I watched her eat pureed food and she ate well as the caregiver fed her. Her dosage of pain medication had been ramped up to the highest level only days before and she had been sleeping almost 24/7. I had wondered if I would ever have another conversation with again … or another smile. God gave one more sweet time together after supper on November 30. What sweet smiles she gave me! Precious! I’m weeping as I write about this right now … so grateful for what God gave us that night. When I told her that I love her more than ever before, she smiled. I forget how many times I told her … several times. I told her that I thank God for giving her to me 42+ years ago. Oh, she smiled so warmly. So peaceful, so serene … I treasure those moments in my memory. Prayed with her … quoted some Bible verses to her … ran my fingers through her hair … kissed her. So special!
The nurse came in to give her pain medication … heavy duty stuff … soon Lynne’s eyes closed … sleep. Somehow I knew that it was the last time that we would communicate like this. Coming to visit her after church on December 1 she was still asleep. But, neither the nurse nor the caregivers or I realized that she was shutting down. Leaving the YMCA on December 2 my nephew, Brian, asked if he could go with me. We found Lynne struggling to breathe, battling for her life. Her vital signs showed that she did not have much more time. The nurse told me that it might take two hours or it might take two days, but, she thought that Lynne would pass that night. It took three days. Looking back on it I’m not surprised that it took three days because Lynne had fought MS for 20 years and two months. What a trooper! Uh-oh!! Danger! Problem! Lynne could no longer swallow. It was not possible to give her pain medicine in tablet form. She needed morphine. We simply could not get in contact with her doctor because of computer problems. The doctor covering for her was reluctant to prescribe a narcotic because Lynne was not his patient. The problem with today’s “pill heads” [illicit drugs] hurts those who desperately need medicine. I did not waste time with being upset with the doctor … I asked the nurse to contact Hospice who could provide Lynne with what she desperately needed. I did not want to go through an entire night with Lynne having no medication suffering horrific pain. The nurse looked me dead in the eye as she said, “It will take an act of God to do this! It’s 7:05 PM and Hospice would have to come to do an assessment and their pharmacy closes at 9:00 PM!” I kindly asked her to contact Hospice and she quickly left Lynne’s room to get started. I prayed [silently] asking God to intervene. At 8:00 PM the nurse from Hospice showed up … she just happens to live across the road from Greystone. At 8:45 PM or so the Wellness Manager at Greystone [a believer] came back with all of the medicine that Lynne needed … incredible! Smiling, I asked the nurse if this was an act of God. Stunned, but, very happy, she affirmed that it was indeed an act of God. [How amazing that Lynne’s situation has made an impact on so many people’s lives such as this young nurse.] Thank God … Lynne had the morphine she desperately needed as well as the medication for her lungs as they were almost full of liquid. At least, she could rest … breathe … and have no pain as we waited for her to pass. God is so merciful and full of compassion. Lynne’s sister, Tricia, spent the night with Lynne and me. We sang songs to Lynne. I read the Bible to her and I talked to her. The sun came up and Lynne was still with us. Several friends and family members came to visit during the day. It gave me time to race to the house to get my phone charger and laptop. Otherwise, I stayed at Lynne’s side. This had to be the most difficult time of her life and I wanted to be with her to help her through this. Night two found me alone with Lynne, but, this was good. I sang for almost four hours. At first I could hardly get through the songs that spoke of heaven, but, those tears passed as I found encouragement from those songs. Seems to me that I was singing as much for me as much for me as I was for Lynne. I went through Psalms searching each chapter for verses that helped us and I became quite passionate about some of these verses. In fact, I stood up and talked about these verses just as though I was giving a sermon … no less than five times … five sermons to an audience of one. Quite animated and dynamic I gave Lynne my best, no, God’s best. Then, day three dawned. More visitors came which gave me time to move to the hallway to start planning the funeral details as they spent time sitting with Lynne. When I saw that her room was empty I moved to her side to encourage her that I was close by. The third night was hard as I had only grabbed 30 to 45 minutes of sleep the previous two nights. My niece, Kayla, had come in from Rochester, NY, to stay with us. I was able to get around four hours of restless sleep as I would wake up each time caregivers or the nurse would come in to check on Lynne or give her medicine. But, it helped. The sun rose on the fourth day of the vigil and I was encouraged by the brightness of the sunrise. Changing my tactics I did not sing to Lynne that morning nor did I read to her. Every hour or so I told her that I’m in the room with her giving her space … time to herself and to her God. I took a phone call from a friend who told me that when God is ready He will take her home. As I finished the phone call I saw Lynne’s eyes roll back in her head. It was time. The caregivers and the nurse were in the room with Kayla and me. We gathered around Lynne as I encouraged her to “go home”, to go be with the Lord. The nurse gave me the knowing look that Lynne had passed. I put my ear to her chest … nothing … her heart had stopped. Looking at the clock we confirmed