What a day to be serving Jesus!  The challenges are staggering, but our God is more than able to give us victory.  I am
reminded of the words of Caleb in Numbers 13…"We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

Trip to Albania

The last two weeks of February, I (Rick) went to Albania to teach at the Bible College and to preach at the International Church
(our former pastorate).  The church is doing great – moving forward spiritually and reaching out to the community.  It is good
to be reminded that our labor “is not in vain in the Lord.”  Barry Ogden, from Cincinnati, is doing an excellent job of leading the
church in Tirana, the capital.

The students at Evangelical Theological College were fantastic – hungry    for God and Bible knowledge, fervent in prayer, and
eager to learn and serve.  What a privilege to plant in such fertile soil.  

Baptism

Last month an Albania boy requested baptism.  His mother is a believer, but
his father is Muslim.  There was quite a family dispute about this issue, so I
sought opportunity to speak to the father, who speaks no English.  Two weeks
ago, they called and asked if I could accompany the father to a 3 hour job
orientation and translate for him.  I dropped everything and took him to the   
training.  Afterward, we had coffee together and talked.  He gave me his
blessing to baptize his son and even attended the baptismal service.  Praise
God!

Foreign Missions?

I once thought I had to go overseas to be a foreign missionary.  Then I came to Philadelphia!  Every week I meet Muslims,
Hindus, Buddhists and atheists.  Orthodox Jews walk by my house on their way to the local synagogue.  Our neighborhood is
made up of Albanians, Haitians, Brazilians, Puerto Ricans, Asians, Russians – and others.  

A few weeks ago, I was getting my hair cut at a beauty school near our home.  The Cambodian beautician, whose family is
Buddhist, told me that her 15 year old daughter had committed suicide.  The family was devastated.  I shared the gospel and
prayed with her.  Patti followed up the next week.  Pray that Sorn will accept Jesus.

Opportunities for Outreach

We just had the church name put on the Speed the Light van (provided by the Assembly of God Youth Department – the van,
not the lettering).  This will attract the attention of the many Albanians who live in the communities we travel through.










In January, we came into partnership with a local Assembly of God church.  They needed a pastor, but could not afford one.  
We needed a building.  So, I provide preaching and pastoral care for them.  The Albanian congregation meets in the facility at a
separate time.  So, we are pastoring two congregations.  This beautiful facility is complete with a sanctuary, fellowship hall,
community center, gym, and offices.  The Albanians who speak English will now have an American church to assimilate into as
they adapt culturally.  The older Albanians will still have a culturally sensitive worship service of their own.

Recently, I obtained a list of several hundred names and addresses for Albanians living in the community.  The majority of
them live in the area of this new facility  Plans are being made for a visitation blitz.

We wish to thank all those who faithfully support and pray for us.  Without you, we could not carry on this work.  We value your
partnership.  God bless you!


   All support should be sent to:

AGUSM * 1445 N. Boonville Ave. * Springfield, MO 65802-1894 * ACCT #2173342

Prayer requests:

1.    We need a godly, anointed and gifted youth leader who will take our youth a step deeper spiritually.  We want someone
who can minister cross-culturally and has just the right combination of energy, love and passion for discipleship.
2.    That our health and energy will continue to be good and accommodate all the dreams and desires for our missions calling.
3.    Our daughter-in-law's health as she enters the third trimester of pregnancy with our first grandchild.  Pray that the Lord
will bless the lives of Joel and Tara with wisdom and joy.
4.    The Albanian congregation will sense the reality of this church being their "home"; that they will become more active and
emerge in the leadership as they grow spiritually.
5.    The Lord will give us great helpers for the children's ministry.  We especially need a gifted and anointed leader for our
Albanian children.
6.    The Albanian visitation blitz for our area of the city.