ARTICLES:

—Summer of Contrasts
—LIFE Costa Rica on the Move
—Lynne Murphy Memorial Fund
—LIFE Romania: The Turks!


SUMMER OF CONTRASTS

Incredible youth camps in Europe this summer … many decisions for Christ with 291 in Romania and 25 in Montenegro. Would you believe that 96 out of 102 children in one week of camp at LIFE Romania came to Christ when I gave the invitation? It was an awesome sight to behold! It seemed that all 96 wanted to stand right next to Mr. Eric or Iulian, my translator who is the director of our mission there. They were scrunched in together so tight that if someone would have pushed from one side all of us would have fallen over. It was so, so special! 

As I keep saying your prayers are so important because God answers your prayers making stories like this possible. Keep praying!

The contrast? Last time I wrote to you I told about my issues with high blood pressure. I was in stroke territory with numbers running 235/175 … not good, not at all. Why? Well, think about the stress of losing dear Lynne. Fortunately, a nurse from Mississippi was helping in our camp that week in Romania. She hovered over me nursing me back to health. The Romania doctor prescribed the medicine and it seems to be working great as my blood pressure is almost normal now. So, on the one hand we had many spiritual blessings with so many young people coming to Christ. Then, on the other hand I was a physical wreck. My nurse told me that it will take 4 to 5 weeks to get used to living with lower blood pressure taking that long to start feeling better. She was right! 

The rest of the contrast story is that when I was in Montenegro getting things ready for Camp Monty and I suffered a severe strain while walking. They say that a strain in the groin area really shuts down athletes. I don’t know how athletic I am, but, it really put a crimp in my mobility. The story is not over … a week later I was back in Romania to finish up the last two weeks of their camp season serving as the evangelist. I was hanging out with some of the young adults teaching them how to throw a frisbee. Their attempts had me chasing their tosses to the left or to the right. After the third run I felt horrific pain … again in the groin area. This time I really did it! When I do something I don’t mess around. I was screaming in pain scaring our camp counselors half to death … couldn’t take a step without this searing, burning pain. 

So, how am I doing 6+ weeks later? Blood pressure is doing great … the strain problem is still a problem. Four weeks ago I had a CAT scan which revealed that I have five strains, not just one. It also showed that I do not have cancer which could have been a potential cause for the burning pain. Nor, do I have diabetes which would have been another potential cause for the burning sensation. Also, no heart problems, another potential cause. So, some very good news. My barber had this same problem years ago when he was a referee at a football game. It was good to talk with someone who has experienced the same thing. From his response it appears that I have maybe 2 or 3 more months to heal and get over this problem. What a summer of contrasts!


LIFE COSTA RICA ON THE MOVE

Director Cris Vidaechea is coming to the States to raise his support to get the ministry in Costa Rica up and running … October 11- November 1. Pray that he will be able to raise the funds that he needs to quit his full time job with amazon.com… a giant step for him to take. If you would like to become involved please email me … check my email address at the bottom of this Update.

LYNNE MURPHY MEMORIAL FUND

Several people have been gracious to donate to this special fund in Lynne’s name. She loved to see needy campers attend our youth camps. She always spent time with many of them to put smiles on their faces and they often remarked how beautiful her smile was. Lynne really connected with them. Would you like to make a difference in the life of a disadvantaged, needy camper? The address and website information is below. Why don’t you put some smiles on some young faces just like Lynne used to do? I am smiling right now as I think about it …


LIFE ROMANIA: THE TURKS!

Years ago the Ottoman Turks occupied much of Europe for more than two centuries. They returned to Romania this summer … well, not exactly the vicious Ottoman Turks of yesteryear. However, Iulian Avramescu, our director, reports the 23 Turkish children that attended his youth camp one week were totally incorrigible … absolutely out of control. 

There is a small group of Turkish families living in southern Romania near the border with Bulgaria. Tough situation, refugees, the local government trying to figure out what to do with these people and how to educate the children. These kids would not sit still during the meetings, would not behave and drove the camp counselors out of their minds. When they took them to their rooms the Turkish kids were amazed to see water coming out of the wall … you and I call this a shower. They had never seen a shower in their lives! They walked in with all of their clothes and shoes on … totally amazed at the experience. The counselors helped them remove their clothes explaining how to use a shower. They were taking 7 or 8 showers a day as they marveled at this new experience. Can you believe what you are reading? 

