Dear Philippian Fellowship,
50 YEARS OLD! How in the world did that happen??? As I sit here and reflect on the thought that I just turned 50 years old yesterday, and to think that half of those 50 have been spent here in Romania, I am overwhelmed by the love and encouragement that so many have been to us to allow us the privilege to serve the Lord here for that length of time. God continues to guide us and direct our steps.
We are very thankful for your faithful prayers and support in August and September. We had the privilege to host approximately 1,000 people at Camp Eli this summer, and over 100 accepted Christ as Savior. Thanks again for your investment!
I was able to travel to the states for a short time in September to take Zach and Ionut to the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, FL. What a joy to visit with a few friends and supporting churches during this brief visit! They are doing well and adjusting to life in America. They are living with my parents (Ziemers) and keeping them on their toes I am sure! Notice their two pictures taken a couple years apart!!!
The Sunday before I left, I had the opportunity to baptize Vali and Madalin. Vali got saved within the last couple years and has been very encouraged by the others in our young families small group to follow Christ! We led Madalin’s parents to Christ a few years ago, and he has grown up in our church. Upon returning from the states we baptized Dary, Traian, Gina, and Flory. Dary is from Fundulea and was raised by his grandparents. He was part of our children and youth programs growing up but had strayed far from the Lord. God used some extremely difficult physical ailments to get ahold of him this year. His wife Valentina is now in our new believer’s class preparing for baptism. Traian and Gina accepted Christ earlier this year, and along with their niece Flory, are from our church plant in Florica. They have been a huge source of encouragement for brother Lucian and the team that is ministering in this town and neighboring villages!
October 5 also brought the arrival of our first grandson into the world. Joshua Matthew Ziemer made his arrival and we praise the Lord for a healthy baby and a safe delivery. Alina and Joshua are doing great, it is awesome to watch Michael as a father to his young son! We are planning furlough this winter, so it will be hard to be apart as he makes those first little growth spurts! We will be greatly anticipating May 22 to see them again, as they are remaining here in Romania.
We are planning a trip to South Africa in November as I have been asked to speak at the Word of Life summer camp there for children and teens. Obviously, it will delight our hearts to minister alongside Corina, but also the directors there, John and Christy Page. They are great friends from college, and I was actually in their wedding years ago!
Mid December we return to the states for five months and look forward to time with family, friends, and faithful partners in the ministry. Pray with us also as we once again need to make some new contacts to raise our support level to the needed amount. God continues to expand the ministry and along with this comes the need for new resources. He has been faithful for 25 years, and I believe will remain faithful!
Gerald and Kristin Ziemer