that she had departed at 10:35 AM on December 5, 2013. I startled everyone in the room as I shot my arm into the air and exclaimed “Praise the Lord!” Then, I shouted “Hallelujah”!! Looking at my niece I told her, “She’s with the Lord!” I was SO happy for Lynne. SO HAPPY! Then, I looked at her lifeless form lying in the bed … the blood had drained from her face … it hit me hard as I thought “She’s gone. She’s not here.” Sad for a second, I praised the Lord again … no more suffering … no more pain … she’s in Heaven. What a special feeling. Years ago Lynne must have sensed that she would pass before me as she requested that her memorial service would be joyful, positive with songs of praise. Music was her life and she knew what she wanted … a Celebration Service. And, so it was! Calling upon singers from several churches to make a mass choir we had a rehearsal during the visitation time before the celebration service … in front of the people. The choir went back to their seats singing “Amen” acapella … that was the signal that the only way that this service would resemble a funeral is that there was a casket situated in front of the pulpit. We had about 30 minutes left before the beginning of the service, so, I started pointing out certain people who had been a blessing to Lynne and me. Graduates from our school in Hungary from Liberia, Kenya, Romania and the United States … certain supporters who had made our mission possible over the years … several pastors … family members … precious friends … it was so special, so different, so right … the celebration was underway. The clock showed 1:55 PM, so, I signaled for the funeral directors to come to the front to escort the family to the vestibule. Taking my last glimpse of Lynne’s beautiful face I walked with my mother as Lynne’s family followed. That was tough and my eyes were rimmed with tears. But, God gave me strength. We returned after the casket had been closed and I took my place at the pulpit. Yes, as my friends in West Virginia say, I “preached” my wife’s funeral. No, let’s call it a celebration. The obituary … no way … I called it a Tribute to Lynne Murphy and I shared how God had used her life on two continents giving praise to Him. That was unique … just how Lynne wanted it. The choral music … electric, spiritual … they walked to the choir loft singing “Amen”. The congregation was alert taking it all in. What a privilege for me to direct the choir and they sang so well. Returning to their seats they sang it again … “Amen”. The service went viral as people took pictures to post online … text messages … Twitter … Facebook. Yes, it’s a different world these days. In the message I encouraged everyone to “Finish Well.” Yes, I am taking the message to heart for myself. Lynne finished well despite her terrible suffering … 29 months at Greystone … horrific physical pain much of that time. But, she finished well with a smile for those who came to see her impacting so many people … from her bed of suffering. God was magnified through all of this. Several people had prayed for good weather as an ice storm was in the forecast. The ice storm happened, but, not in Beckley, WV. God made it pass around us. I kid you not. Would you believe I prayed for sunshine? The Weather Channel showed a thick blanket of clouds and bad weather from Texas to New Hampshire. God lit up the church as we listened to a song that Lynne wanted to be played after the message, “If You Could See My Now.” During the key words in the song, “if you could see me now walking on streets of gold”, the sunshine poured through the church windows … God smiling His approval on the life of Lynne Murphy. People are still talking about what happened. It was stunning. Time for the pallbearers to serve by attending to the casket after everyone had exited the church … all of them pastors and a church leader from the host church. The processional to the cemetery was fitting for royalty as someone said. The chaplain of the West Virginia State Police organized State Police cars, the Sherriff’s Department and the City of Beckley Police to stop all traffic for the hearse and cars spread out more than one mile long. At one busy intersection Beckley Firefighters [my firefighter nephew was so proud of his buddies] stood at attention holding the traffic for us. The only thing missing was six motorcycles in front. One of my friends commented, “Lynne Murphy always did things with such flair. Looks like God pulled out all of the stops to honor Lynne.” This special treatment is simply not done in this day and time. But, this is what God wanted. Oh, did I mention that it was rush hour traffic? Dr. Reggie Weems from Johnson City, Tennessee, gave one of the best messages I have ever heard at a Graveside Ceremony. Afterwards, I stood to sing the chorus of “I’ll Meet You in the Morning” … “just inside the Eastern Gate over there.” Misty eyes on each face. Then, I changed the mood by announcing that ladies from four churches have prepared a scrumptious meal for us at a nearby church … inviting all … with a loud, “I’m hungry, let’s go eat!” There was warm laughter and we had a great time of fellowship. The Celebration Service was one of a kind, but, what God had for Lynne in Heaven far surpassed what we had … The Celestial Celebration Service. Think about it! Before Lynne passed I told her that her name will be remembered. The Lynne Murphy Memorial Fund for Needy Campers & Camp Promotion has been created. If you would like to make a special donation to honor Lynne and her love for children please do so today. This gift will impact the lives of needy youth in Montenegro and Romania. What’s next for me? The work in Europe continues. Planning sessions with my staff were held during the days before the Celebration Service. Stay tuned . . . Eric Murphy