These kids live in “homes” made out of cornstalks and mud with a piece of tin on the top for a roof … no floors … just dirt … no bathrooms … families of six or eight living in a tiny hut all in the same “room”. Cooking is done outside over open fires. Can you get your mind around this? 

Think the Lynne Murphy Memorial Fund could make a difference in such lives? 

I missed all of this because I was in Montenegro at Camp Monty. Iulian was sending emails each day asking for prayer because these kids were turning the camp upside down with their behavior. But, on Thursday night Iulian spoke to the campers giving an invitation to accept Christ. All 23 prayed this prayer! Iulian told me that they were so different this next day! What a difference God can make in young lives. What a wonderful story! Pray for these kids … who knows what God might do in their lives? If only one of them returns to Turkey as an evangelist … think about it and pray. 

Oh, did you know that the Apostle Paul was born in what is now modern day Turkey? Who would have dreamed that Saul of Tarsus would have been the one who would rock the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Why not again????

Eric Murphy
Executive Director

www.lifeimpactforeternity.org
[email protected] 
or [email protected]

ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS:
Life Impact For Eternity
3984 Manatee Avenue East
Bradenton FL 34208

SUMMER CAMPS ARE AWESOME!


Montenegro … Camp Monty 2014 was a huge success. Directed by Rick DeYoung it was a privilege for me to be on hand to watch just how far this camp has come … how much progress has been made. Last year 350 campers … this year around 400. Danijel Petkovski and Rick were our speakers … they were extra special. On Monday night the lead singer from the Bolyki Boys in Budapest, Hungary, Balazs presented a top notch concert. Balazs or Bali is a professional singer who has given concerts from Shanghai, China to Zagreb, Croatia … more than 200 concerts across Europe and Asia. The Montenegrins loved his music and have asked when he will return for another concert. 

On Wednesday night John McGuinness led a group from Hamilton, NJ, in a concert that was well received by campers and families. Both concerts were open air events and we battled rain delays both nights, but, the delay just added to the anticipation of the audience each night. 

The movie theater that we rented was packed! Absolutely jam packed full! SRO … Standing Room Only. We had evangelistic meetings there on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with about 30 young people coming to Christ. 

Sports, sports, sports with basketball, soccer, tennis, American football and baseball attracted many young people along with English language instruction. Parents were lined up to thank me for coming to Montenegro telling me that their teens LOVES Camp Monty and LOVES all of those who came to teach or play sports. 

What about the groups from the States when they left to return to their homes? Tears! Yes, tears from the Montenegrins and tears shed by the Americans as they left. 

Stay tuned for more information about how we continue the ministry with this young people from the summer into the fall and winter. Some exciting developments are in the works . . .

Romania … I was in Romania for two weeks at Camp MIA led by our director there, Iulian Avramescu, at a site close to Arad, Romania. As for me, I could not speak during the first week as high blood pressure problems laid me low. God knew I would have these problems in that He sent us a group from Senatobia, MS, which included a nurse. She was a great help for me. 

Right before camp I was in Budapest, Hungary where I visited my Chinese doctor who is board certified in both Hungary and China, western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. She is very good. She put me on blood pressure medication before I traveled to Romania. Truth being told I was in a bad physical condition. Why? Stress from Lynne’s suffering and passing plus other sources and my weight not being in good control … time for change. After the American nurse at camp treated me she wanted help from a Romania doctor which resulted in my medication being doubled and two more medications were added. Oh boy, what a time. My nurse explained that it would take about four weeks to adjust to living with lower blood pressure. Her prediction is right on target as I’m feeling much better … four weeks later.

God helped me do the evangelism during the second week of camp in Romania and many were saved. But, I was very weak. Time to travel to Montenegro. If you would have been traveling with me you would have seen that I could barely move. I asked for assistance in each airport which really helped in Istanbul in their humongous airport. Somehow, some way God helped me survive to make it to Montenegro. I was there for what I call the pre-camp week getting things organized. Much had already been done by locals … a big blessing. Then, our team starting coming from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida. During the middle of Camp Monty I started feeling somewhat better. 

