Tolosas- Church Planting in MI

Mark ('73) and Tacy('72) Tolosa

Contact Information

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Tolosa
Phone: (231) 465-4006
Email: marktacy@aol.com

Mission Agency

Open Door Baptist Mission

November 16, 2009- Agne Update

Dear Praying Friends,  

THANKS to everyone who has been praying for 1.5 year old Agne, who fell from 2nd floor. There was great apprehension that she may have sustained brain damage. She and her mom are still in the hospital. So far, no brain damage has been found, for which we THANK THE LORD. They will continue tests this week, and are not allowing her to walk yet. Here they have children's wards with rooms full of windows with 2 beds in each little room -- one for the mother and one for the child. Otherwise the care would be, well, shall we say, less than tolerable. Please keep praying for the family and AGNE (AHG-nay).

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 14, 2009

We are sending this out early so that you can be praying for sisters Regina & Vita in Lithuania. Their father passed away this week and the funeral/graveside will be held tomorrow, Sunday, 1:00 PM their time, 6:00 AM, EST here. They lost their mother in September of last year. Please pray that they will have a good testimony before their family who have always been quite hostile toward the gospel.

There is no update on Agne; we are trusting that no news is good news. The injury does not seem to be as serious as first stated but they kept a close eye on her for the first 24 hours. We will send out an update on Monday or Tuesday if further prayers are needed. Otherwise we'll wait until our next tidbits.

We had a great, well attended, mid-week service on Wednesday in Cascade. Mark began a series on Psalm 40. Praise the Lord for the comfort of His Word and the work it is doing in the lives of our people.

Mark received a call from a church that needed pulpit supply on short notice. We will be ministering there tomorrow. Pray that the Lord's will use us.

Thanks for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 10, 2009

We have kept quite busy the past few weeks with finishing up the distribution of invitations and literature in the Cascade area. Now we will begin following up that distribution with visits in the same area.

Services went well the past 2 Sundays. Attendance has been down a little due to illness. The father of one family, D M, has a disease that confines him to a wheel chair and he needs a steady supply of oxygen. It was a real blessing to hear him pray asking the Lord to help him be the kind of believer God wants him to be but never mentioning his personal needs. Mark continues to preach twice on Sundays and each Wednesday evening.

It was a blessing to be part of "get acquainted" meetings with a new church plant 2 hours north of where we live. Our home church did much to help with one night of the meetings and Mark sang a special.

We were able to spend part of a day with Mark's parents and 2 of his aunts in South Bend. It was so good to visit with each of them.

We have recently been in contact with some groups who are looking for a church planter to come and help them plant and organize a church or help them move forward to self support. Please pray that we will know God's will concerning this and that God will continue to bless our ministry in Cascade.

Thanks so much for your prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

November 10, 2009-- Prayer Request

Dear Praying Friends:

Today our friends' (less-than-one-and-a-half year old daughter) Agne (AHG-nay) fell from 2nd floor. Her skull is cracked in two places. She is in intensive care. We don't have much other information, and the prognosis is unknown. We know they would REALLY appreciate your prayers!

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 26, 2009

We are rejoicing that the Lord has seen fit to continue to bless our efforts as we help in the planting of Community Baptist Church in Cascade, MI. We have had first-time visitors each of the last 2 Sundays and even at our Harvest Fellowship Supper.

Mark continues to preach for most of the services with the Lord speaking through His Word to the hearers, resulting in decisions for God's glory.

We have distributed literature and invitations to nearly 1,000 homes and still have many more to do this week. We praise the Lord that they are being well received, although no one has been willing to make commitments to attend our services yet. Pray that the Lord would see fit to thaw the religiously cold hearts of many in this area of S.E. Grand Rapids.

C.S. is a widow who has been attending for 4 consecutive Sunday evenings and even came to our harvest supper. She is a member of another church that has discontinued evening services and she wants the fellowship. She even offered to help decorate an stayed to help clean up after the harvest supper.

We had a good turn out of 24 for the harvest supper which is the best attendance yet for a special activity. We even had one family come who moved from the area awhile back but are back in town for a brief time.

Mrs. Carson recently had an automobile accident that totaled her car. She only had a few scratches and no other injuries, for which we praise the Lord. The insurance should have a settlement check for them today. Pray that they Lord would provide them with the right vehicle for the right price.

We may be sending out the "Tidbits" less frequently in the future, unless there is BIG news that we want you to know about more quickly.

Thanks so much for your prayers.

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 28, 2009

Last week we were able to visit many homes with invitations and gospel literature. Most we spoke with were cordial but made no promises or commitments. Keep praying for God's Word to do its work in the hearts of many.

Saturday afternoon we had a blessed time of fellowship with the Community Baptist Church family as we had a bowling get together and enjoyed delicious pizza

Mark preached Wednesday evening, and twice on Sunday. It was a blessing to have three new families visit on Sunday. They were from an area church that is no longer willing to follow Biblical church polity and are looking for a new church home. It was a blessing to see how the Word of God was able to bring comfort to their troubled souls.

Tacy's sister was released from the hospital on Friday and is continuing her recovery at her home. Tacy is scheduled to return home on Wednesday.

Thanks for all your prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 24, 2009

Brother Carson, the church planter in Cascade, MI with whom we are working, has been working a full-time job while trying to plant this church and is very exhausted. Therefore, he asked Mark to do most of the preaching during the next several weeks so that he can get some rest and try to schedule some deputation meetings in order to raise some much needed support. Please pray for Brother Carson and that Mark will be a big help and blessing to the church during these next several weeks.

Last week we started doing extensive door to door canvassing/literature distribution in an area of 875 homes near the church’s meeting place. Pray with us that many hearts will be open to our invitations and to the gospel literature and message which we hope to share with them.

Yesterday, Tacy, flew to Seattle, WA to be with her sister, Barbara, who was hospitalized with internal bleeding. The cause was a large bleeding ulcer, which has been brought under control and she should be able to go home Friday or Saturday if there are no complications. Please be in prayer for Barb's health and for Tacy as she seeks to minister to her over the next several days.

We have a home phone number now: (231) 465-4006. Also, please remove our att.net email address from your address book and use only our aol.com address in the future.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 15, 2009

Wednesday evening was the highest midweek service attendance at the Community Baptist Church of Cascade, MI. What a blessing to be a part of that highlight. That evening we were able to meet a couple from North Carolina who have come to assist us in visitation until it gets too cold for them to live in their R.V.

We were unable to begin our door-to-door canvassing last week but were able to get all our supplies ordered and get the packets of materials assembled. Please pray that the Lord will open many hearts to be receptive to the invitations and gospel message which we plan to give and leave with many. We are starting with an area of about 875 homes.

Sunday afternoon, Mark had the privilege to preach in a prison where Dan, a man in our home church, conducts regular Sunday services for the prisoners. What a blessing it was to hear 44 prisoners lifting their voices in praise to the Lord as we entered the chapel. There's nothing quite like hearing the voices of men singing enthusiastically the praises of our Lord! Our brother, Dan, has done a marvelous job of ministering to and discipling these men. The men listened attentively as Mark preached and several came up to him following the service to thank him and tell him that the message was a help and blessing to them.

We expect to hear from a small group of believers in Washington later this week as they decide whether they want us to come and help them plant a church a Biblical Baptist church in their area.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS – September 7, 2009

After much prayer and consulting with our pastor and mission director, we believe it is God’s will that we help a church planter in Cascade, MI (SE Grand Rapids) until we have clearer direction from the Lord and wait to hear from a small group in Washington State who have expressed a desire that we come out to help them plant a church in their area. We hope to hear from the group before the end of the month. There was a death of a man who was related to some of these folk which is causing this delay.

Sunday, we had a good day of services with the Community Baptist Church in Cascade, MI. It was so good to see the meeting room full during the morning service. We had people meeting with us from the Congo and from India—an international church in the making. Praise the Lord!

This week we are planning to start extensive door to door canvassing/literature distribution in a large neighborhood near the church’s meeting place. Pray with us that many hearts will be open to our invitations and the gospel literature and message which we hope to share with them.

We are rejoicing that Tacy’s brother, Jim, had a good report from his Oncologist last week. It appears that the chemo-therapy is working effectively. Praise the Lord!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers, interest & support during our time of transition.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 26, 2009

Thank you for your prayers during our recent trip out west! The only difficulty we experienced was one flat tire which was remedied rather quickly. We returned from our 7,000 mile trip to Washington & Arizona last Friday. We are discovering that sleeping in so many different beds over the period of one month is not helpful in getting good sleep, especially at our age.

We truly enjoyed meeting fellow missionaries and believers in the churches we visited and seeing the opportunities of ministry in those places. However, we are waiting to consult with our pastor before making a final decision concerning these opportunities. He is due to return from his vacation later this week.

We were also able to have short visits with daughter Tami & her husband, Tim, in Kansas and Mark's parents in South Bend. on our way back from Arizona

Thanks again for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 18, 2009

Greetings from Amarillo, Texas. We were in the Pinetop-Lakeside area of Arizona last week looking over some opportunities for future church planting work in east-central Arizona. We were hosted by missionaries Ted & Cathie Perry and were privileged to get to meet and worship with some precious brothers and sisters in Christ. Mark preached twice on Sunday from Psalm 118.

We were also able to meet brothers and sisters from South Carolina who were helping with a building project at a nearby Christian camp. Mark was planning to contact the leader of this group who had personal knowledge concerning one of the opportunities we looked into in Washington State. It was even better to speak with him face to face in Arizona.