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--Change is Normal --Reports from Montenegro & Romania --How is Lynne? CHANGE IS NORMAL Most people do not like “change”, but, it is inevitable at times. Therefore, I like to say that change is normal. 24 years living in Hungary … that’s quite a feat. But, I had to make a change. Why? First, you know that Lynne has battled MS for 20 years and she is much worse. Next, Hungarian laws are taking effect on the first day of the coming year that virtually prevents me from living there. Truth is, both of these situations bring about change … a move back to the States. Retiring? Are you kidding?!! No, not at all. Not only do I need to be closer to Lynne to encourage her I also need to schedule meetings in churches to promote our mission as well as recruit new missionaries. Life Impact For Eternity is growing … more missionaries are needed. LIFE needs groups to go to the field to teach English or minister in sports evangelism. Fortunately, I can continue mentoring those who are on the field through the Internet, Skype and emails. Modern technology makes this possible. Still, there is the need to have face-to-face contact and discipleship as well as opportunities for evangelism. So, trips are planned to return to Europe so that I can be on the field to accomplish these purposes. Actually, I am quite excited about this. God is at work in all of these things. So, when I was in Europe this summer I spent time in Hungary packing our things as well as doing evangelism in Romania … back and forth … 3 or 4 days in Romania, then, driving back to Budapest for the rest of the week to pack. I did this for five weeks and much was accomplished. Then, in September a container was loaded to ship some of our things back to the States. We wanted to help others so many things were donated to missionaries there. The container arrived in three weeks after loading. Let me say, it’s been a busy time. [NOTE: If you go to visit Lynne please do not talk about me moving back to the States. Sounds strange? Well, MS has affected her mind somewhat and this news would be difficult for her in many ways. She does not need this stress. She would fret about what I did with our furniture or her things. Last year I told her that I will organize a container to bring over some of her things to put in her room at Greystone … a cabinet containing her porcelain and some oil paintings that she loves. It would cause her to worry … day in our day out … making her condition worse. This has been an unusual stress for me, but, I do not want to burden poor Lynne with this. During the past 12 months I have been stateside with Lynne for 7 to 8 months, so, my presence now is not a surprise for her. This has been one of the most difficult things in my life to do. If you have questions feel free to email me. I trust that you will understand.] Need: We have received $2,800 to pay for the container leaving a balance of $4050 that needs to be paid. If you can help please see the address at the end of this Update … please kindly consider helping us with this need today. In advance, thank you. REPORTS FROM MONTENEGRO AND ROMANIA Jim Compton was in Montenegro last month meeting with two of our national missionaries there, Sasha and Kristina. Jim is gifted in behind the scenes ministry. I underscore and highlight the importance of this type of ministry. Our eyes note the incredible results of the youth camp ministry and our hearts rejoice at the numbers that receive Christ. But, let me tell you, all of this would not be possible without someone laboring for the Lord behind the scenes … organizing, counseling, advising, negotiating and much more … much more. There are Bible studies and discipleship meetings being held in Niksic, Montenegro. I was looking at a picture on Facebook and noted that Igor [EE-GORE] was in attendance. My heart was pounding … I was thrilled to see this. He is one of the first guys that I connected with in 2007 when I started Camp Monty. Wonderful! In Romania, one of our partners, Jimmy DeYoung Jr. was teaching pastors and church leaders in early October. Jimmy Jr. has been serving at Camp Monty since 2008 using his sports skills and speaking ability to reach a lot of young athletes. I am very happy to see God using Jimmy Jr. in Romania as well teaching Biblical Prophecy as well as teaching people how to interpret Scripture and how to study God’s Word. Not to criticize Romanians at all, but, there is a great need for this. God is using him mightily and it’s great to see that a “chip on the ol’ block” [he is the son of one of America’s most famous Bible teachers, Dr. Jimmy DeYoung Sr.] is busy serving God. Jimmy Jr. has a younger brother, Rick, who is leading Camp Monty together with Jim Compton. I thank God for these men, partners in the ministry, serving together with us. Another ministry at LIFE Romania is Men’s Retreats … what a great retreat they had about two weeks ago in the mountains of Romania at Sinaia. Director Iulian Avramescu raves about the response which includes men being excited about Bible study, praying together and encouraging one another. We are thankful for all those who make this ministry possible. HOW IS LYNNE? One word … worse … pain issues are horrific. She recently received a major upgrade in pain medication, so, pray that it will be effective. At some point, the Lord will call her to be with Him in heaven. Of course, I have no idea when that will be, but, it seems to be closer that than ever before. Yet, God is using Lynne in the lives of so many people. There are so many stories that I could tell and there probably many more stories that I have not heard. God is at work and I rejoice in this. There is a comfort in knowing that God uses every event in our lives for a purpose. Thank you for your prayers in Lynne’s behalf. Eric Murphy Executive Director, Life Impact For Eternity ericwmurphy@gmail.com or ericmurphy_life@hotmail.com or ericwmurphy@hotmail.com www.lifeimpactforeternity.org ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS: Life Impact For Eternity, 3984 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton FL 34208 ARTICLES:
