

Blessings & Love,
Bob & Linda