We are currently in Amarillo, Texas, on our way back to our home in Michigan. We will be stopping to visit with our daughter Tami and her husband in Whitewater, KS and with Mark's parents in South Bend, IN along the way. We hope to be home Friday evening.

Please pray with us as we travel many miles yet this week and as we consider the various opportunities we have seen and seek the Lord's perfect will for our lives. We appreciate so much your interest and prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 2, 2009

We recently were added to our daughter & son-in-law's cell phone "family plan." Therefore, please use the following telephone number for all future calls: (901) 603-2027

We have had a good time in the Federal Way, Washington area getting acquainted with church planter Doug Hammond and his family and seeing the burden and potential for a strong independent Baptist church in this area. We have also met with a small group in Mossyrock, WA who want to see a strong independent Baptist Church started in their town. Mark was able to preach to both groups today and now we are waiting for the Lord to show us His perfect will for us concerning these ministries.

This week we travel to eastern Arizona to check into two church planting opportunities there.

Please pray for our safety and for us to know and follow God's will for our future ministry.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - July 27, 2009

It has been awhile since we sent out an update, so here goes.

We enjoyed a wonderful week with our daughter Bethany and her family at our Reed City, MI home. We we able to enjoy many different activities together.

On July 23 we started out for Washington State to seek God's will concerning some possible church planting opportunities. We arrived in Spokane, WA today and will travel on to the Tacoma-Seattle area tomorrow. Next week we will be traveling to eastern Arizona to look at two other possible church planting opportunities. Please pray that the Lord will show us His will for our future place of ministry.

We would appreciate your prayers for Mark's father (82) who suffered a seizure 8 days ago. An examination showed that this could be a recurring problem for which he is being treated.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS – July 13, 2009

Since our last “Tidbits” we have settled in to our home and been able to be active in the activities of our home church. We have also been able to visit Mark’s parents in South Bend, IN and host Mark’s brother and family during the July 4^th weekend.

Mark has been consulting with our pastor and looking into new possibilities for our future place of ministry. July 12 we visited a church planting work in southeast Grand Rapids. July 23rd we will be leaving for one month to see first hand some possible places of ministry in the states of Washington and Arizona. Please pray that we will clearly discern the Lord’s will for our future place of ministry in the near future.

The work in Lithuania continues to move forward with others stepping up to fill the gaps that we left. How we praise the Lord for the technology that allows us to easily communicate with our loved ones there.

Much work has been going on in preparation for family camp which takes place next week. Pray that the Lord will use the camp to effectively evangelize the lost and to encourage and revive the saints. Pray with us that our absence will not be a distraction to the spiritual ministry that needs to take place during that week.

Petras continues to work at camp and is getting the gospel from Tadas & Eric as the Lord leads.

Regina returned from the sanatorium in much better spirits and thanking the Lord for all things. He MS symptoms are worse. She and her sister continue to live at their summer (garden) home next to Tadas and Ruta.

Keep praying for the salvation of Tadas’ parents. Mark wrote them a letter encouraging them to trust in the Lord.

Please pray with us that our support will remain at a level sufficient for us to move directly to our new place of ministry.

Our daughter Bethany and her family will arrive today to spend 8 days with us before we leave on our trip out west. We are looking forward to our time with them.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support of us through this time of transition.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 21, 2009

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! We had hoped to surprise Mark's father and mother by driving down to South Bend this afternoon, but Tacy is presently suffering from some very painful muscle spasms in her neck which started on Friday. She was given medication for pain and a muscle relaxant. She is also using a heating pad. Please pray that this will soon pass.

We arrived safely but late in Grand Rapids early Wednesday morning. We arrived in Chicago one hour late. However, we got through passport control and customs in record time. We "raced" to get to our next terminal and gate only to find out our plane to Grand Rapids would be late--as it ended up, 2 1/2 hours late. After getting on the plane we had to wait an additional hour for the plane to be towed out of the gate area--it was past midnight in Chicago and they only had a skeleton crew working to help many late planes get out of their gates. We arrived at our house about 4 A.M. Wednesday with all luggage making it through. PRAISE THE LORD! We are now over the worst effects of jet lag.

Before leaving Lithuania Mark was able to share his concern with Petras about his need of salvation. Petras promised to read Mark's tract. Petras will be working around the camp property this summer giving Eric & Tadas more opportunities to witness to him. Please pray for his salvation.

Saturday, Mark spoke with our mission director about his visit to some ministry opportunities in Washington state. We plan to talk more this coming week and to visit out their next month.

From Lithuania:

Please be praying for an evangelistic get together at the camp property in Lithuania on Tuesday evening. Many have been invited including Petras & Tadas' parents.

Pray for Ruta's mother's salvation. She attended services on Sunday and seems less resistant to the gospel.

Pray for much wisdom for Eric as he shoulders much more responsibility in the ministry there.

The "Tidbits" may be sent out less frequently during the next few months of transition but we promise to keep you up to date as significant news occurs. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek God's perfect will for a new place of missionary ministry.

Our telephone numbers are: 231-912-0165 or 231-912-7008.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 14, 2009

All but two suitcases and two carry-on bags are packed and ready to go as we make final preparations for departure on Tuesday afternoon. We are hoping to bring 9 suitcases with us on the plane-it's the cheapest way we know of to get our things back to the States. The Lord's grace has been very precious and helpful to us during these days. PRAISE HIS NAME!

We were able to visit "daughter" Jurate and her family in order to see them and our newest"granddaughter," Joana. What a blessing to fellowship with them one last time before we leave.

Mark, also, visited Petras to let him know of our departure. He really seemed down as he has had many disappointments concerning new employment. But he shared with Mark that he has often thought about Mark's sermon last summer. Mark hopes to talk to him again tomorrow about his need of salvation. Please pray.

Wednesday evening and today Mark completed his series on the Book of the Revelation. It was so good to talk about the blessings of heaven and the invitation to "come" and drink of the water of life freely. Please keep praying for those who need to respond to the invitation to come. We were so glad to see Stasys back for the first time in 7 months. Tadas' parents were also there.

Our church honored us with a special farewell luncheon today including a delicious strawberry tortas (layered cake). This was followed by a time of the people sharing how we have been a help and blessing to them in the past 8 years. Some of the people were unable to speak because of the emotions within them but spoke to us after the last service.

Although we will leave here with mixed emotions we feel so blessed for the opportunities that we have had in this needy land. We, also, are so grateful that the Chapmans are here to continue ministering the these believers.

Thanks so much for your faithful prayers. We'll keep you updated from the States but probably on a less frequent basis. Please keep praying that God's will for our new place of ministry will be abundantly clear to us.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 7, 2009

We continued making preparations for our return this past week. There sure is a lot of sorting to do after living here the past eight years and not being able to take a lot of things with us. The cheapest way to bring things is on the plane with us. As an example, we checked out UPS and the cheapest way to ship back a 50 pound box was $600 per box. Yikes! So we'll be leaving here many things(books and files) that others may slowly bring back when traveling from here to the States.

We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary this week, a few days late, as the car we are using needed some repairs to pass the safety inspection. It's been good to reflect on how the Lord has blessed us over these many years. Thanks to all who remembered and sent greetings.

Jonas, Regina's father, was put into long-time care in Jonava on Monday. Since being there, one of Regina's friends who is a nurse there has been witnessing to Jonas and led him in the "sinner's prayer." When he was asked by Eric if he was trusting in Christ, he responded, "I am believing." We trust this is true, as his mind wanders quite a bit and he doesn't stay on one topic any length of time.

Mark is trying to conclude his preaching through the book of Revelation before we leave. Wednesday and today he was able to preach through chapters 18 & 19. It is evident that the Lord is using Mark's messages to bring conviction to some of the unsaved. Please pray that they will soon call on the name of the Lord to be saved.

We praise the Lord the mother of Lukas & Monika was in our last service today. She has heard the gospel often and says she believes, but is not willing to forsake her Roman Catholic traditions and teachings. She stayed after the last service and spoke sometime with Eric. Please pray much for her this week.

Tadas & Ruta received permission to continue teaching their son at home for the third grade. He had a good evaluation at the school that is overseeing his education. We know of no other Lithuanian family that is home schooling their children. Praise the Lord for the diligent faithfulness of this young couple!

Good progress has been made this week on an addition to our multi-purpose barn here at camp. A large covered porch (18 ft. x 22 ft. approx.) is being added to the one side.

Please pray also for Tacy's brother, Jim Bradford, who begins chemo therapy for lymphoma on Tuesday.

Please keep us in your prayers as we say many "good-byes" and "see you laters" this week. Our hearts seem near breaking whenever we pause to think about it.

Thank yo so much for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 31, 2009

We continued our sorting, packing and selling of personal items this past week in preparation for our return to the States. We also started the process of closing some accounts that we have had open here in Lithuania. Going through this process brings back many memories and makes us realize how much of ourselves we will be leaving behind.

Mark was able to help Regina's family with a few things around their mobile home. Regina was admitted to a hospital in Vilnius and her sister and father are staying in the mobile home near Tadas & Ruta.

Ingrida and her 3 children traveled over and hour from their home to visit us before we depart for the States. It was so good to see them and have a short visit with them. Please keep Ingrida in your prayers as she struggles in her spiritual walk.