--35 Years … A Good Start --Drug Dealer … A Radical Change --65 out of 65 --Old Stomping Grounds … Back to the Past 35 YEARS … A GOOD START In August, 1978, Lynne and I became missionaries … 35 years ago! My, the time has passed by quickly, but, in my view, it’s a good start. Great things have happened over this period of time … God has done an incredible work … it’s been wonderful. Whoa! Wait! We are not finished yet because some exciting opportunities await us. I think of the phrase, “Keep on keeping on!” Thank you for your faithful support and prayers as well as your encouragement. It’s true that Lynne is in Assisted Living, but, God is using her life as though He is painting a new portrait using her to touch so many lives through the ministry of suffering. God is at work in this. God is using me to serve as a mentor and encourager for young leaders and there are plenty of opportunities to speak and do evangelism. Love it! My plans? Just as I wrote … “Keep On Keeping On!” Let’s see … in concert with The Hungarian Brass on September 29 in Hungary … Prophecy Conference in Romania with Jimmy DeYoung Jr. October 3-5 … Follow-up trip to Montenegro … Winter Camp in Romania … Sports Rallies in Romania … plus more. Stay tuned! DRUG DEALER … A RADICAL CHANGE Six weeks of ministry in Romania this summer yielded a great harvest. I was there for five of those weeks speaking to the campers. During the fourth week, a drug dealer attended our camp for older youth, ages 18 to the late twenties. While I was speaking on Monday night I “picked” on him during my message teasing with him. He came right back at me with very good English. I was after him again on Tuesday night when I spoke and gave an invitation to start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He responded! Big change … in fact, a radical change! He stopped his drugs cold turkey. More importantly, he has a passion for God. He returned as a helper in Week 5 as we opened a new camp location about 90 minutes went of Bucharest, Romania. I watched him watch me as I spoke to the campers … he was soaking up everything. There was a great response and he was shedding tears of happiness. He told me that he thinks he has my messages and the invitation memorized and that he can do this now. I think he has tremendous potential for a 24 year old. What a difference in his life! Let’s rejoice! Want to hear the latest news? He just enrolled as a student in the Bible School that was started in Hungary in 1994 under my leadership. Can you believe it? A drug dealer and drug user in July and a Bible School student in September? I get “chill bumps” on my arms when I tell about this. I’m excited beyond measure. Pray for Robert Mihai … only eternity will reveal what God has in store for this young man. 65 OUT OF 65 Never in my 35 years speaking to young people have I seen this happen. Every single child that attended camp in our new camp location in Targoviste, Romania responded to the Gospel. All 65 raised their hands that they prayed the prayer to receive Christ … every single one of them came to the front to stand next to me and Iulian Avramescu, my translator, making public their decision. Now, that’s something special. Yes, Robert Mihai was there watching this. He was electrified. Not only this, but, Iulian Avramescu’s father was in attendance and he also started his personal relationship with Christ. Pray for him as he desires to grow in his knowledge of the Bible and his walk with God. So, 66 decisions! Have I asked you recently to rejoice with us? Well, please do so again. Praise the Lord! OLD STOMPING GROUNDS … BACK TO THE PAST It was an honor for me to return to Toalmas, Hungary, where Lynne and I spent 15 years building up the work there. The special occasion was the installation of a new director, Gabor Csikos. Gabor dedicated his life to God under my ministry there 23 years ago and now he is the leader. Word of Life Hungary is a wonderful mission and it was a joy for me to make a trip back to the past and rejoice about the present. We wish the best for Gabor, his family and his leadership team. This is where Robert, the former drug dealer, is attending Bible School along with our assistant program director at Camp MIA this summer in Romania, Adrian … two products of our mission in Romania. May God bless them all. Thank you for reading the Update. Thank you for your prayers and your help. God bless! Eric Murphy Executive Director www.lifeimpactforeternity.org ericwmurphy@gmail.com or ericmurphy_life@hotmail.com or ericwmurphy@hotmail.com ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS: Life Impact For Eternity 3984 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton FL 34208 Note: If you do not wish to receive this report please send an email asking to be removed and we will promptly comply with your request. ARTICLES:
