THE MASTER’S MISSION

November 2012

Hunedoara, Romania

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam 3:21-23

I am sitting in the house watching the evidence of change that is all around me; leaves turning autumn shades, end of harvest clean-up and the evidence of insulating the house in preparation for the cold weather that is certain to come. It is almost surreal to imagine that as the seasons change, so does life and people.

Last night was also a time of watching evidence of change as members of the Deo Gloria Church had an opportunity to meet and discuss what God had been doing among them in the last five years anticipating what the Lord would do in the future. While listening to the discussion, I heard statements like, “Deo Gloria was a new beginning for me.” And, “Had I not found Deo Gloria, I would not be attending church today.” All stories which testify to the grace of Almighty God who led His people to a unity of mind and heart in worshipping the King of kings insisting not to be held hostage by tradition or philosophy.

This group of believers which now numbers 55 (we began with 16) seems ready for the next step, to reach out to local villages with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to see if the Lord would be so gracious to establish a foothold for his kingdom work there as well. The reaction was joy and excitement as we announced our intention to be used of God to strengthen some of the local churches (especially those without Pastors) by using our people as preachers and teachers, and, to find another location where we can plant another church like Deo Gloria.

Please pray for wisdom for Ken as he tries to continue to encourage the leaders of Deo Gloria to seek out open doors for this vital kingdom work. And please pray for Emy Goicovici (the national Pastor we work with) as more activity means more responsibility and work for him too.

In the Family:

Nikitah and Alyssa arrived at the beginning of November, so the family is back together again. Since arriving, it has become clear that the creative juices behind many of the youth group activities have been reinvigorated with a new transfusion of youthful energy as already a harvest party was planned and implemented with new youth coming to participate; there were over 25 running around the “Luse” home that night. These parties have often been a precursor to young people coming regularly to youth group and have opened doors to their coming to a relationship with Christ as well; in fact, in the last two weeks, two new young people have asked for baptism as the claims of Christ have been impressed upon their hearts through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

Since Kenneth is turning eighteen this December, Ken and Kenneth were required to re-file Kenneth’s paperwork for his visa before the 6th of November with the Romanian government. Kenneth can no longer be here as part of the family, he must be here for his own reasons as an adult. It took three days of intensive work and deliberation but the paperwork is done and fees paid. Now, we wait for confirmation.

We continue to be encouraged to buy a house to obtain permanent status here in the country as the government is becoming progressively stricter when it comes to missionary activities. Already, Russia is technically closed to foreign missionaries and if things continue the way they are, Eastern Europe may not be far behind. We have no way of knowing, but it would be helpful for us to not have to pack up a house every four years and find another one when we come back. In all honesty, it is very difficult on Monica as she is often the one that does a great deal of the work.

In Ministry:
Systematic Theology continues to add participants and we are now up to eleven as we continue to meet each week in a small apartment that we rent as classroom and office space for the church. It is fun for Ken to be able to “talk scripture” and to watch as the Word of God impacts the thinking of each participant. When interpreted in

its normal, natural and customary sense and in context, the teachings of scripture are clear on most subjects that it addresses. Our problem is that we often do not dig deep enough to settle the issues that often confuse or disturb us. However, God continues to allow Ken to be patient; please pray for creativity and clarity for Ken as he tries to explain and drive home the truth of God’s Word.

Currently, the class is working on the Doctrine of Scripture and should finish with the Canon soon before moving on to the Doctrine of God. Please pray that the Lord give Ken wisdom as he seeks to help each participant understand and apply what they are learning.

Monica is now starting to teach English in a kindergarten class in the City of Hunedoara. After her meeting with the teachers recently, she is now convinced that the Lord is giving her an open door to build a relationship with these women for His purposes. In the beginning, she will be teaching once a week, but she is open to being more involved should the Lord allow it.

The David Center continues to meet weekly with Ken teaching through the Book of Revelation and Monica teaching a disabled young man along with Kenneth through the Book of John. The faithful group of about 15, continue to come and it is a blessing to be with them ministering the Word of God.

Dora continues to undergo chemotherapy for her cancer and is often weak and disoriented somewhat when she comes to the Center; but, the important thing is that she still comes. And, God in His grace continues to give her the strength to minister faithfully to the people that she loves so much and has given all her time and attention to. May the Lord grant her mercy and grace as she continues to serve him faithfully.

Deo Gloria will celebrate five years of the Lord’s faithfulness on the 17th of November. While meeting together in homes for evening services on the 11th, the question was asked of the group “What has Deo Gloria meant to you?” It was such a blessing to hear the responses. Over and over God’s people testified of how God had used the preaching, the teaching and the relationships developed there to change and encourage them. One young man who was visiting said, “Wow, it is so great to hear of a church that is doing this stuff.” One woman who had been with us from the beginning, said, “If it had not been for Ken and Monica, I don’t think we would have survived the first year.”

For Ken, the greatest blessing of all of this is that God has made Ken and Emy a team that has the same heart and desire for the future of this church. Deo Gloria is not Ken’s or Emy’s, it belongs to the risen Christ and it is he who grows and sustains it. We enjoy the appreciation and recognition of others for the work that we do, but we need to remember that it is only by His grace that we are not steeped in lifeless traditions and philosophies of men which promote fruitlessness rather than the fruit that lasts for eternity.

Finally, as you can see, the Lord is continuing to work. We are thankful for all that He is doing and for how He is using us. There are many perceived wants, but our needs are being met even as prices rise in this part of the world. It would be nice to have greater income, but we do what we can with what we have and we are thankful.

Thank you, for your faithfulness in prayer and financial support. All glory to the Kings of kings!

Prayer Needs:

1. Energy, Creativity, Wisdom, Determination and Faithfulness as we seek to continue the work the Lord has begun.
2. Safety and effectiveness as we work teach and participate in many ministry activities.
3. Success as we seek to find new office space for the church and the Lord’s will for permanent residency for us. 4. That God continue to spiritually grow and equip us for each new challenge.

Ken and Monica Luse are missionaries with The Masters Mission and their sending church of Grace Chapel Church, West Liberty, Ohio. Their work is generously supported by like minded churches and individuals who have partnered with them in the Romanian ministry. For more information, please visit www.mastersmission.org or visit them on Facebook at “The Luse Connection.”

To God Be the glory. Amen!