Worker's poured concrete foundations for pillars to hold up a roof that is being built adjacent to the multi-purpose barn for and outdoor storage area/ picnic area.

Tacy has been a big help doing most of the grass mowing with the riding lawn mower this spring. This has freed Mark to do more studying and other jobs.

Late Friday night our "daughter," Jurate, gave birth to her third child. Joana came into this world 20" long and weighing about 7 lbs. 3 oz. Praise the Lord for a safe delivery.

We had good services today. Zilvinas returned after being gone for a few weeks. Mark preached from Revelation 16 & 17 about the 7 vial judgments and the Religious Babylon that will be very influential & powerful during the Tribulation.

Our new home phone number in Lithuania until June 16 is 370 (641) 46465.

Until next time--Keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 24, 2009

Thank you so much for your prayers this past week. We believe that they are helping us much as we make preparations to leave the field next month. Slowly we are able to sell many of our possessions which will help with other expenses.

Tadas was able to sell our Hyundai and the Nissan to one man who does body work this week. We were able to get an amount we were satisfied with and are happy to have that chapter of our lives closed.

In addition to our regular tasks Mark was able to get his office in Jonava nearly cleared out. We were able to take Regina's sister, Vita, back to their village to run a few errands. Mark also did a little work on their new outhouse. They hope to move into their mobile home at their garden this coming week.

Regina has had a hard week. The burden of caring for her father and sister as well as her own medical problems is very hard on her. She is suffering from fire-like burning sensations and her legs are losing strength. She feels quite discouraged and finds it difficult to meditate on the Word of God. She has not felt well enough to come to church services the past three weeks. Please keep praying for her.

Tadas' parents returned to our services today after not being there for two weeks. Tadas' father told Eric that the more he comes to the church services the more he likes being there.

Please PRAY for both of them to be saved soon. Tadas' mother seemed to be under deep conviction today.

Wednesday evening and today Mark preached from Revelation chapters 13 & 14. The gospel was presented in all three services. God's Spirit seems to be working in the hearts of the hearers.

Until next time, keep praying and praising the Lord.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 17, 2009

Today we began our final month of ministry in Lithuania. It was good to be able to focus this week on the return of the Chapman family. Praise the Lord for their safe arrival on Tuesday!

Wednesday we had a good midweek service when Mark concluded his study of the Apostles. Today we had a good turn out to welcome Chapman's back. We had a special luncheon in their honor. During our third service Mark preached from Revelation 11 on the measuring of the temple and the 2 witnesses. We were so happy that Birute's husband, Jonas, came to welcome the Chapman family back, too.

Mark spent some time finishing up a few small jobs at Regina's place. They should be able to move in during the next warm spell. It's been cloudier and cooler this past week. Regina spent the week in the Jonava hospital and will go into the University hospital as soon as they have a place for her. Please keep praying for her physical, emotional and spiritual well being.

We continue to sort through and sell many of our things making preparation for packing and leaving next month. It is a blessing to see our brothers and sisters being able to receive and enjoy many of the things that we have had to use during our years of service here.

We finally received word from Arunas & Monika this week. They even sent some photos of the view from their apartment in northern Norway. We were pleased to hear that they are reading the Bible but find it difficult to understand. They want to receive a Bible study lesson each week to study and help explain the Scriptures. The first one was sent yesterday and another will go out on Friday. Pray that their hearts will remain open to Truth and that God's Word will do a mighty work in their hearts.

Until next time, keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 10, 2009

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mother's and especially to Mark's mother, Ofelia Tolosa in South Bend, Indiana. THANKS MOM, for being my mom! Thanks for all the love, guidance, and prayers that you have showered upon me over the years. Also, thanks for being an example to all your children of self-sacrifice and faithfulness to the Lord!

On Wednesday Mark continued his study of the Apostle Thomas and his love for the Lord. Attendance was down today as Regina, Vita, Skaiste, Zilvinas & Tadas' parents were not in attendance. Regina was hospitalized on Friday because of weakness and stomach problems related to her MS; Skaiste is having heart problems; Vita is experiencing stress due to Regina's illness. Please keep each of these in your prayers.

Today, Mark preached about good works that mothers/parents can do for their children and from Revelation 9:12-10:11 on the sixth trumpet judgment and the promise of more judgments to quickly follow. Following the first service, Mark announced to the church that we would be returning to the USA on June 16. Tears were shed from hearts that were very understanding of our need to leave here.

We worked on regular outdoor jobs around the camp property and helping do more to prepare Regina's mobile home for their occupancy. Mark went into Kaunas to purchase linoleum for one room on Tuesday. As he pulled out of the store's parking lot, he hit a car on the street that he did not see coming. The accident was bad enough to total both vehicle's, but praise the Lord no one was injured. Immediately following the accident Mark noticed Tadas driving by and Tadas noticed Mark and Tadas pulled into the parking lot to see if he could help. This was so good as the car is in our NPO's name and Tadas is the director of our NPO. Quite quickly we realized that our insurance was not renewed last June. We were able to agree with the other party that Mark was at fault and that we would pay him about $385 for their car. Therefore, there was no need to call the police which could have resulted in two tickets and a lot more time. We praise the Lord for His grace during this trial. Our church people were amazed at the peace that Mark was able to show during this trying time and expressed their gratitude for a good example of finding God's grace to be sufficient.

We were also able to share our news with "daughter" Jurate and her husband Dalius this week when we took food that our people had collected to help them through a difficult time that they are experiencing.

Please remember to pray for the Chapman family this week as they leave tomorrow to return to Lithuania. We are looking forward to their return.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers--keep those prayers coming.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 3, 2009

This past week Mark spent part or most of four days assisting Regina and her sister in getting things done for and in their mobile home, taking them to their village and to a hospital in Kaunas. We are so thankful that despite all of the complications Regina has experienced with her MS that she has only missed one service since the end of November.

Skaiste continues to be too ill to attend services, but all other regulars were in attendance, including Tadas' parents--that's 3 of 4 Sundays for them. Keep praying for their salvation. Mark first message was about the good works we can do for our mothers. Today is Mother's Day here. Mark's second message was a review of Revelation 8 and the 5th trumpet judgment mentioned in Revelation 9. Pray that God will use His Word to do is work in the hearers that were in our services today.

On April 21 we mailed letters to all our supporters notifying them that we will be leaving Lithuania and returning to the States in mid-June. We are planning to continue serving as missionaries with Open Door Baptist Missions but in the States. We will be seeking the Lord's leading concerning church planting opportunities in Washington State and Arizona. Our decision to make this change is based on both our needs to travel to the States at least every 6 months to get eye exams from those who specialize in retinal problems due to diabetes. There are no doctors of this type near enough in whom we have confidence to diagnose and treat these sensitive problems. For us to return to the States every six months would require raising at least $350/month additional support which we do not believe would be ethically proper. Next Sunday we will be notifying our church family here.

This decision has not been easy as we have lived and served the Lord here most of the past 14 years and our love for the people is very deep. Pray for us and our people here as we let them know of this decision. Also, please pray that our final weeks here will be fruitful and beneficial to those to whom we minister.

We appreciate your continued interest & prayers. Until next time KEEP PRAYING and PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 26, 2009

Nice spring weather continues here in Lithuania. Mark was able to get the lawn mowers going and get the first mowing done of the new year.

Mark, also, was able to take Regina & her sister to their village to get some things from their house and get some needed documents for the selling of the house. Tadas was able to get their mobile home leveled this week and Mark spent an afternoon making some changes in one interior wall. He hopes to make outdoor steps this week.

We were very pleased to have Tadas' parents again in today's services. Mark's first message was about the good work of forgiveness. His second message was about the trumpet judgments in Revelation 8.

Skaiste is still sick and unable to come to services. Please keep praying for her. We were glad that Regina with her sister were able to spend two afternoons working among their strawberry plants at their mobile home location. The distraction from her MS symptoms seemed to be good for her.

Please focus your prayers this week on the salvation of Tadas' parents.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 19, 2009

We've enjoyed watching spring progress with the warmer temps and sunshine. Tree buds are starting to open giving a greenish hue to several trees around us. We'll need to start mowing grass this week. Our first tulips are blooming in our front yard near our old well.

God's Word continues to be sown and brings forth blooms in the hearts of our people. Vita, Regina's sister shared her desire this week to be obedient to the Lord in baptism and become a member of the church. Regina has been full of praise to the Lord this week as the Lord went before her in many ways preparing her way for medical tests & procedures that she needed. We spent part of three different days taking Regina to doctor appointments in Kaunas and Abromiskis. She started the week very sickly but her health improved as the week went on. She is learning many valuable lessons as she continues to deal with her own weaknesses and surrenders more of herself to the Lord's will. The used mobile home she purchased on Tuesday was moved onto her land in two stages this week but still needs to be leveled and stabilized. Pray for wisdom as we seek to get the job done right.

Saturday, two Jehovah Witnesses knocked on our door. Mark kindly informed them that we were of another faith and did not believe what they believed. The leader tried to show that their is only on God and that he is not a trinity. As soon as Mark started quoting scripture to refute the false teaching, they started backing away and simply said, "Good to meet you, have a nice day." It's amazing how the Sword of the Spirit, rightly interpreted, continues to put false teachers on the defensive.

Today all our regulars except Skaiste were in attendance. Skaiste is having some heart and back trouble and is scheduled to go in for a checkup at the University hospital tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers.

