Welcome Back to the Land of the Magyars!

After nearly 11 months, a college graduation, a seminary graduation, lots of opportunities to tell the story of ministry among the Gypsies, several family crisi (is that the plural of crisis?), seeing old friends, and making new ones, we've arrived in Hungary. It was difficult to say good-bye and the trip does not get any shorter or easier. We're now energized and ready to see what God has planned. First thing tomorrow we begin house hunting. Please pray we can quickly find a place that meets our needs and in the right location. We also have to get our Hungarian drivers licenses renewed. Pray this goes smoothly and quickly. It involves an eye test, EKG, and urinalysis. It's good to be back!

Packing Never Gets Easier

The dance has begun. I make the piles of things to pack and Ralph figures out how to get it in the suitcases. There are of course the little negotiations that go on. "Does THIS have to go?" "Yes." "Ok, pick out something else to stay." We go back and forth about what we each declare as necessities. :) Packing does not get any easier. Although 'space bags' help. We are thankful to FBC, Greenville, SC for gifting us with these big baggies that seal and vacuum pack down clothes, making much more room. Now I'm off to WalMart for one last buying spree of decaf tea, mustard, and cold medicines...

15 years and Still Praying...

Ralph and I are attending the annual meeting, the General Assembly, of CBF. It is much like a family reunion, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Wednesday night was the commissioning service for new personnel. Clista Adkins and I entered the nearly full sanctuary of South Main Baptist Church and quickly claimed seats on the row with her husband, Glen. I found myself sitting beside Beverly Greer, Coordinator of Missions for CBF of South Carolina, a long time friend. As I sat there I realized I first met Beverly 15 years ago at my own commissioning service. During the time of the service when they asked attendees to lay their hands on newly commissioned personnel, Beverly laid her hands on me. On that day, she later told me, she prayed for me and continues to this day - 15 years later. Beverly is one of Ralph and my prayer warriors. Pray-ers committed to praying for us and the Roma (Gypsy) ministry regularly. Thank you Beverly! Would you consider joining her?

Thank you Emerywood Baptist Church!

Mere words don't seem to convey our heartfelt thanks to the staff and congregation of Emerywood Baptist Church. During this off-field assignment time they agreed to allow Ralph to serve his seminary required internship under their pastor, Bob Ferguson. However, it was much, much more than that. Emerywood provided for us physically with a place to live and a car to drive. They provided for us spiritually and emotionally by welcoming us into their midst warmly and wholeheartedly. We made some good friends and enjoyed a lot of good fellowship. We are very grateful for all the love and support that was given to us. Thank you Emerywood!

Until We Met Again... Craigs Complete Assignment

Tomorrow, June 15th, Wes and Susan Craig, serving as Global Service Corps workers to Project Ruth in Bucharest, Romania, board the plane marking an end to their three years of ministry there. Susan and Wes jumped boldly into their assignment despite a new language, different culture, and without knowing anyone there. They embraced all that was new and different, forging new friendships, and making a difference among those around them. Relationship building is key to a good ministry and the Craigs were excellent at it, leaving behind many sad friends as they say good-bye.

Wes and Susan strengthened the ministry partnership CBF has with Project Ruth through increasing and improving communication with other partners. They expanded the networks throughout the USA and among the Romanian Romany. They facilitated great experiences for volunteers coming to work among the neglected. The Craigs eagerly grasped new opportunities.

Through Susan's administrative skills the office of Project Ruth was strengthened and organized. Wes stepped in to network and recruit teachers and students for the Gypsy Smith Leadership Training School. He followed up to encourage the students in the new knowledge they had obtained. It is not possible to list all the wonderful things they did while serving in Bucharest.

For the CBF Gypsy Team they were a breath of fresh air. Their youthful enthusiasm added to our discussion and strategy sessions. To say nothing of the late night card games! We all enjoyed their easy-going personalities and curiosity to explore new places. Wes and Susan will be greatly missed by our team.

As Wes and Susan make their way to Texas, closing this chapter in their lives and opening the next, please join us in praying that they will see clearly the next step God has for them. Ask Him to provide employment opportunities and meet their daily needs. Offer praise for their willingness to serve Him and the outstanding job they did.

The Craigs are eager and willing to share their stories of life at Project Ruth. Please contact them to come and be with your church, SS class, missions group, or anyone else interested in Romany ministry.

Wes and Susan, thank you for serving among the unreached of the world.

Additional Note: Ralph and I have personally enjoyed our friendship with Wes and Susan. We shared holidays and team meetings with them. We enjoyed visits to their home. They are fun and delightful to be around. It has been educational to hear the insights of another generation, especially learning about blogs, ipods, and Starbucks. We will miss them greatly.

Ralph Graduates!

CBF greatly encourages life-long learning. In 1998 while on our first off-field assignment Ralph began a journey of completing his Masters of Divinity degree through the Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond. BTSR was willing to accommodate Ralph's need to study long distance (a very long distance!) and his inability to be on-campus regularly. The administration at CBF supported the idea and enabled Ralph to be at BTSR when required. It was a long journey and Ralph persevered. We fondly recall the Hymnology class requiring him to join the hymn sings via phone. This meant getting up at 1AM and singing in the pantry so he wouldn't disturb the rest of the family. What did the neighbors, security guards coming and going at odd hours, think when they heard that??

The Stocks family made their way to Richmond along with friends to whoop and holler when Ralph's name was called. The night before graduation a towel service was held. Each graduate receives a towel as a symbol of serving as Christ did, humbly. We laughed later when our good friends, Laura (Virginia's WMU executive director and commencement keynote speaker) and Henry McDaniel presented Ralph with a BIG towel! They decided after 11 years of study he needed it.

We would like to thank all of you that supported Ralph through this journey. We appreciate the prayers, words of encouragement, loaning of books, the use of vehicles to make the trips to Richmond, and the many other gestures of kindness during this time. To God Be the Glory!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today Ralph and I celebrate 24 years of marriage! Has it really been that long? We celebrated by going with our children to Busch Gardens and having a great time as a family.