Meanwhile, back in Romania, Iulian, was leading Camp MIA and he had his hands full. 27 Turkish kids who live in a small town in Romania close to the border came to his camp. They were incorrigible kids … undisciplined beyond measure. 10 of them had lice and the counselor were struggling to fight the battle to rid them of lice while trying to get their attention asking them to cooperate. It was a struggle … tough and difficult. Would you believe that these kids are so poor that some of them had never seen a shower before? I’m serious. They were totally amazed watching the water come down from the shower head. To give you a better idea they live in “homes” made out of corn stalks and mud with pieces of tin serving as a roof. 

We thank God that they received Christ! Iulian and his staff smile we they talk about this, but, you can see the fatigue in their eyes and bodies. These kids wore them out. By the time that I returned from Montenegro to join Iulian in his other camp location close to Bucharest 209, altogether, had come to Christ during the four weeks of Camp MIA.

This week I had strength to speak and we saw around 55 of the 63 campers come to Christ. Children’s week … some of the cutest kids in the world are here. We are not finished as we have one more week to go. Be sure to check back for my next Update telling you more exciting details. Before I return to the States I will be with their leadership team for a staff meeting right after the camp ends. Plans are underway for 2015!

How am I doing? Much better! Thank you for your prayers. 

Eric Murphy
Executive Director
LIFE IMPACT FOR ETRNITY


www.lifeimpactforeternity.org


Address for Donations:
Life Impact For Eternity
3984 Manatee Avenue E.
Bradenton FL 34208

ARTICLES: 

*Summer Camps About To Start
*Physical and Spiritual: What is going with me?
*On the Road 

SUMMER CAMPS ABOUT TO START

Wrapping up the background work and all preparations for summer camps … creates excitement as I anticipate a wonderful experience in Romania and Montenegro. Can’t wait! Pray as a few last minute details need to be completed. As for me I will be in Romania close to Arad for counselor training and the first two weeks of camp. We have a team coming from Raleigh NC led by a friend who helped us get the camp started in Hungary years ago, George Tissiere. Then, a small group from the northwest corner of Mississippi will be with us during the second week.

After that I head to Montenegro to get everything ready for Camp Monty … two weeks there with the second week being Camp Monty 2014. Rick DeYoung will direct the camp while I help in the background, shake hands, give hugs, encourage people and build relationships. We have friends coming from California to Ohio to New Jersey to help us reach the Montenegrin youth.

As soon as the dust settles after Camp Monty I will fly back to Romania through Istanbul. The last two weeks of my time there will be in a youth camp about 90 minutes west of Bucharest, the capital. Our team at LIFE Romania will have two weeks close to Arad, then, move to Targoviste for four weeks of youth camp. So, I will join them for their final two weeks. Three groups from Texas will come over during those four weeks in eastern Romania. We are grateful for all those who come. Did I say that I can’t wait? 

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL: WHAT IS GOING WITH ME?

June 8 found me in the same church where we celebrated Lynne’s life six months earlier to the date. I suddenly realized this when I walked into the door. My mind flooded with memories … good ones. Her celebration service [I choose this term rather than a funeral service] was quite an experience, so as I thought about that special day I re-lived it in my mind. Somehow this helped me.

Today I received a letter from someone who wrote that what I'm experiencing in my grief is very, very normal. Some advice was given on how to live out the grief or live through it, experience it and be at peace with the process. Very helpful. God is so good! What I mean is that although going through a tough experience is painful, yet, God helps a person through the hard times. We learn things that we would never learn in any other way. God sees us all the way through the process and we become better ... we mature. Somehow, some way, this is good for us. I don't resent what God has done or what He is doing. Not at all. No anger at God. That's the spiritual side. The physical side? My emotions? The loneliness ... trying to find my place ... the empty feeling ... finds me digging into God even more. I must admit that I've had days here & there when I was really quiet ... sort of wondering if I was in an emotional tornado. Then, I realize that I need more of God, so, I start talking to Him finding myself praising Him ... all based on the model of what God gave us in Psalms. 