God gave Mark much freedom in preaching today. His first message was about how the good Samaritan showed loving compassion by doing good works for his "neighbor." His second message was about the tribulation saints mentioned in Revelation. It was good to hear our people rejoicing about their salvation following that message.

Arunas & Monika left on Friday for Norway. They planned on arriving at their work place today. Monika mentioned this week that they have seen God working in their lives to make this trip possible. Pray that they will remain tender and sensitive to God's Word throughout their stay in Norway. We are hoping to stay in contact with them.

Thanks for your continued payers. Until next time, keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 12, 2009

JIS PRISIKELE! -- HE LIVES! We trust you are having a blessed Resurrection Sunday remembering the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We had a blessed day with our church family today! Mark spoke in both services about how Christ's resurrection is the greatest good work ever done for others. After our first service and Sunday School we shared a special luncheon together of ham, salads, fruit, bread and desserts. During our second service we sang several hymns by request and Mark concluded the message started in the first service. Although three of our regulars were absent due to illness or being out of town with family or friends, Tadas' father and mother were with us for the entire time. Another opportunity for them to hear the Gospel. Monika was sick so neither she nor Arunas came.

Mark was able to have a Bible study with Arunas & Monika this week. God's Word seems to be making some in roads as Mark spoke to them concerning the person of God. The more Scripture that Arunas read the more it seemed to be answering some of his questions. Please keep praying for this couple. Arunas & Monika have jobs lined up for the summer in Norway, however, they don't have the money for travel and food yet. We really hate to see them go but understand their need for employment. Pray with us that God's will would be done in this matter.

Mark & Tadas were able to get some outdoor work done on the camp property this week and Mark started doing some trim work on the new porch interior.

Tacy did a lot to prepare things for this special weekend with our church family.

We were also able to help Regina choose a mobile home to put on her property near Tadas and Ruta's home. A man will come out this week to instruct us on how to get things ready for the mobile home and to see what will be needed to get it in place. Busy days lie ahead.

Praise the Lord for the mercy and grace that He provides because of Christ's resurrection!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 5, 2009

We've had a blessed week of spring-time weather--dry sunny days with high temps 50-62 degrees. More of the same is forecast for this week. The change in weather is causing almost everyone to rejoice that the cold, cloudy days of winter are over.

Mark had a good Bible study with Arunas and Monika this week about the importance of God's Word. We fear that Arunas has been infected with influences to doubt rather that trust God's Word which will make our task more difficult--but our Lord is able. Please pray much for this young man.

Wednesday Mark completed his Bible Study on Nathanael--A man of Eager Faith. Today all our regulars were present including Zilvinas. Arunas and Monika did not come. Mark spoke on the love that caused Jesus to died for sinners. Following that message we observed the Lord's Supper. Mark later finished his message about the seal judgements in Revelation 6. Please pray for Jokubas, almost 9 years old, who seems to be willfully delaying calling on the Lord to be saved. His parents are burdened and concerned.

We are praising the Lord for help that Tadas has been able to give us this week. Mark accidentally locked his car keys in the car this week and Tadas went to our house to get Tacy's copy and bring it to Mark in Jonava. Tadas was a big help in helping Mark check out our septic system and getting it operating properly. He also helped Mark get some metal fascia in place over the front of the new porch. Water should now flow well into our eave troughs. Praise the Lord for Tadas' servant spirit.

Tacy was able to prepare meals for a few of our people this week. Yesterday we enjoyed our first picnic with Regina & the Guze Family here.

Thanks so much for your prayers. Until next time KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!!!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 29, 2009

We are rejoicing that even though today was our spring time-change Sunday that all our regulars were in attendance except Zilvinas. Mark preached today on goals that we should have in order to be rich in good works toward others. In his second message he began a study of the seal judgments in Revelation 6. Wednesday Mark concluded his study of the disciple Nathanael.

Earlier in the week Mark was able to help Regina and her sister run some errands in Jonava. Mark was, also, able to visit Arunas and Monika and received a warm welcome as Arunas has many questions about the Bible and Christianity. He seems eager to learn and, therefore, invited Mark to return on Tuesday to begin a systematic Bible study. Monika really wants him to be saved and said that after that happens she wants to have a "believer's wedding." Please be much in prayer that God will use His Word in Arunas' heart. Mark hopes to meet with him twice a week. Aruras and Monika are both unemployed right now which gives them more time to read and study God's Word.

Our weather is finally changing from winter to spring. We are looking forward the annual celebration of Christ's resurrection in two weeks.

Until next time KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!!!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 22, 2009

Although spring began on Friday, winter is working hard to stick around. Our snow was almost all gone early this past week when we got another temperature drop and several inches of new snow. The forecast for this week is more freezing temps and snow. However, the winter weather has not cooled the spiritual temperature of our people. Praise the Lord!

On Wednesday, we had a good midweek service. Mark taught concerning how Nathanael was a true Israelite, spiritually without the hypocrisy that was present in most other Jews of his day. Today, Mark preached about being rich in good works and the praise and worship that God the Father and the Lamb received in John's revelation of Jesus Christ, chapters 4 & 5. Attendance was down today as 2 regulars were absent and Monika was sick.

Along with the normal activities of our week Tacy prepared a new bulletin board and banner for our church room and Mark took Regina & her sister back to their village to take care of some business matters and start sorting through some of the things in the house. It will be a process getting everything sorted out and moving the things they want to keep. Keep praying for Regina as she adjusts to the many changes in her life while dealing with the symptoms of her MS. She is trying to be a good soldier but physically she is getting less sleep and weakens easily.

We received word that there are more problems surfacing in regard to the theft of Mark's identity last fall. Please pray with us that the person involved will soon be caught. It is heartbreaking to realize that Mark's name and identity are apparently being used in a way that dishonors the Lord.

Until next time--keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 15, 2009

We have had good services with our people Wednesday evening and today.  Wednesday our faithful core were present as Mark began a series of lessons on the life of Nathaniel or Bartholomew.  We had a blessed time of prayer following the Bible Study.  Today all of our faithful were present except Birute who has the flu.  Vita, Regina's sister, was with us and Arunas and Monika returned for our third service.  Today Mark spoke on how God uses His Word to prepare us to do good to others and about John's vision of God's throne in Heaven from Revelation 4. 

 

This week Mark & Tadas went with Regina to her village hoping to bring Regina's father, Jonas, and sister, Vita, back with us to Jonava.  When we arrived they were both willing and somewhat prepared to come.  In about one hour we were on the way back to Jonava with Jonas & Vita.  Mark had helped Regina earlier in the week by purchasing and assembling a bed for Jonas.  While Jonas sat in a chair, Tadas and Mark carried him up the stairs to Regina's third floor apartment.  Pray that both Jonas and Vita will adjust well to their new surroundings.  Neither have ever lived in the city.  Regina hopes to purchase a mobile home to put on land she has purchased in the country near Tadas & Ruta.

 

We praise the Lord for continued spiritual growth in the lives of our people as they learn to trust the Lord more and personally apply His Word to their lives.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Until next time keep praying and praising our Lord!

 

With grateful hearts,

 

Mark & Tacy

 

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 8, 2009

We arrived safely back at our home in Lithuania 28 hours after leaving our home in Michigan. It was a long trip with a 3 hour layover in Chicago and a 6 hour layover in Stockholm, Sweden. We were warmly welcomed at the airport by Tadas and his son Jokubas. Sleep for both of us was sparse during those 28 hours.

We are currently recovering from the 7 hours in time difference and rejoicing at our blessed time of reunion with our church family today. All of our regular people were in attendance plus Monika and Arunas returned for our last service of the day. It was Birute's first day back to services since her eye surgery last month. Skaiste is doing much better than the last time we saw her but more subdued than ever, possibly due to medication.

Mark preached twice today. First he preached concerning God supplying all we need in order to do good works to others. His second message was concerning the rapture of the church. Tadas' Sunday School lesson was on the holiness of God. God used His Word in the hearts of the hearers in our services today.

Tadas and Ruta have been spending time helping Ruta's mother as she goes through chemotherapy following her cancer surgery. Please keep praying for her salvation as well as the salvation of Tadas' parents.

Regina was feeling much better today following a bout of bronchitis, near pneumonia. Keep praying for her health and the salvation of her father.

Thanks again for your interest and prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 3, 2009

This will be brief as we are preparing to return to Lithuania.

We had a good visit with daughter Bethany and her family the weekend of February 20. We were also able to report to a supporting church in Memphis on the 22nd and Mark preached in both morning and evening services. From their we traveled to South Bend, Indiana for a family reunion with Mark's parents and siblings. First time we've all been together in 8 1/2 years. It was truly a blessed time.

We are awaiting results of lab work for Tacy concerning some health issues. Please be praying with us concerning decisions that need to be made based on these results.

Also, pray for us as we travel Thursday and Friday to Lithuania. We are scheduled to fly out 1:30 PM, ET, Thursday from Grand Rapids and arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania on Friday 4:30 local time (9;30 AM ET).

We are looking forward to seeing our church family there. They seem to have done quite well during our absence. Praise the Lord!

Until next time--keep praying and praising the Lord.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

February 18, 2009

TOLOSA TIDBITS 

Tacy had successful laser eye surgery last Wednesday after waiting over two hours in the lobby of the eye clinic. Thank you for your prayers. Her doctor wants to see her again in 3-6 months. He was glad she came in when she did as the damage was still minimal.