–The Dust is Still Settling –Awesome Results in Romania THE DUST IS STILL SETTLING Let’s hear a report from Jim Compton, Assistant Director for Life Impact For Eternity. Rick DeYoung served as the Director of Camp Monty with Jim helping him in every way possible. [They make a great team]. “Camp Monty 2013 is over ... well, no it’s not. Say what? One couple joined us at Camp Monty for the last two summers. Take a look at what Tim & Heidi Sharpe are saying, “Milijan is a kid that played soccer last year at Camp Monty. I kept in contact with him through Facebook. He was camp again this year showing very little interest in salvation. On Thursday he talked to Daniel and got saved ... it took two overseas trip to Camp Monty and a year of Facebook, but he got saved as a result. God is good!” See what I mean? The dust never completely settled from Camp Monty 2012 ... the Sharpe family kept stirring up dust throughout the year ... talk about results ... I’m excited! Here’s a couple of ongoing stories from the 2013 experience. One is Kristina Cvetkovic, one of our translators ... she lives in Podgorica, the capital city, 75 minutes away from Niksic by bus. She is connecting with some of the campers and the local church in Niksic by offering to go there on Sundays to meet up with the campers & take them to the church. This is a difficult gap to bridge, but, Kristina is proactive. Pray for this. Now, listen to this one ... Sasha Olah, from Serbia, has helped us with the soccer program and translation the last three summers. He moved to Podgorica to try out for a pro soccer team. He’s quite a soccer player, but, somehow it just didn’t work out. Well, he is burdened for the young soccer players he has worked with this summer. He wants to move to Niksic ... start a soccer/discipleship ministry. Dragan, the former soccer pro [a national sports hero in former Yugoslavia ... everyone seems to know him] has a soccer field that he graciously opens to Camp Monty each summer. He has offered to give Sasha 30 middle school boys to coach. Dragan thinks that Sasha is a good coach and has a lot of potential. Think of the possibilities for discipleship ... Sasha’s ministry will be jumpstarted because of this offer. Seems to me that God had a reason for his pro ambitions not completely working out. Sasha & Kristina will need your help and they need it soon. Would you like to make a difference with the ministry at Camp Monty throughout the year? Not just in the summer ... all year long. How much does he need? And Kristina traveling each weekend to Niksic? Glad you asked. 500 Euros per month which is $675. Not bad ... the cost of living is less expensive in Montenegro. This will help cover his rent, food and living expenses and Kristina’s travel & related expenses. . Michelle and I would like to see this goal met this month so Sasha can move to Niksic & get started and for Kristina to have the money necessary to make these vital trips. Would you help? And pray? Life Impact For Eternity, 3984 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208 is the mailing address to use & earmark this for Sasha/Montenegro or Kristina/Montenegro. You could do this online through Pay Pal if you wish: www.lifeimpactforeternity.org Would you be so kind to let me know which one you want to support? Or both? Thanks for caring!” Jim Compton, Assistant Director, Life Impact For Eternity P.S. Want something to tug at your heart? One of the younger Camp Monty campers wrote: “Dear people from Camp Monty, I don’t know all your names, but, I know one thing ... you saved me. Last few months were very, very hard for me. I lost my Dad & all my world was colored in black. You saved me. Now I feel God is in my heart.” P.S.S. My best guess is that there were 50 people that went forward to get a better understanding one of one what it means to follow Christ. The church staff, translators and our people were there to talk to them. The kids that went forward were in tears, a very emotional ending to the meeting. AWESOME RESULTS IN ROMANIA Can’t find a better word to describe what has happened so far at Camp MIA in Romania this summer ... AWESOME! It was a great joy for me to speak during the evangelism at the beginning of each week for four weeks. God knows the exact numbers as to how many received Christ. In fact, He knows who was really serious about their decision or not. What I can tell you is that 226 held their hands up that they prayed to receive Christ and that all of them went to counseling after they made their decisions. Awesome results when you consider that we had just under 400 campers during the four weeks. In fact, last week 21 older campers, ages 16-28 or so, out of 55 campers made decisions for Christ. Praise God with us regarding this harvest. Iulian Avramescu, Director for LIFE Romania, spoke at the Campfire Service each Thursday evening and saw many decisions where Romanian youth responded to the question, “Would you be willing to do whatever God would have you to do?” He reported that during the last two weeks that there were strong spiritual battles as the older teens grappled with this challenging question. Some of them struggled, but, most of them made positive decisions. Only eternity will tell what God will do in their lives as a result of their response to this question. Pray for them. The story is not over ... there are two more weeks of camp this month ... new location ... Targoviste, Romania which is about 90 minutes west of Bucharest, the capital. Our camp staff is in the process of loading up camp supplies and moving eight hours eastward from Arad to this new site. We start camp there are August 12 and I will be on hand to do the evangelism with children as the campers. What fun! Again, we ask for prayer for Iulian and his team. Wrapping up our latest Update with a note about Lynne–please continue in prayer for her. It’s not easy for her when I am away from her for summer camps. Her voice is becoming weaker, pain issues call for stronger medication and depression is an issue. Still, when people visit her that tell that she has a smile for them and when they ask her how she is doing she responds with “Oh, pretty good.” She is a trooper, yet, she is in need of constant prayer. God is at work. Eric Murphy Executive Director, Life Impact For Eternity Email Eric ARTICLES:
--Summer Camps: Raring to go! --Lynne is struggling --Behind the scenes SUMMER CAMPS: RARING TO GO! Rick DeYoung and Jim Compton just returned from Montenegro … organizing details for Camp Monty … outreach with a music team that accompanied them. They are raring to go! A few days I was with our Romanian Field Director, Iulian Avramescu. He is fired up about Camp MIA … four weeks in Sistarovat near Arad and opening a new location in Targoviste, about 90 minutes west of Bucharest. I can hardly wait! Stay tuned for some exciting reports . . . LYNNE IS STRUGGLING The situation is much worse. There is no other way to describe this. On the one hand it breaks my heart … it is no fun to see the one you love suffer greatly. But, on the other hand, I realize that God is at work. God is using Lynne’s illness, multiple sclerosis, in the lives of so many people. Did you know that two men have written to me telling me that they are not divorcing their wives because what I have posted on my Facebook page? It’s true. They have read about my devotion to Lynne and realized that they need to stay true to their commitment to their wives. Space in this Update is too limited to share to share the numerous reports on how God is using this disease in the lives of those who are watching. This is why I say that God is at work. BEHIND THE SCENES Some of my most fruitful and productive ministry happens behind the scenes. Riding in the car with our Romanian Field Director, Iulian Avramescu, listening to him … encouraging him … giving him affirmation. He is 32 with lots of energy. He is doing an amazing job. Yet, there are times he needs to hear me say, “That’s a great idea. Do it!” “That’s the same way I would do it.” Young leaders need this so much. I thank God that Iulian is open and has a willing heart. Sometimes just my smile and the nodding of my head giving approval means so much to young leaders. I am very thankful for two young men leading the work in Montenegro, both 40 years old, Rick DeYoung and Jim Compton. What a great job they are doing! Oh my, I remember age 32 and age 40 … I was so busy, so happy, so productive. I thank God for those behind the scenes being there for me during those times. Today, I’m thrilled to do this for those in my care. Thank you for making this ministry possible. “In front of the scenes” or behind the scenes … I love it! Eric Murphy Executive Director www.lifeimpactforeternity.org ericmurphy_life@hotmail.com or ericwmurphy@gmail.com ARTICLES:
--Various Ages --Nursing Home Ministry in Good Hands --Dreaming Aloud --LIFE Romania --Don’t Forget To Read the P. S. VARIOUS AGES Although Life Impact For Eternity focuses on reaching young people we see people of all ages come to Christ. Recently I was speaking at the O Utca Brethren Church in Budapest and a dear lady in her 80s responded to the Gospel and another lady in her 70s made a decision. Often an equal number of young people and people age 70 and up make decisions in our meetings in Hungarian churches. I feel compelled to speak in more churches because of this. So far, I have spoken in 299 different churches in Hungary at least one time and in many of them several times. NURSING HOME MINISTRY IN GOOD HANDS A young man who served as a leader in our former ministry is now the pastor of the church that we helped to plant in Toalmas, Hungary, Istvan Varga. He contacted me regarding the nursing home ministry that Lynne and I conducted since 1991 usually going on Christmas Day to visit these dear people providing a music concert along with a message to speak about Jesus Christ. Since Lynne can no longer participate in this ministry I asked him to consider leading this ministry as an outreach from his church. He jumped at the chance to continue this work. he day after I sent gifts for him to use he held his first service there and I’ve heard a good report that everything went well. I think about several ladies groups from various churches in Florida, West Virginia and Colorado making handmade book marks, lap quilts, cloth bags, blankets, as well as sending Bibles, cups, ink pens, napkins, candy, cocoa and much more. These dear ladies worked hard as they joyfully gave of their time, talent and money to provide these special gifts. Thank you very, very much! This ministry continues and your labor is not in vain. DREAMING ALOUD Camp Monty started in a unique way … I walked onto a basketball court after a game and said in an enthusiastic voice, “Hi, My name is Eric Murphy! Anybody here speak English?” About half of the 65 to 70 young people walked over and the rest is history. So let me dream aloud with you … there are lots of basketball courts in Trebinje, Bosnia … same situation in Kosovo … Slovakia and more countries. Every time I drive through Trebinje my heart pounds … almost skips a beat … I pray for that city …way off the beaten path … lots of young people … oh my! Kosovo is on my heart. Slovakia has been on my heart for several years. To make it happen young men are needed … young men that I can mentor. Hey, I had a birthday the other day and I’m not getting any younger, but, I certainly can pour myself into some young men training them how to build a ministry. Not sure yet where all of this is going, but, a top notch young man sent a text the other day … “can we talk?” We talked and he is praying. I mentioned some of these places and his heart started pounding. Pray, pray, pray! I’ll keep you posted. LIFE ROMANIA Speaking of top notch young men, the leader of our ministry in Romania is a prime example. He and his team are experiencing tremendous growth right now … spiritual growth, numerical growth and more. This is SO exciting to watch. Pray for Iulian Avramescu, Ady Ilie and George Stanciu. They are off the charts … I’m thrilled! It is a joy to mentor these men. Right now they are seeing a good number of young athletes coming to Christ in their Sports Rallies. They are discipling young men on a weekly basis along with growing a wonderful group of camp counselors … so impressive. Camp MIA plans for the summer