The problem with my knee is much better, 90% better. I can take a slow walk now for about a half of a mile or about 1 KM. That helps so much ... stress reliever. I'm almost ready to return to the YMCA to do some light exercise. Well, this physical slowdown has played a part in my recent battle with my emotions. Message? God wanted me to release my stress & put it on His shoulders more than work it out through physical activity. God is at work in all of these things. Perhaps what I'm sharing will be of help to others. Hope so. 

Late June/Early July Update: High Blood Pressure issues slowed me down knocking me out of the first week in camp in Romania. I was in Budapest, Hungary, receiving medical care from my Chinese doctor there and she put me on blood pressure medication. Stress, loads of it for the last two years, caught up with me. She said that I was in danger of having an immediate stroke. Scary situation. I flew to Romania for Camp MIA and spoke to the camp counselors. After this I became very weak and received help from a Romanian doctor who put me on two more blood pressure meds. I called my Chinese doctor to report this and she agreed. The latest is that it has been reduced by 40 points, but, it’s not normal yet. Pray that I can speak during week two in camp. I’ll keep you posted. 

ON THE ROAD

Last month I wrote that I spent 17 days with our Romanian director, Iulian Avramescu. After this he went to Dallas, Texas for a one month furlough to visit his supporters and ask people to help with his needs for the summer camps at LIFE Romania. So, I joined him for six days in Dallas to help him. 23 quality days of mentoring, fellowship and more … the model that the Apostle Paul used with those who traveled with him … I love it.

 Then, I traveled to Indianapolis to do some marriage counseling with a couple. The young lady came to our ministry in Hungary during her childhood, so, we “go way back”. They want me to perform their wedding ceremony on August 31, so, I will return to Indy after the summer camp season in Europe. While I was in Indiana I spent time with young men to cast a vision for LIFE asking them to join this vision not only in Europe, but also, in Costa Rica which will kick off their “summer” camp season in January. Then, I talked about Cuba, Columbia in South America, Bosnia and Albania in Europe … nothing there yet as far as Life Impact For Eternity is concerned … I was sharing my dreams. I have a passion to involve young adults to get them involved … their time, their talents, their brains and their hearts. This is burning inside of me! Join me in prayer for this.

Thank you for caring … greatly appreciated!

Eric Murphy
Executive Director
LIFE IMPACT FOR ETERNITY

3984 Manatee Avenue
Bradenton FL 34208
321 663 5710
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.lifeimpactforeternity.org

ARTICLES:

*Summer Camps About To Start
*Physical and Spiritual: What is going with me?
*On the Road

SUMMER CAMPS ABOUT TO START

Wrapping up the background work and all preparations for summer camps … creates excitement as I anticipate a wonderful experience in Romania and Montenegro. Can’t wait! Pray as a few last minute details need to be completed. As for me I will be in Romania close to Arad for counselor training and the first two weeks of camp. We have a team coming from Raleigh NC led by a friend who helped us get the camp started in Hungary years ago, George Tissiere. Then, a small group from the northwest corner of Mississippi will be with us during the second week.

After that I head to Montenegro to get everything ready for Camp Monty … two weeks there with the second week being Camp Monty 2014. Rick DeYoung will direct the camp while I help in the background, shake hands, give hugs, encourage people and build relationships. We have friends coming from California to Ohio to New Jersey to help us reach the Montenegrin youth.

As soon as the dust settles after Camp Monty I will fly back to Romania through Istanbul. The last two weeks of my time there will be in a youth camp about 90 minutes west of Bucharest, the capital. Our team at LIFE Romania will have two weeks close to Arad, then, move to Targoviste for four weeks of youth camp. So, I will join them for their final two weeks. Three groups from Texas will come over during those four weeks in eastern Romania. We are grateful for all those who come. Did I say that I can’t wait?

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL: WHAT IS GOING WITH ME?

June 8 found me in the same church where we celebrated Lynne’s life six months earlier to the date. I suddenly realized this when I walked into the door. My mind flooded with memories … good ones. Her celebration service [I choose this term rather than a funeral service] was quite an experience, so as I thought about that special day I re-lived it in my mind. Somehow this helped me.