We left Thursday morning on our trip to Kansas and arrived at Tami & Tim's on Friday about 4:15 PM. Saturday noon we flew to Phoenix, AZ to give a report to a supporting church on Sunday. We returned to Kansas on Monday.

We have had a good time with Tami and Tim and with the people in Phoenix. The church in Phoenix was Tami's former church and we had a good time of reunion and sharing our ministry with them.

We are praising the Lord that Skaiste was able to return to church on Sunday in Lithuania. She was her old self, for which we are very grateful. Birute had successful lens implant surgery but is staying close to home for the time being. All the other regular people have been faithful in their attendance. Thanks for your prayers.

Later this week we will be driving to Memphis, TN to spend some time with daughter Bethany and her family. Mark will get to meet our newest grandson. We will also be reporting to a supporting church there next Sunday.

Thanks so much for your continued faithfulness in prayer.

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - February 9, 2009

We are finally feeling quite normal after several days of adjusting to the 7 hour time change. Also, our lost luggage arrived very early Thursday morning. Thanks for your prayers. We both had ophthalmologist appointments. Mark's eyes were clear of any immediate problems, but Tacy will need to have laser surgery on her left eye on Wednesday to stop the hemorrhaging of some small blood vessels. Please remember her in prayer.

We had a blessed time Wednesday evening and Sunday with our church family in Houghton Lake. It is always good to be greeted by familiar, loving faces and to hear "our pastor" faithfully teach and preach God's Word.

This week we will be preparing for our 2 1/2 week trip to Kansas; Phoenix, AZ; Memphis, TN; South Bend, IN. We plan to leave here on Thursday. We also have dental appointments before we leave.

Please keep our people in Lithuania in your prayers, too, as they "hold the fort" in our absence. They had good services Sunday with all our regular people in attendance as well as Tadas' parents. Birute's eye surgery went well. Tadas was able to briefly visit with Skaiste and Regina seems to be doing much better in her spirit. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy in all our lives.

May the grace, mercy and peace of our Lord be with you as you continue to pray, praise the Lord and serve Him.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - February 3, 2009

We had good services with our people last Wednesday and Sunday. Sunday morning we were pleasantly surprised when Monika & her husband Arunas walked into our meeting room. They were there for our second and third services. Monika attended our summer camps and church services for several years and made a profession of faith. During her final years of high school she became much more interested in other things and eventually married Arunas a few years ago. Last week she and her mother were in a health center, sanatorium, with Regina. Throughout the week, Monika spent much time with Regina talking about spiritual things and praying. We pray that this will be the start of Monika drawing closer to the Lord. Zilvinas, also joined us for services on Sunday.

We arrived home last evening about 9:00 PM exhausted after 23 hours of traveling and waiting in airports. It is good to be home even with the effects of jet lag. One of our suitcases still has not arrived. Please pray that our body clocks will quickly adjust to living in the new time zone. Tomorrow we begin our doctor appointments.

Please be praying for Tadas as he leads our flock during our absence. He is resting some this week so that he will have the physical endurance to meet all the challenges during the weeks ahead. We will return to Lithuania on March 5.

Our "Tidbits" may be irregular during this month, but we'll try to keep you posted from time to time.

Thanks so much for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

 

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 25, 2008

It has been a week of blessing here that we would like to share with you.

First, it was a blessing that Ruta's mother has successful cancer surgery this week and that her doctor acknowledged that God works together with medicine to bring healing to patients. Ruta's mother was very surprised to hear a cancer surgeon, who has studied so much, speak such words. The Lord often uses the least likely persons to get people thinking right thoughts about Himself. Please keep praying for Ruta's mother.

We were able to establish contact with Stasys who has not been around since November. We hoped to see him today but he did not come.

We wrote Skaiste this week and on Friday she returned home. She contacted both Birute & Tadas. She is doing much better than she was but is not consistently clear in her thinking and speech. She is not planning on getting out for up to a month. Neighbors are helping her with her needs.

Mark & Tadas went to visit a Romas (gypsy) family this week but they were out of the country. However, other family members were camped out in their apartment and we got to speak with them and leave some calendars & tracts.

Mark & Tacy were able to take Regina to visit her family and to get some old items to use as decorations in our multipurpose barn. Things like old wooden wheels, spinning wheels, butter churn, windows, baskets, clay pots, etc. Please pray that the sale of the old homestead will go though quickly and smoothly so that Regina can get her father & sister moved to Jonava, to live with her.

Today was also a blessing as we met with our people around God's Word. Zilvinas there as well as our regular people. Mark preached about good works that we can do for others that, also, demonstrate repentance. He also spoke about the letter to the church at Laodicea.

Next Monday we will be flying to the States for a month in which we will visit several doctors, report to 3 churches, visit family, and attend a family reunion of Mark's parents and siblings. Therefore, we might not get out a "Tidbits" next weekend. We will be staying in Vilnius Sunday night as our flight leaves at 5:30 Monday morning. We are scheduled to arrive in Grand Rapids about 6:30 Monday evening, February 2.

Until next time, KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 18, 2009

What a blessing to wake up refreshed on the first day of this week after a week that was filled with opportunities to serve our Lord. It was even more of a blessing to meet together with our small church family around the Word of God and worship our God in word and song. Our regulars were all in place this morning except for Skaiste and Zilvinas. Mark preached in the first hour about how doing good works brings glory to God. In the third hour he concluded his message from Rev. 3 concerning the faithful church at Philadelphia. Our people seem very thirsty to learn about the prophecy of the end times as we explained a little today about the tribulation period.

We received information today through one of our members that Skaiste is in a hospital for people with mental problems and is improving. We don't know any particulars but were told that she is now able to leave her room to eat with other residents. Please pray with us as we seek God's will on how best to contact her and minister to her in the days ahead. How we praise the Lord that our people are showing genuine love and concern for this dear woman and are keeping us informed.

Two weeks ago Mark lost his residency permit card (visa) at the Post Office. Twice that week Mark returned to see if anyone had found the card. But no one had seen it. He had decided that if he did not find it by Tuesday he would have to report it and take the consequences. On Tuesday morning when he went to check for mail, he discovered the missing card in his P.O. Box. He quickly went to the workers at he counters and thank them. Evidently someone found it and put it in the mail box outside the post office and then a postal worker put it in our PO Box. Praise the Lord!!

The Lord allowed us to help some neighbors who were in need of food this week. The husband and daughter in this family worked part time for us one summer. The daughter told Mark that her father had died last summer and her mother was now bed ridden.

We were also able to take Regina to a doctor appointment one evening and the next day to her village. Both outings ended up much longer than expected but it was good to be able to help Regina and her family with their needs.

Mark & Tadas visited a former member one afternoon. They received a warm reception and had a nice visit. She said she wants to come but every time they plan on it something happens to keep them from coming. It is sad how when believers deliberately step outside God's will for their lives, that it becomes so very difficult for them to take the first steps back to the Lord. Please pray for this former member.

We were also able to do some sorting and organizing of things in our church rooms in the culture center. There is always plenty to do in our service to the Lord!

May our Lord grant you many opportunities to serve Him this week!

Until next time KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 11, 2009

This week we got back into a more "normal" routine and caught up on some things that were put aside through the holiday season & days of distributing calendars.

Wednesday evening we had a divided congregation as the Guze family stayed home due to bad conditions on their road through the forest. Tacy and I met together with Regina in her apartment. Guzes listened to a recorded message of Eric when he still needed a translator and Mark started a study of the Apostle Philip. Our hearts were united in prayer for the same requests though a few miles apart.

We do have a some special prayer requests that were a part of our prayer times on Wednesday and today. Doctors suspect that Ruta's mother has breast cancer. She will find out on Tuesday. Her mother is not a believer and refuses to believe in God since her prayers to God were of no effect when her husband was terminally ill. Also, please be praying for Skaiste. After going to the hospital over a week ago, we have been unable to find out where she is. We think she might have been admitted to a different hospital with orders not to let anyone know. Please pray that she will be kept safe and that we will be able to establish contact with her.

Mark & Tadas took Regina to run several errands and visit her family this week. She had the best week in quite awhile. Today she was weak but was able to translate effectively.

Today Mark preached from Ephesians 2:10 about our being created to do good works for others. In our third hour Mark preached about the faithful church in Philadelphia, Revelation chapter 3. The Sunday morning faithful were all in attendance.

Later this afternoon we were able to speak with our daughters through our computer using the Skype program. What a blessing to hear there voices and fellowship with them.

Thanks again for your prayers and interest.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 4, 2009

We were able to distribute more calendars and tracts this week. First we distributed to about 40 neighbors within 1.3 miles of our home. With these we also gave small bags of candy which was much appreciated by all. We distributed 200 more in Jonava at the culture center. Mark also went to our former apartment building and gave them out to former neighbors. We really enjoy taking them to all of our neighbors.

Mark was able to visit with Petras and get caught up on his situation. He still has no work and is living very frugally on the severance pay he received from his former employer. I encouraged him to trust in the Lord and not in himself or others. Pray that God will use us to prepare his heart to receive the seed of God's Word.

New Year's Eve we had our regular midweek service and were encouraged as the prayer time extended 20 minutes longer than normal. We believe God is doing a work in all our hearts during these days.

Skaiste was hospitalized on Friday after being found in the staircase of her apartment building. She was very confused which may be the result of some medication. Please pray for this elderly sister that recently made her profession of faith in the Lord.

