The month of April started for me in a way that not many people would prefer. I had to have surgery after I developed a hernia. I was operated on in Bucharest and the Lord has been gracious to me. I met a few believers that worked in the hospital where I was treated well.  The surgery went well, but the recovery was slower than I thought. Being in the hospital for about one week, I had the opportunity to share Christ to a significant number of patients, nurses and doctors. In my room there were six men that heard the message. Some were more open, while others were not really interested. Generally, I found some interest. I continued to discuss in private with those that seemed more sensitive to the Word of God.  Particularly one man seemed very touched with the message. When I shared New Testaments with all the men in the room, he picked up the book and began to read for the others. I rarely have seen a man with such a thirst for the Word of God. I also gave him some books with a good Gospel presentation and he spent the whole day reading them.

After I came out of the hospital, I went to Ramnicu Sarat to one of our missions to spend about one week for recovery. It was a good time of reflection on my life and the consistency of my relationship with the Lord. Sickness is a great tool in God's hands to shape us according to the image of His Son. I thank God for this experience.

The third week I succeeded to move a bit better and to drive.  I went to Brasov, where by God's grace, we plan to start a church. Before the surgery, I checked for a house or apartment to rent. As I was able to return, I decided what place to rent. I rented an apartment near the University campus where we will start working with the team that will join me in planting this church and also to work with the students on campus. I thank God for this step. It was important for us to have a place where we could establish the HeartCry office and develop the first steps in planting the church. I made a trip last weekend to visit the mission in Dimbovita county. I was able to visit the mission in Fieni. I also preached the Word of God in a church in Targoviste where I was invited by the missionary that planted this church to see the work and consider supporting the efforts of this church. Pray for wisdom and discernment in making decisions concerning whom we should support.

We are in the middle of a big crisis in Romania. It is becoming more and more difficult. People are losing jobs all over the place. Many Romanians that used to work in countries like Italy, Spain, and England have returned home. This is a time of great opportunities for us to spread the Gospel that brings hope. Pray that the seed we plant in people's hearts will bring fruit to the glory of the kingdom of God.