Today I received a letter from someone who wrote that what I'm experiencing in my grief is very, very normal. Some advice was given on how to live out the grief or live through it, experience it and be at peace with the process. Very helpful. God is so good! What I mean is that although going through a tough experience is painful, yet, God helps a person through the hard times. We learn things that we would never learn in any other way. God sees us all the way through the process and we become better ... we mature. Somehow, some way, this is good for us. I don't resent what God has done or what He is doing. Not at all. No anger at God. That's the spiritual side. The physical side? My emotions? The loneliness ... trying to find my place ... the empty feeling ... finds me digging into God even more. I must admit that I've had days here & there when I was really quiet ... sort of wondering if I was in an emotional tornado. Then, I realize that I need more of God, so, I start talking to Him finding myself praising Him ... all based on the model of what God gave us in Psalms. 

The problem with my knee is much better, 90% better. I can take a slow walk now for about a half of a mile or about 1 KM. That helps so much ... stress reliever. I'm almost ready to return to the YMCA to do some light exercise. Well, this physical slowdown has played a part in my recent battle with my emotions. Message? God wanted me to release my stress & put it on His shoulders more than work it out through physical activity. God is at work in all of these things. Perhaps what I'm sharing will be of help to others. Hope so.

ON THE ROAD

Last month I wrote that I spent 17 days with our Romanian director, Iulian Avramescu. After this he went to Dallas, Texas for a one month furlough to visit his supporters and ask people to help with his needs for the summer camps at LIFE Romania. So, I joined him for six days in Dallas to help him. 23 quality days of mentoring, fellowship and more … the model that the Apostle Paul used with those who traveled with him … I love it.

Then, I traveled to Indianapolis to do some marriage counseling with a couple. The young lady came to our ministry in Hungary during her childhood, so, we “go way back”. They want me to perform their wedding ceremony on August 31, so, I will return to Indy after the summer camp season in Europe. While I was in Indiana I spent time with young men to cast a vision for LIFE asking them to join this vision not only in Europe, but also, in Costa Rica which will kick off their “summer” camp season in January. Then, I talked about Cuba, Columbia in South America, Bosnia and Albania in Europe … nothing there yet as far as Life Impact For Eternity is concerned … I was sharing my dreams. I have a passion to involve young adults to get them involved … their time, their talents, their brains and their hearts. This is burning inside of me! Join me in prayer for this.

Thank you for caring … greatly appreciated!

Eric Murphy
Executive Director
LIFE IMPACT FOR ETERNITY
3984 Manatee Avenue
Bradenton FL 34208
321 663 5710
[email protected]
[email protected]www.lifeimpactforeternity.org

 

ARTICLES

--Great Trip Thru Hungary, Bosnia, Montenegro and Romania

--Lump In My Throat

--What’s Up?

GREAT TRIP THRU HUNGARY, CROATIA, BOSNIA, MONTENEGRO, SERBIA AND ROMANIA

Iulian Avramescu, our director in Romania, summed it up quite well with his post on Facebook, “I felt like I was living in the Book of Acts.” Iulian and his young team member, Luca, a pro soccer player, met me in Hungary and the three of us went on a whirlwind trip through five countries.

Returning to my old haunts at Word of Life Hungary to speak in chapel at the Bible Institute I had an incredible time speaking to the students there. What great potential! It was good to fellowship with former staff members and make new friends. God is blessing the work there.

With Iulian at the wheel and with me rubbing my knee [oh, the pain … hurt my knee traveling to our Board of Directors meeting in March … something moved out of joint during the trip … still bothering me into early May … please pray] we headed south to spend the night is Sarajevo, Bosnia. I still remember the bombing and shelling in 1993 during the war between Serbia and Bosnia as Lynne and I traveled through there. What a change from those days. One thing that we noticed as we drove through thru small towns … each had a mosque and a tall minaret [from the Arabic word meaning “lighthouse”, a tall obelisk or tower] … funded by the Saudi Arabians … some were not being used, but, ready to be used when a Muslim priest can come to live there. We thought about how many towns do not have a Gospel preaching church. What a dilemma.