includes opening a second camp location in an area of the country that most missionaries ignore. Iulian is planning four weeks of camp in their first location in Sistarovat near Arad, Romania and two weeks in the new place, Targoviste, about 90 minutes west of the capital city, Bucharest. Again, we are counting on your prayers. Finally, it is a great joy for me to write telling you about all of these exciting reports. I find myself smiling again and again as I write this Update. Despite the suffering that Lynne endures [yes, this affects me as well … it is not an easy time] the ministry is exploding in growth. Isn’t this amazing? God is at work in all of this. Thank you for your involvement …it is a team effort. Lynne and I could not do this without your help and your prayers. Thank you so very much! It is a joy to serve you and to be your outreach to Eastern Europe. One more thing, feel free to send an email with your prayer requests … Lynne and I will take each petition to the Lord. God bless! Eric Murphy Executive Director, Life Impact For Eternity P. S. If you can help with a special gift for Camp Monty… $38,500 is needed to conduct this youth camp each summer in Montenegro. Please pray about what you could do to help. Thank you. ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS: Life Impact For Eternity 3984 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton FL 34208 www.lifeimpactforeternity.org Ericmurphy_life@hotmail.com or ericwmurphy@gmail.com or ericwmurphy@hotmail.com The Real Deal
by Eric Well, maybe this headline sounds very upbeat and your curiosity is piqued, but, this new wheelchair for Lynne is the real deal. What a great help for Lynne. You may recall that she has major pain issues with her lower spine. The wheelchair back has two handles with levers that can be used to lower or raise Lynne’s upper torso to relieve pain. It can be lowered to 180 degrees [laying her back flat and the leg rests can be raised just like she is lying in bed] or raised to 90 degrees [like a chair position]. Just thought you would like to rejoice with us that this wheelchair is the real deal … a lifesaver for Lynne. Thank you for continuing to pray for Lynne. It is so interesting that the ministry is booming … growing and God is blessing. On the other hand, poor Lynne is struggling and her situation slowly becomes worse. With a sincere heart I believe that God is at work on both fronts. God is using Lynne’s situation in the lives of so many people. This is not easy for her to see because she is the one suffering. I tell her often what this person said or what that person told me … how God is using Lynne in their lives. God is at work. And, you are at work with your prayers for Lynne. Thank you very, very much for praying. November 17, 2012 NEEDS by Eric Probably you notice that we do not share a long needs list in every Update. Certainly, there are needs in a growing ministry … take a look at the following to consider what you can do to help. –The Murphys need $1,550.00 monthly support –9 Passenger Ministry Van to use in Europe $28,000 –Keyboard & Sound System for stateside ministry $8,500 –Display for church meetings & conferences for stateside ministry $3,000 Partner with us regarding these needs by sending your check to: Life Impact For Eternity 3984 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton FL 34208. Thank you for considering these needs. November 17, 2012 LIFE ROMANIA IS ALIVE AND WELL by Eric Our international staff will be together in Lugoj, Romania, close to Timisoara, for a Prophecy Conference with Jimmy DeYoung Jr. speaking. Close to 100 pastors, church leaders and lay people will listen to one of America’s finest speakers … a teacher on Biblical Prophecy following the path of Jimmy DeYoung Sr., the world’s leading authority on Prophecy. Jimmy Jr. has been leading tours to the Holy Land for several years as well as speaking at Prophecy Conferences all across the United States. It is a great privilege for LIFE to have Jimmy Jr. and his brother, Rick DeYoung, partnering with us in Montenegro at Camp Monty and in Romania. December 6-8, 2012 … stay tuned for an exciting report next month. We count on your prayers for this important meeting because theological positions in Europe are all over the map. There is a great need to for sound Bible teaching as well as training on how to interpret the Scriptures. Yes, LIFE Romania is alive & well. For example, the team there held another Soccer Rally seeing six athletes come to Christ. This rally was held in the capital city of Bucharest. Soccer is very popular there which provides great opportunities for us to bring together teams for competition and to present the story of God’s love for them. Just a few days ago, Field Director, Iulian Avramescu, met with 24 young men at a Men’s Retreat in Sinaia, Romania, close to Brasov, in the Carpathian Mountains. Sinaia is a charming tourist town perched on the side of a mountain. It’s more than a mile long providing plenty of exercise … you are either walking up or you are walking down as you traverse this city. There is a lift to go to the top of one of the mountains for a spectacular view, yet, there are plenty of trails winding up the mountain. These men enjoyed getting on some of these mountain trails. There are reports that the Bible studies were mountain top experiences as well. Only eternity will reveal what will happen in the lives of these men as a result of the teaching and the fellowship with the LIFE Romania team. November 17, 2012 FIRST TIME EVER by Eric The first International Staff Conference for Life Impact For Eternity will be held in Sistarovat, Romania on December 10, 2012. Missionaries serving with Camp Monty in Montenegro and Camp MIA in Romania will come together for prayer, planning and fellowship. Everyone is excited about this