Yesterday it snowed 12-16 inches throughout the area. This morning we were surprised to find that our road through the forest had been plowed a single width making it easy to get to the highway. Shortly after we arrived at church today, we were surprised to see a former teenage church member come into our meeting room with her husband. Asta, whom we've known since she was 11 or 12, was visiting her husband's grandmother and noticed one of our calendars in her home which caused her to desire to come out for a visit. We praise the Lord for the opportunity of ministering to them today. Asta is expecting their first child in May.

Mark concluded his series from Psalm 118 about what to do when distressed. He also preached about the spiritually dead church at Sardis from Revelation 3, It was very evident that God was using His Word in the lives of the hearers in today's services.

Thanks so much for your prayers! Until next time, KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

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TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 28, 2008

Only three days left before the new year begins. Where has this year gone? The older we get the quicker the years seem to evaporate. This past week went by rather quickly, too.

The first few days were filled with final Christmas preparations, and since all other families had Christmas eve plans here, we had a nice dinner with the Guzes & Regina in the Guze home. We enjoyed some traditional Lithuanian Christmas foods as well as non traditional foods. We, also, enjoyed a time of fellowship remembering Christ's birth, exchanging gifts and playing games. Christmas Day we enjoyed a quiet day at home together. We read an account of Christ's birth, opened gifts from family & friends and enjoyed a nice dinner that Tacy prepared for us.

Regina was diagnosed with bronchitis this week and, therefore, did not go to her village. But we were able to run the necessary errands and take Christmas food and gifts to her sister and father.

Jurgita & Zilvinas were not with us for services today but all our other regulars were there. Regina even came to interpret but we took her to the hospital for a check up as she wasn't feeling that well. We are quite concerned for Skaiste as she had a fall at home yesterday and seems to be displaying early signs of dementia. Tadas escorted her home following our second hour as her energy was quickly subsiding. Mark preached today on preparing ourselves for the new year and on preparing people's hearts to receive the Gospel message.

We will be distributing more calendars during the next few days. Please be praying that God will prepare the hearts of those who will be receive these calendars and tracts.

May our Lord bless you in the new year ahead with many opportunities, wisdom and strength to serve Him.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 21, 2008

Our morning began abruptly with a phone call asking for a ride to church--It was Ruta because Tadas and Jokubas were sick. We both were still sleeping soundly so we were glad for the call. Mark had been up in the middle of the night to take a cold & flu pill as sinus drainage was keeping him awake, so he was not awake at his normal 5-6 AM. We quickly got ready and still arrived at church at the time we wanted to arrive. In our first hour all present participated in reading a Christmas drama as though we were presenting it as a radio drama. We sang Christmas hymns & carols between the acts of the drama. In our second hour Tacy played her recorder and Ruta and Regina sang a special. Mark presented the story of Christ's birth in first person from Joseph's perspective. Following our lunch we enjoyed singing favorite Christmas hymns. Other than Tadas & Jokubas all our regulars were in attendance. Tadas' mother and father returned for our services and lunch. His mother had just finished a 12 hour shift from work but still seemed to enjoy the entire time together. They are planning to be with us again for Christmas Eve. Please keep praying for them as we hope to be able to again present the gospel to them.

Tuesday, while distributing calendars we started receiving freezing rain. The rain made the roads very slippery as well as sidewalks. Despite these conditions several people came out on Tuesday morning to receive calendars. There were fewer out on Wednesday evening in Jonava therefore we will have a second evening distribution after Christmas. We were in a total of 6 towns this week.

On our return from a city to the west of us Mark & Tadas took Regina to run errands for her family and to visit them in their village. It made our day a bit longer than normal but it is a blessing to be a help to our dear sister who has been very faithful in helping in every way possible these past several weeks. The Lord continues to give her the strength and peace she needs.

May our Lord richly bless you with a blessed Christmas filled with His joy and peace.

With joyful hearts in His service,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 14, 2008

CALENDAR DISTRIBUTION continued this week in eight different locations including a children's home and a senior care home. About 800 calendars plus tracts and scripture portions were distributed. Librarians at two locations even served us hot tea! We believe that good relationships are being built in these locations as many of these smaller towns and villages are overlooked by most people.

REGINA: We were able once again to take Regina to her village this week. We also took her on numerous errands to make arrangements for her father. Regina helped much in the calendar distribution and was very good in speaking with ladies at the different locations. She is responding well to lessons that God's Spirit is teaching her about His faithfulness and her need to be patient in the midst of her difficult circumstances. It is wonderful to see how God is leading in her life moment by moment.

CHURCH: We had good services on Wednesday and today. All our regulars were present today and Tadas' parents also made the trip from Kaunas for all 3 services. They are planning to return next Sunday, too! Tadas is so burdened for the salvation of his parents and we hope to see them saved soon. Please pray for them. They really listened attentively today and even took several of Tadas' tracts (his testimony) to give to family and friends. Wednesday, Mark concluded his series on the Apostle John. Today he continued his study of Psalm 118, verses 13-17, about how we need to speak and sing aloud about the Lord's goodness when going through times of distress. In our third service Mark preached about the corruption in the church in Thyatira from Revelation 2. Our people are really looking forward to our remembrance of Christ's birth next Sunday and the following Wednesday. It's wonderful to see them maturing and thinking through what to do as part of our remembrance.

TACY prepared a banner for the front of our meeting room this week. She also started making a costume for Mark as he will be sharing the story of Christ's birth in first person from Joseph's perspective next Sunday. Others are preparing special music and we will include everyone present in a reader's theatre presentation. Following our morning services, we will have a special luncheon followed by remembering the reason for Christ's birth by observing the Lord's Supper.

May the Lord bless you as you continue to make your plans for remembering His birth. Thanks so much for your continued interest and prayers.

Until next time--PUT CHRIST FIRST IN ALL YOUR PLANS for remembering His birth.

With love and grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 7, 2008

CHURCH NEWS: Mark preached on Wednesday about the Apostle John learning to balance the desire for glory with the glory of suffering. Today we had a good turnout of our faithful and Ruta's mother also was able to be with us. The only regular missing was Jurgita who may have had a sick child. Mark preached his second message from Psalm 118 about our need to think "victory" and not "defeat" during times of distress. He also preached about the church at Pergamos from Revelation 2 and the need to avoid compromising both Biblical doctrine and personal purity regardless of what others about us are doing and saying. I forgot to mention last week that Skaiste did give a testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior in one of the services.

REGINA: We were able to transport Regina to her home area again this week to take care of some family business and to take food to her family and visit them for a short while. Pray with us for Regina & her family as she seeks to get them moved into her apartment before Christmas. Pray that she will have wisdom to do it in the right way; her father doesn't want to move but is unable to care for himself. Also, keep praying for Regina's health. We rejoice that she has been able to interpret messages for Mark and help with the calendar distribution but she is continually battling weakness, depression and other symptoms of her MS.

CALENDAR DISTRIBUTION began on Thursday in a small town and one larger city. We were able to distribute over 1,000 calendars and tracts. Ingrida's 2 younger children were a big help as our distributions were in their area and they had the day off from school. This week we are scheduled to be in 5 villages or small towns and possibly a home for retirees and an orphanage. Keep praying for hearts to be open to God's Word.

DECORATING: Tacy spent several hours decorating our church meeting room for the Christmas season and putting up a new bulletin board. We were pleasantly surprised when Tadas thanked the Lord in his prayer for our example in serving the Lord in ways like this.

HEALTH: Mark has had a bad cold most of the week and Tacy a sprained ankle. But we praise the Lord for the necessary strength to keep on serving Him. We are both doing much better but not turning any cartwheels yet.

Thanks again for you interest and prayers! Until next time, KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 30, 2008

Services Wednesday evening and today went well with our most regular people in attendance. Mark taught Wednesday evening on how the Apostle John learned to balance his ambition with humility. Today we started having all 3 services between 9:30 and 1:00 so that no one need travel or walk to and from services in the dark during these darkest months of the year. Sunrise is now at 8:20 AM and sunset at a little before 4 PM. Days will be even shorter during December. Mark preached from Psalm 118 on how to respond toward distress in our lives in our first hour. Tadas taught about the beginning of Jacob's faith and his marriage. In the third hour Mark preached about the suffering church in Smyrna from Revelation 2.

Mark traveled with the Chapman family to the airport in Vilnius on Tuesday and drove their van back to their home. While attempting to put their van in the driveway their large German Shepherd ran our the gate to greet an 84 year old man that was walking up the street. The man was so shocked that he hit the dog with his cane and the dog responded by grabbing the man's wrist in his mouth. Mark ordered the dog back into the yard while he checked on the man. The man was more afraid than hurt or injured, he refused Mark's offer of a ride to his home. Later in the week Mark & Tadas visited the man to make sure he was okay. We had a good visit and left he and his wife with a tract. We plan to visit them again before Christmas with a new cane, similar to the one he broke. Pray that this elderly couple might be open to our attempts to befriend them and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

On Thursday we took Regina to her village and then on to visited with "daughter" Jurate and her sons in Panevezys while Regina took care of business for her family near their home.

Friday Tacy prepared a delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner and we were able to relax and call our daughters later that day. We are thankful that our children love the Lord and are busy serving Him.

