Thursday, November 10, 201

Dear Pastors, Churches and Friends,

The trip to US: I have covered 7,500 miles since I left Winston Salem, NC, a little over two months ago. I praise the Lord for keeping me safe on the roads and the vehicle trouble free. I am thankful for the warm welcome I have received everywhere, for the fellowship with the churches and the encouragement I receive along the way from the Lord’s saints. While in some respects I am greatly encouraged, there are certain things that greatly concern me about the state in which I found the Lord’s churches. I have not been yet in a single one that was not suffering, for one reason or another. The Lord laid a heavy burden on my heart, to pray and fast for His churches in US, and I thank Him for the grace I had so far in proclaiming His truth in the churches I visited.

Mission work: The meetings in Bocsa, Rosiori and Filiasi are going on as usual, with Bro. Aurel preaching in Bocsa, Bro. George in Rosiori and Bro. Aurel Munteanu in Filiasi. They all met once in Filiasi last month. Several brethren from different places in Romania want to come to Bocsa for a special meeting after my return there. We also heard encouraging news from the brothers and sisters in Austria and Germany. I received an invitation from Brother Alex, in Ukraine, to preach in his conference with Brother Kenneth Long next year. I do want to go and pray that the Lord will open the door.

Literature work: We continue to have new requests for literature. One is from Milan, Italy. This is the third city in Italy to which we sent literature in the last couple of months. The brethren in Rome and Florence received the packages. Aurel and Miriam continue to send literature and reprint some of the titles. The big paper purchase that we need in order to cover all the requests is still on hold, as our budget does not allow such an expense at this moment, but we will try to buy a limited quantity of paper and printing supplies, to cover the urgent needs.

Getting acquainted with Romania: On November 1st, Romanian Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants celebrated All Saints Day. On November 2nd, they celebrated the Day of the Dead. The belief is that on the night between these two days, the Gates of the Afterworld open and the deceased come into this world to visit their families. People go to cemeteries and clean the graves, light candles and bring flowers, as “sacrifices” to those that died. They also offer food and drinks in the name of the deceased, so that they will not starve or thirst in the afterworld. Priests (and more recently Baptist Union pastors, too) have special services in the cemeteries. This is another one of the many traditions with pagan roots from which we keep ourselves separate, while many who call themselves Baptists and Bible believers choose to compromise

Dear Pastors and Churches,

          Greetings from Oklahoma!  I was greatly blessed by Bro. Raul’s visit to my town, Poteau, this past month.  I wish he could have stayed longer, but God gave us great fellowship.  However, I wish I had talked to him about many other things.  When we have our “business” calls and emails regarding the work, seldom do we have much time to just “talk.”

          Poteau News:  The newspaper articles continue to produce little interest, but I have had 2 people speak to me about them recently. I have permission and place a bundle of the Berea Baptist Banner at our local Indian clinic. People are taking them and, I hope, reading them.  This is encouraging.

          Building Repairs: As you may remember from a previous prayer letter, the roof of the print shop in Romania is leaking badly.  Also 4 windows and 3 doors needed to be replaced as they were leaking.  The window and door work has been completed and either this week or the next the roof will be replaced.  This is being paid for by Raul and Miriam out of their savings.  I do not like to see this, though they are to be commended for their dedication to the literature work.  I have never asked for myself and will not, but please pray that God will provide money to replace their personal funds in the weeks and months ahead. 

          Health News: I will have more to write, Lord willing, next month about my upcoming colonoscopy procedure to remove potentially cancerous area and about my upcoming removal of all my teeth.  Just be in prayer about these things, please!

          I never want people to think I am ungrateful for what they do for me personally and especially for the literature work in Romania.  So, THANK YOU for the phone calls, cards, emails, letters, prayers and financial help that you send my way.  All these things mean much to me and I do appreciate them much.  I thank God for you all and your many kindnesses towards this unworthy servant.  Please keep the Romania work and workers and myself in your prayers!

    In the cause of God and truth,
    Curtis Pugh
curtis@abaptistvoice.com
 

Preaching Baptist Baptism, the Blood, the Book, and the Blessed Hope

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