initial meeting. Pray that we will get to know each other much better and lay a foundation for future growth. November 17, 2012 CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR LYNNE by Eric I would be remiss not to ask you to continue to pray for Lynne. Probably, you are saying that you don’t even need a reminder and that you are already praying for her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. She is getting worse, sorry to say. Pain issues, MS is attacking her spine and her brain at times, weakness, fatigue, left knee, both ankles and more … getting worse. Once again, thank you for praying. September 9, 2012 ROMANIA, ROMANIA by Eric Speaking of being excited, let’s talk about Romania. In July I sent two updates about Camp MIA regarding the two weeks of camp that I was there to speak. It was fantastic, not only in the first two weeks, but, in the final two weeks of camp there. More than 230 came to Christ. Our Field Director, Iulian Avramescu is a skilled speaker and the Romanian youth really respond to him. Not only to him, but, to his fine staff as well. Excited? Yes, I am! I encourage you to become excited about LIFE ROMANIA, a ministry of Life Impact For Eternity. Plans for the fall … a Leadership Conference and a Sports Rally in October … a Prophecy Conference with Jimmy DeYoung Jr. in December … a winter camp … follow-up meetings with campers … they are creating quite a buzz there. September 9, 2012 FUTURE OF CAMP MONTY by Eric Rick DeYoung and Jim Compton will continue in their roles of leadership directing Camp Monty? Me? I will still be involved making trips there hanging out with young people and building relationships with city leaders and parents. I will be a resource to Rick and Jim. They are doing a great job, so, let them lead. I’m quite excited about it. I want you to be excited about this too. September 9, 2012 CAMP MONTY FOLLOW UP by Eric Nearly everyone asks us what kind of follow-up we are doing with all of these young people. If you will be honest, this is a flash point situation for your own church. It’s not easy and the laborers are few. So, here’s the scoop … a Bible study was started by a young Montenegrin girl who received Christ at Camp Monty 2008. Isn’t that great? She is doing this with a Serbian guy who is there on a mission to reach college students. He’s a great guy and has been very involved with Camp Monty for a few years. There was a good attendance at the first meeting and they are trying to decide on how to proceed with this group in the future. Da Da [her nickname] is a senior in high school now. Maybe she will do with girl campers through her school or maybe Daniejl Petkovski will add them to his Bible study for his college students and Da Da will help. Pray for this. We do have some sharp guys who want to learn more about the Bible. Jim Compton is taking a group over during the first week in September to do follow-up and some evangelism. They will connect with these sharp guys; attend the Bible study and more. In this group there will be a pastor, a worship leader and two couples are praying about moving to Montenegro to help with the follow-up and evangelism. Pray for this important trip as these people are praying about what God would have them to do. Mark this down as a critically important prayer request. September 9, 2012 CAMP MONYTY 2012 - BEST EVER! by Eric Flashback: 2007 First Camp Monty … Day One … 1 camper … Day Two … 2 campers … Day Three … 8 campers … Day Four 19 campers with 7 receiving Christ … Day Five ...32 campers Back to the Present: More than 300 at the final evening meeting with Jimmy DeYoung Jr. speaking … 200 came to Christ! [No, this is not a typo.] After the meeting there were intensive conversations with 30 of the campers about their relationship with Christ that they are serious about their decisions. Well over 200 campers attending English language instruction, soccer camp, basketball camp and a demonstration of American baseball [around 60 coming to play baseball on the second day of baseball instruction]. Amazing! Best ever? I think so. And, I wasn’t even there. It’s true. I wasn’t able to go. I was in Budapest writhing with pain in my back getting back treatments. Unfortunately, I hurt my back lifting Lynne from her bed to put her into her power chair or back into bed. Truth is … I hurt my back about 15 months ago helping Lynne and I kept making it worse until it really flared up on me early in July when I was in Romania at Camp MIA. Rick DeYoung was the Camp Monty Director—did an excellent job. Thanks, Rick! Jim Compton backed him up—also an excellent job. Thanks, Jim! Great staff … how blessed we are. I received daily reports and I kept thinking, “This is the best Camp Monty ever!” I am so happy to hear about what God did during that special week in Niksic, Montenegro. I am thrilled. September 9, 2012 CAMP MONTY PREPARATION by Eric Jim Compton and Rick DeYoung arrive on July 14. They will load up camp supplies and sports equipment in a rental van and head off to Niksic, Montenegro to get ready for Camp Monty. So, next week is Camp Monty Prep Week. Me? Either I’ll hang out in Budapest getting more treatment on my back for a few days or I will get treatment in Montenegro. The soccer coach that we partner with in Niksic is checking on this. He may find someone in sports medicine that can help me. So, I’m in a state of flux for a few days. I’ll keep you posted. That’s the latest! Can you believe what happened in Romania? By the way, Iulian Avramescu, missionary with Life Impact For Eternity, will conduct two more weeks of camp with teens age 15 and up coming next week. Continue to pray for Iulian and his team. A good friend of mine, Pastor Charlie Scalf from Johnson City, TN, will be the camp speaker. |
Eric Murphy
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