We are scheduled to begin distributing 6,000 new Scripture text calendars this week. The calendars have been shipped but have not yet arrived. Please pray that they will arrive in time and that hearts will be open and receptive to the gospel contained in them and other literature that will be distributed. We now have the new tract that Tadas wrote from the printer.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 23, 2008

We had good services Wednesday evening and today. Wednesday Mark finished his lesson on how the Apostle John learned to balance truth with love in his life so that he became known as the Apostle of Love. In Sunday School Tadas had an excellent review of last week's lesson about Jacob & Esau. Eric concluded his study of Hebrews 10 in the morning service. This evening Mark continued his study in Revelation about the church in Ephesus. Attendance was especially good this morning with Stasys, Zilvinis and Giedrius joining our most faithful people. We had a time of special prayer for the Chapman family as they are scheduled to leave Tuesday for a 5 1/2 month furlough. Following the morning service we enjoyed a meal of Lithuanian shishkabab together with the Chapman family and Regina. We will all really miss the Chapmans and the work they do. Please be in prayer for us and Tadas as we seek to stand in the gap the next 5/12 months.

Please pray for the safe and timely arrival of our 6000 Scripture text calendars and tracts. We begin distributing them on December 4. Tadas has arranged for our distribution in a number of cities and villages. Mark and Tacy will take them door to door to all the country folks who live within 3 miles of them. Please pray that God's Word will do its work in people's hearts.

Starting next week we will move our Sunday evening service up from 5:00 to 1:00 (3 services in 3 1/2 hours) to make it easier for all our people to come out during our darkest & coldest months.

Extra time was spent this week in studying (3 sermons a week starting Wednesday) and preparing Christmas cards to be mailed out in the States by the Chapmans.

We wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving Day holiday! We have much to be grateful to the Lord for this year, as always. One special thing is for a wonderful Christian neighbor who watches over our home in Michigan and takes care of all the yard work and our mail. More recently he has been able to send us copies of important mail items through the email which saves us long periods of waiting. Thanks for being the blessing to tus hat you are, Don.

We thank the Lord, also, for YOU who read these Tidbits and pray for us faithfully.

Until next time--Keep Praying and Thanking the Lord!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 16, 2008

We had a good time of fellowship Wednesday evening and today with our church family. Mark taught more Wednesday on how the Apostle John learned to balance truth and love as he walked with the Lord. This evening Mark preached from Revelation 2 on how the church at Ephesus left its first love.

Mark was able to finish getting the new porch walls and flooring done. Only trim work needs to be done now.

Tacy continued making cards for Christmas and making preparations for our church's remembrance of Christ's first coming to earth.

Stasys had a radiation treatment for cancer that as left him quite weak. Regina had new blood tests done this week and the doctor suspects vasculitis (inflammation of blood or lymph vessels) but results won't be in for 2-3 weeks. She continues to have good days and bad days physically as well as spiritually. Please keep these physical and spiritual needs in your prayers.

Thanks again for all your prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 9, 2008

We had good services today with our most regular folk in attendance. Tadas did a review of the lesson concerning Abraham servant seeking a wife for Isaac and taught the folks how to make and use a prayer journal. Eric preached from Psalm 42. Elizabeth & Tim Chapman provided special music on their violin & cello. This evening Mark concluded his message on John's vision of Christ and we observed the Lord's supper. Mark also started a study about the Apostle John on Wednesday.

We were able to bring Regina back from the sanatorium this week much more rested and able to cope with her MS symptoms. She is in a much better frame of mind and spirit. Now comes the task of preparing her apartment to receive her father and sister in the near future.

Despite her health issues, Skaiste continues to attend services and seems to be genuinely trusting in Jesus as her Savior. She is very child-like in her understanding but desires to understand more and more and to become a part of our church family.

Mark spent some extra time this week paneling the interior of the new porch. Yesterday he lost his balance on the second step of the step ladder and landed hard on his left arm and side. Other than being a little dazed and shaken the only problem was that some fluid built up around his left elbow which is better today but not completely gone. Praise the Lord no bones were broken.

Tacy has been busy preparing things for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Earlier this year Tadas wrote a gospel tract with his personal testimony. We are hoping to have them printed and distributed with the new calendars in December. Please pray that all goes smootly and that we have them in plenty of time to distribute next month.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 2, 2008

Our big news this week is the birth of Vilte (Vil-TEY), Hope in English, to Tadas and Ruta on Tuesday morning. This is our first granddaughter to either of our biological or Lithuanian daughters. We praise the Lord that delivery was relatively speedy and safe. Ruta came home from hospital on Friday and we took supper and gifts to them later that day. According to Lithuanian custom, Tacy can now be considered a grandmother because she has a granddaughter. Mark's been a grandfather for almost 10 years now. Tacy really does age better than Mark!

Wednesday evening Mark concluded his study of the apostle James and this evening he preached on John's vision of Christ from Revelation 1. O that we all might get a better vision of who Christ really is as we await His return.

We worked on several small projects around the camp property including getting window sills installed and trim around the windows of the new porch. The wood that our neighbors brought is now also cut and stacked.

Mark & Eric paid a visit to Regina's father and sister, taking with them food for the next several days. They seem to be doing quite well. Regina is scheduled to leave the sanatorium on Wednesday and will be going to her village later in the week. She has a little more strength and needs much wisdom in making decisions for her and her family as winter approaches.

Please continue praying for the spiritual condition of Jurate, Stasys & Giedrius. Interest in spiritual things seems to be weak at best in their lives.

Until next time--Keep PRAYING and PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 26, 2008

We ended daylight savings time last night and were able to take advantage of the extra hour of night. We will be only 6 hours different from the east coast during this week.

Among other activities this week Mark has been working at sawing and stacking the wood that we received last Saturday from our neighbors. The back and legs don't work as good as they used to, requiring more breaks than in earlier years.

Mark and Eric were able to visit church member, Jurate, and had a visit that we believe was profitable. We assured her of our love and challenged her to remember the blessed months following her salvation and ask the Lord to restore to her the desire for that relationship. She is so weak spiritually, but acknowledged for the first time some of her sins.

We were able to take Regina to her village on Saturday so that she and her sister could clean up and decorate their mother's grave. This is something that normally takes place on or near the November 1, Day of the Dead. Regina seemed to be in better spirits this weekend and testified today of opportunities to witness to 2 ladies at the Sanitorium. She return to the Sanitorium today for another 10 days. These have been difficult days as she tries to come to terms with the changing symptoms of her MS.

Ruta still has not given birth but is anxious to do so. Her due date was this past Wednesday. Pray that she will soon safely deliver this child.

Wednesday evening Mark continued his series on the Apostle James. This evening he started a study of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for our people's continued interest in God's Word.

All of our regulars were in attendance today for which we are grateful.

Please keep praying for Skaiste, Giedrius and Jurgita and their needs that we've mentioned in previous "Tidbits."

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 19, 2008

On Monday we were able to take Regina to the sanatorium (health center) in Birstonas after taking her to run several errands. She was very tired by the time we arrived and looking forward to some rest. She hasn't seen any improvement this week and is quite discouraged possibly depressed--she's really tired of feeling so badly. Please keep praying for this dear sister.

Ruta was admitted to the hospital an Friday evening with false labor but will remain there until the birth of their baby.

Skaiste fell in her apartment and hit her chin on her washing machine on her way down. She was in church both morning and evening today. Please continue to pray for her salvation.

All of our other regulars were out today for which we are grateful. Mark finished up his review this evening of the 10 principles and taught the second lesson on the life of James on Wednesday.

At the camp property, Eric & Tadas got the roofing put on the new pump house while Mark worked on the new porch with Tacy's help.

Thanks for praying,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 12, 2008

We found out this week that we are victims of identity theft and that a ATM card and a credit card were sent to someone who used them but we were protected. The Lord has shown us through this experience that we need to trust Him for our financial protection and we are doing just that. We have contacted the FTC and credit monitoring agencies and they are doing all in their power keep more incidences from occurring. Please pray with us that these inconveniences will be stopped and that we will be protected from financial losses.

On the positive side, we had a wonderful Day of Thanks with our church family. There were many good testimonies, special music and a good spirit of gratefulness throughout our people. Attendance was very good. Tacy did a wonderful job of decorating the meeting room. Following our morning services we had a turkey dinner with our church family -- YUMMY! Everyone seemed to enjoy this special meal and we doubt that anyone went away hungry. During Sunday School we all drew the name of someone present and wrote a note of why were thankful to God for that person. Then we shared with everyone what we had written. Eric preached from Psalm 136 in the morning. and Mark preached on how God desires us to trust Him more and more as we contemplate the harvest of blessings in our lives--He is the "Lord of the harvest." Wednesday evening, Mark began a study of the apostle James, son of Zebedee.

We've had mild fall weather this week that allowed us to get much done around the camp property in preparation for winter. The electrician, who rewired our house before we moved in 4 years ago, came out and did the wiring on our new porch. He worked continuously for a little over 3 hours and charged only about $32. We don't often see bargains like that any more.

We spent a good part of one day delivering 200 biographies of George Muller to a book store in Vilnius for Eric. It was good to have some fellowship with the bookstore owner.

Regina was released from the hospital on Friday and will be going to a sanatorium (health center) in Birstonas for 3-4 weeks. She is still weak but hopes the time in the sanatorium will be helpful so that she will come out with the strength needed to help her father and sister get moved into her apartment for the winter months and help care for her father there. Please keep praying for her.

Ruta is ready for her pregnancy to be over and hopes delivery will come soon. This baby seems to be smaller than her first two which should help make her delivery easier. Please keep her in your prayers, too.