It’s been two years since I have been in Montenegro. What a joy to return to see friends and work on details for Camp Monty 2014. I was so excited to be there again. God blessed the preaching of His Word in the churches in Niksic and Podgorica as I shared Biblical principles regarding the theme of grief. Then, I had an opportunity to speak to university students in Niksic led by our good friend, Danijel Petkovski, who helps us at Camp Monty. Three of the students received Christ and we had great conversations with other students after the meeting. Danijel is doing a great job. It was so good to spend time with Sasha Olah, team member for LIFE Montenegro and Camp Monty. It has been through some tough times with physical injuries which adversely affects his outreach ministry as a soccer coach and player. Pray for Sasha as he meets with guys who come to Camp Monty. Then need encouragement and discipleship. I am so thankful to have Sasha on our team.

Traveling northward through the mountains was quite an experience. Iulian and Luca enjoyed the scenic beauty from the front seat of the van and I saw the peaks from my vantage point in the back seat as I lay on my back taking pressure off of my knee. God blessed my ministry during this trip, but, the physical situation was quite difficult. Quite the contrast! Oh yes, the roads in Serbia … bumpy beyond measure. Iulian wants to buy another GPS. It seems that his old one gave us an extended trip adding a couple of hours to the travel schedule. Finally, we arrived at the border of Romania crossing the Danube River as Iulian and Luca were yelling and shouting. It was quite a trip …

Next on the agenda was Counselor Training for our youth camp at LIFE Romania. We have several new counselors to join a great core group of returning camp counselors. Sorry, I know I use certain words again and again … here I go again … I was “revved up”! Well, except for my knee. I just slid my right knee and leg along as I moved about when I was speaking. It didn’t affect my spirit and attitude. God was at work in those meetings. Potential, more potential! These young Romanians are awesome. Iulian is doing a marvelous job building a young team which includes camp leaders or staff along with the counselors.

This leads me to the next meetings following the Counselor Training. Most of Iulian’s young team stayed for three days for a staff meeting. We took some time to see the famous Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania, where the Romanian royalty lived. Each day Iulian asked me to speak to the leadership team, then, they worked on projects, practical things to improve the ministry. Three worked on scheduling and organization while two worked on the website, greatly improved with a new, enhanced look. This gave Iulian and I time to work on a project of our own. Wow! So much was accomplished.

Back to Bucharest from the Carpathian Mountains and Sinaia where I could make plans to change my travel schedule as I needed to return to the States. Originally, I had planned to be in Israel with Dr. Jimmy DeYoung and his sons for a tour of the Holy Land. My knee was too painful for the walking that I would be doing on this tour. Much to my regret I had to cancel my plans, yet, I know that God is in control and has reasons beyond what I can comprehend.

Slowly, my knee is getting better since the special knee treatments that I received while I was in Montenegro. Perhaps it is 70% better now. Yet, as I look back on the trip through six countries in Europe I rejoice in what was accomplished. I thank God that Iulian was along to take good care of me and get me to where I needed to go despite his vagabond GPS. 17 days with Iulian was priceless … mentoring, discipleship, observation, conversations, fellowship … you name it, we did it … what an experience. I’m so encouraged.

LUMP IN MY THROAT

No, nothing wrong with my health … just had a big “lump in my throat” when I saw in Lynne’s piano in Niksic, Montenegro on my recent trip. I was speaking in the church in Niksic and noticed her piano sitting there. We brought it from Budapest last summer to have it available for Camp Monty and that it can be used at the church. But, the “lump” quickly disappeared when I thought that it is good that it is being used in God’s work. This is how I was raised, that is, if change has taken place and something is not being used, then, put it to good use somewhere.

WHAT’S UP?

Ministry with Iulian in Dallas, Texas where he has his support and prayer base—this is next. This is an important part of my ministry just like the 17 days being together in Europe. I love evangelism, but, I cannot do this all of the time. So, I spend time behind the scenes with a young man like Iulian, 33 years of age. Let’s put it this way, “I’ve been there and done that, now, it’s time to teach someone else to go there and do that!” I love doing this!

Eric Murphy

www.lifeimpactforeternity.org  [email protected] or [email protected]

ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS: Life Impact For Eternity, 3984 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton FL 34208

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