"Mad" Scientist Visits Ruth School

Dr T, Mad Scientist, and her assistant, Dr St, set up their "We Love Jesus" laboratory in the cafeteria of the Ruth School this week.  Dr T uses science experiments to show God's love and teach Biblical lessons. 

In chapel today, Dr T told the story of David and Goliath, with a little help from Ruth School students.  She explained though David was young and small he had great strength and courage because God was with him.  Then to illustrate the point Dr T and Dr St did an experiment involving Diet Coke and Mento candy.  Let's just say it was explosive!  The kids were cheering, even the ones on the front row that had Diet Coke dripping from their noses.

Dr T closed chapel by stressing that fact that there is no need to feel powerless.  When you follow God you have a great strength to call upon no matter your size or age.  Dr St read the verse from Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Gypsy Smith School - January 2012

What a way to start the new year!  25 Roma leaders from across Romania came to Bucharest for a week of training.  Since the Ruth School students were still on winter break, it was a quiet week for studying, contemplation, and accordion playing!

Our professors for the week were Dr Bruce Gentry and Dr Josh Stowe from Missouri.  They were accompanied by Harold Phillips, Coordinator for CBF MO.

The highlight of the week was the Tuesday night worship service led by the GSS students and the Thursday night graduation recognition.

These men are learning what it is to be a leader and then taking that information back to their ministry setting to put it to practical use.  Please pray for God's blessing on their lives.

And... Thank you CBF MO!

Happy New Year 2012!

We planned a quiet new year celebration.  After seeing a movie Ralph wanted to watch a basketball game and I was reading a good book.  It was going to be an early evening.  That is until the clock struck midnight and then the noise was deafening!  The dark winter sky was lit up with bright colorful explosions.  The Romanians celebrate with fireworks that rival or even surpass our 4th of July shows.  As Ralph and I watched through our living room window we noticed up and down the street curtains were thrown back and others were enjoying the fireworks too.  The bright lights surrounded our buildings and we could hear lots of shouting of "La Multi Ani!" (Happy New Year).  It was a great way to ring in 2012.

We want to thank you for your support this past year and we look forward to the wonderful things God will do in 2012.

Silent Night

As Ralph and I walked through the park on Christmas Eve we were discussing the church service to be held that evening. In our Romanian church it is typically a time for the children's program. It has been our family tradition to go to church on Christmas Eve and kids are cute in any culture so we had decided to attend. However, I said to Ralph, "I really miss those Christmas Eve services where we sing the traditional songs, hear the Luke scripture of Christ's birth, and end with the church in darkness singing "Silent Night" as the ripple of candles being lit goes across the room.

Personally, I think God knew what my heart needed. The children were great and the youth choir also sang beautifully. We sang a few traditional hymns, although in Romanian, I knew the words and sang in English. (not sure it was worshipful for those around me. :) Then just as the leader got up and announced the last song the electricity went out. He said, "Let's sing anyway." As the words of "Silent Night" were heard the congregation began to pull out their cell phones and the lights rippled across the sanctuary. It was a beautiful moment! "Silent Night, Holy Night..."

Merry Christmas!



Together in Romania at Christmas

Our family wishes you a blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord!

Thank you Anna!

Last week we said good-bye to Anna Holladay our Ministry Assistant.  She came to us and Project Ruth for 3 months through CBF's Student.GO program.  Anna had a "can-do" attitude and did all we asked with a smile.  She helped in so many areas that her return to the USA leaves a big hole.  The students loved her, the staff relied on her, and we had a lot of laughs together.  Thank you Anna for your servant heart and your willingness to follow where God leads.

Deck The Halls...

Meet our 8th grade English Club.  The goal of club is for the students to practice their English, hear us use English, and have fun doing both.  This past week we decided to let them decorate the Christmas tree in the cafeteria.  We counted on the girls enjoying the task and thought the boys would be so-so.  Wrong!  The guys were as excited as the girls. It was a fun activity and one we used to help build the feeling of leadership among our oldest students.  "Deck the Halls..."