We are praising God for the amazing ways He has answered
prayers! Just a few short months ago, after meeting some young homeless people,
we began to ask the Lord how we could help these "adult orphans". Our hearts were touched by the plight of the
precious souls, so loved by God, and yet so despised by most of their
countrymen. Without family, direction, life skills, or hope, their daily
existence was difficult and so far below God's plan for their lives. But how
could we help? It wasn't long before
God's instruction came: "Take four girls and teach them how to live. Provide a
home where they can learn of Me and learn to prosper." And so the journey
began.
Yesterday we returned from seeing our new home that God has
miraculously provided as a refuge and training center for four young women who
grew up in state orphanages in Romania. Though this home is not ours but a rental, we are still thrilled. It is amazing how God gives us more
than we dare to ask Him for. We didn't even think to ask God for a brand new
house, but that is what He gave us.
Next, we prayed for a good, reliable van that would provide
both basic transportation and a way for these girls to experience a world they have never seen. While
visiting friends in Germany in November, we saw a van that matched our
specifications, except it was much newer than we expected to buy, a 2007 model. We both
wondered at that time if God would let us have something so nice. Would he keep
it on the car lot until we returned to Romania in January? Would He provide the
needed funds for us to have a van that is so new? This van will hopefully be
delivered to our doorstep next week. Praise the Lord! He is the God of more
than enough!
At this time, we have identified three of the girls that we
are planning to mentor. The fourth girl remains unknown to us, but intimately
known by God. We are waiting expectantly for her identity to be revealed. We
know that at just the right time, we will recognize her.
For us, every step of this new endeavor has been a walk of faith. For God, it has been so easy. For us, we remember the intricate details that have brought
us to this point in our lives and ministry: how God brought us to Braila so we
would meet these young people, how He stirred our hearts for them, and how He
is providing for every need. For God, it was all just part of the plan He wrote
so long ago. What an amazing God we serve!
Thank you for your continued love and support for us and the
girls God loves so much. We are hoping to move within 7-10 days and have the
girls with us shortly thereafter. Honestly, it is difficult to even imagine
what life will be like in this new phase. But one thing we know for sure, God
is with us and has every detail taken care of.
Going for Him,
Stephanie and Leslie
