CURTIS PUGH
Missionary to Romania
Sponsored By The
GRACE
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
26080 Wax Road
Denham Springs, LA
70726
Elder Jerry Dodson,
Sr. - Pastor
jerrydodsonsr@wmconnect.com
PRAYER LETTER FOR
DECEMBER, 2004
Friday, January 14,
2005
Dear Pastors and Churches:
“Grace
be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
(Ephesians 6:24).
In
the midst of difficulties and trying times, the grace of God strengthens
us so that we can say with Paul, “But none of these things move me,
neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course
with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to
testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:14).
Praise the Lord for His grace!
Health
News:
I was at the Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge yesterday. The
rheumatologist has determined that the pain in my feet is the result of
a condition called plantar faciitis – an irritation of the ligaments in
the bottom of the heel. They think it is unrelated to my autoimmune
problem. With time and care this condition should get better.
They also told us that it will take about 6 months to really diagnose whether
or not I have vasculitis and even then there is no absolutely sure way
to know if that diagnosis is right or not. We asked IF I do have
vasculitis, what would the treatment be. The doctor frankly said
that they had been using Vioxx and Celebrex – two drugs now off the market
because of their danger! So steroids are the only option left.
They also told us that often vasculitis symptoms go away never to return
and in other cases the individual will suffer “flare ups.” I see
no point in remaining in the States for 6 more months. I can get
more done in both preaching and translation work if I am in Romania.
While we do not know all that God is doing, this time in the States has
been beneficial in many ways, I believe, especially in getting better acquainted
with our pastor and the members of our Church here, for we are new members
as you know. They have all been so very kind to us here and blessed
us in many ways. But we long to return to the work God has set before
us in Romania, knowing we are NOT indispensable, but burdened for the people
there. Please pray for God’s provision in all things necessary for
our return!
Plans:
We do not have an exact date for our return to Romania as yet and have
many things to do before we go – new passports, necessary purchases, etc.
– but hope to be back in Romania sometime before the end of February, if
the Lord wills. We are also looking forward to a couple of weeks
visit in Romania by our pastor, Brother Jerry Dodson, hopefully later in
the springtime. The Brethren in Romania are anxious for him to come
and we look forward to him having a firsthand knowledge of the people,
the situation, and the work in that place. Please pray about this,
also!
Bocsa
Meeting:
Two young men have attended the services in Bocsa since my last writing.
Those who regularly attend continue to come and so there has been a slight
increase in attendance with good interest. The first Lord’s Day that
these men attended, they stayed until 4:00 PM discussing Bible truths with
Aurel and Raul. Brother Raul said it was good – that they forgot
about food and drink in their enjoyment of the time around the Word.
God is answering prayer and so we urge you to continue to pray for the
services in Bocsa. “… I have esteemed the words of his mouth more
than my necessary food”. (Job 23:12).
Oltenia
Preaching Point:
The brothers in Oltenia send greetings from time to time and are looking
forward to my return. Aurel and Raul go to them every other Lord’s
Day. This past Sunday Brother Raul’s old car was damaged. He
told me the highway was “craters.” His mechanic said he must go to
an auto salvage yard and purchase a used frontend part as his was ruined.
As Raul has been using his car in the work, I told him to let me know and
I would help him with funds for the cost of the part.
Other
Places:
I expect sometime after my proposed return to Romania to make a “tour”
of more than a week, perhaps two, through central and eastern Romania and
on into the Republic of Moldova along with Brothers Aurel and Raul.
This will be expensive, but necessary, I believe. There are several
cities and towns where I have received repeated requests to come and preach,
teach, and answer questions, distributing literature also. Please
pray regarding this expected trip. Not only will we need to find
the funds for the trip, but God must supply by His grace strength for me
to be able to do this travelling.
Literature
Work:
Translation projects continue with the requests for our literature also
continuing. I am happy to report that in the year 2004 more than
30,500 pieces of literature went out of our little print shop in answer
to requests for the same! Thus the literature ministry has grown
somewhat, for in 2003 we distributed something more than 29,500 pieces.
Our goal is to translate and produce 3 new titles every two months.
Pray about this, please! The need is real, the opportunity ours if
God enables us by grace!
There is much to be done upon our expected return to Romania. There
is a brake problem with the car and that must be repaired before any use
of it can be made. This is one of the “little things” which can be
so time consuming in a third-world country.
Rejoice with us in God’s faithfulness, His working in and through the young
men in Romania, and His provision for us in all things.
We rejoice that God has so moved in your hearts as to cause you to have
a very real and large part in the Romania work by your giving and your
prayers! Thank you! Please continue to pray earnestly for us
as we are busy in getting ready for the return to Romania and continue
to pray for the work as it goes on there in our absence. Thank you
for all your help and many kindnesses!
In the cause of God and truth,
Curtis and Janet Pugh
Curtisp1944@wmconnect.com
(Temporary Stateside E-Mail)
Preaching Baptist
Baptism, the Blood, the Book, and the Blessed Hope
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