Until next time--Keep praying & praising the Lord1

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 5, 2008

Today is Mark's father's 82nd birthday. How we praise the Lord that following heart surgery earlier this year, he is feeling much better and do many things again that he was unable to do. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

We were able to get the materials needed to finish the porch interior this week and to paint the exterior. We got started on the painting and preparing the interior for ceiling tiles and paneling.

We were also able to help Regina and her family by running a few errands and taking food to Regina's sister and father in their small village about one hour from our house. Regina remains hospitalized while they continue to run tests and start her on new medications. Regina had a few good days but her body is struggling in adjusting to the new medications. She continues to need our prayers.

Skaiste will be traveling to Vilnius tomorrow for consultations with doctors on how to proceed with treatment of first-stage throat cancer. Please continue to pray that she will soon come to genuine faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Tacy spent three mornings this week administering achievement tests to the Chapman children. She is still battling the after effects of a bad cold/virus and even had a bout of nausea Friday evening.

We enjoyed a nice supper and fellowship with the Guze family this week, giving Ruta a night off during these final weeks of her pregnancy. Her due date is the 22nd and the baby has already dropped. Doctor says it looks like a girl. It could be our first granddaughter, which would make Tacy a grandmother for the first time according to the way Lithuanians think.

Jurgita and Cathy Chapman were both absent from services today due to illness. However, we had a good time of worship and fellowship around God's Word. Mark preached Wednesday evening on how Andrew saw the value in inconspicuous service to the Lord. This evening Mark continued his review of principles needed in order to have victory over stubborn habits--Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord; Our sinful habits DO hurt those who follow us; It is impossible to fight fleshly temptation with fleshly weapons.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - Sept. 28, 2008

Thank you so much for your prayers on our behalf this past week. It was a week of especially ministering to REGINA and her family. On Monday Mark and Eric took Regina to and from her village to check on her ailing father and her sister. We ran several errands for them along the way. Then that evening we took Regina to the Clinic where she was admitted after they examined her symptoms. They are treating her for MS. On Tuesday, Tadas helped Regina's mother get to and from several tests, Clinic staff does not do this. On Thursday morning we received the news that Regina's mother had passed away. Tadas and Eric helped get a lot of paperwork done for Regina in preparation for getting her mother's body released and Tadas went to a funeral home near Regina's village to make arrangements there. Mark got documents from Regina's apartment and took them to the Clinic so that a death certificate could be issued and the body released to the funeral home.

Tadas & Eric spent Friday making final preparations for the funeral which took place on Saturday. We left early Saturday for the funeral and stayed with Regina as she check on her father & sister after the burial.

We praise the Lord that throughout the whirlwind of activity God gave opportunities for the gospel to be presented to relatives, funeral home personnel, and fellow patients. Pray that the sowing of the gospel will reap decisions to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the midst of this, workers arrived on Thursday to finish yhe exterior of our porch. Mark had to run errands for them that morning and early afternoon so that they had the supplies they would need to finish the job. It's nice having their part of the work completed.

There were only 11 people in our morning services today as 3 Chapmans, 2 Guzes, and Tacy were home with bad colds and coughs.

Thanks again for your prayers. Until next time, keep PRAYING and PRAISING The Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS – September 21, 2008

It’s been a long tiring day but praise the Lord for His grace and strength! We praise the Lord for another day of being able to proclaim His Word to those in attendance at our church services. In addition to our regulars, Skaiste and Jurgita were present in both morning and evening services. Tadas taught about the faith of Abraham & Sarah and the power of God to do the “impossible.” Eric preached from Psalms 42 & 43 concerning the cure for discouragement/depression. Mark continued his review of 10 principles for overcoming stubborn habits. Wednesday, Mark preached concerning Andrew’s seeing the value of individual people.

We spent this afternoon helping REGINA run errands and visit her mother in the hospital in Kaunas. Please pray for Regina as she is worn out from attending to her family’s needs while struggling with her own physical ailments. We spent time as a church, after the morning service, planning how we can best help her and her family. Regina feels that she needs to be hospitalized for awhile herself; her father needs to be put into a nursing home temporarily; her sister needs a place to stay. She is hoping to find a place near Tadas & Ruta for her family and sell the old home place and her apartment to pay for the new home. Because there are so many major decisions to be made, please pray for much wisdom for all of those involved. PRAY MUCH FOR YOUR SISTER, REGINA.

We were able to speak with Petras for a short time this week. He asked that we remember to pray for him as he seeks new employment. Keep praying for this very strong Roman Catholic man who needs the Lord.

Until next time—Keep praying & praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 14, 2008

Fall has arrived here in our part of the world. Last Sunday the high temperature was around 80 and today in the upper 50's and high temperatures are forecast to be in the 50's for the rest of this week! What a quick change! The cooler temps do make it easier to do outdoor work which we enjoyed doing this week. It also meant getting warmer clothing out of storage.

In addition to getting outside work done around the property, Mark enjoyed getting back to work in his office in Jonava. During Tacy's trip, Mark did much of his office work at home. It's much easier to concentrate without the distractions that come because of living in a one-room house.

The men who built our porch still have about a day of work left to finish their part of the project, however, we haven't seen them in over 2 weeks. Please pray that they will come and finish the project soon so that we can get things in order for fall and spring. We did enjoy picking out wall covering, flooring and ceiling covering this week. We were also grateful for a special gift that allowed us to purchase a dryer this week. This is something relatively new on the market here and will be a blessing, especially to Tacy.

Wednesday evening, Mark began a short series highlighting the life of Andrew. Mark highlighted how that although they were brothers, they were quite different in their personalities and methods of ministry and how the Lord uses our differences to reach more people for the Lord. This evening Mark continued his review of 10 principles for victory over stubborn habits.

We were so glad to see Zilvinas back in our morning service this morning after being away for several weeks. All our other regulars were in attendance including Jurgita. Tadas spoke about the faith of Abraham and Eric on the faith of Abel.

Please keep praying for REGINA's health and family situation. She was able to be with us Wednesday evening but is staying in her parent's village some 40 miles away. Her mother is to return to the hospital on Wednesday. Her parents have not yet trusted in Christ as their Savior.

SKAISTE had some medical test done last Monday and returns to the Clinic tomorrow for more consultation and may be admitted for surgery. She told us last week that she is trusting in Jesus but we are unsure if she means relying on Him alone for her salvation or in addition to something else. Keep praying for this dear lady.

RUTA is in her 8th month of pregnancy, home-schooling her 2nd grade son and caring for her almost 3-year old son. She is very tired at this time and would appreciate your prayers for strength and encouragment. Feel free to send a note of encouragement through us at this address.

Until next time--keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

 

TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 7, 2008

Tacy arrived a little ahead of schedule on Friday afternoon. We've enjoyed a nice time of reunion and she is slowly acclimating to the time change. Thank you for your prayers.

Mark preached Wednesday evening on intercessory prayer and this evening began a review of Biblical principles for victory over stubborn habits. While preaching this evening Mark felt the Lord leading him to drive home the point that we need to make sure our heart (spirit) is clean by trusting in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and calling on Him to save us from our sin. It appeared to Mark that several children and one adult were under conviction. Please pray that these will soon call on the Lord to be saved. Skaiste continues to be come and be eager about learning. She is to see a neurologist this week, seeking answers to her problem of headaches. She became light-headed in our morning service today. Please keep praying for her spiritual and physical needs.

Mark and Eric were able to get the first layer of roofing on the new pump house last week, and are hoping to get the shingles on this week.

We were also able to visit Jurate and her family this week and challenged her to trust the Lord and get back in fellowship with Him.

Regina continues to live in her village with her ailing parents. Her mother is to be hospitalized again on Monday. Keep praying that Regina will remain strong physically and spiritually, that she will make the right decisions for her family and that they would come to saving faith.

Thanks again! Until next time keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 31, 2008

It is so good seeing the sun shine today after so many days of cloudiness and rain. It is also good to see the light of God's Word shining in the hearts and lives of people here in Lithuania. Wednesday evening Mark preached about lessons we can learn from the stork. We had good services today with Tadas teaching about the influence of friends from the life of Lot, Eric preached in the morning about the believer's need to be filled with the goodness of God. Mark preached in the evening about our need let the Holy Spirit control us so that we can control our own desires. Skaiste continues to attend and show great eagerness to learn more from God's Word.

Mark & Tadas paid a visit to a Roma (gypsy) family this week. On our first attempt they were not home but as we waited for them in the parking lot the husband of another Roma woman walked by and we spoke to him for several minutes. He showed a desire to change his life and we encouraged him that it is only possible through Jesus Christ. He said he wants to change and will come to church. Later that day we did get to visit the couple we originally went to see and found out that the husband has a hernia and is unable to work. Please pray for both these families as we seek to minister to both their physical & spiritual needs. Mark took a bag of food to each family the next day. We, also, had an appointment to meet with Jurate but she called and canceled because her children were sick.

Mark enjoyed a few hours of food, fun & fellowship on his birthday with the Guze family. We met at a shopping center where Ruta needed to pick up books for the new school year as she teaches oldest son Jokubas at home for the third year. What joy it has been watching this young family maturing in the Lord. It was a special time for Mark and them.

Tacy is scheduled to leave Michigan Thursday afternoon and arrive in Lithuania Friday afternoon. Please be in prayer for her as she travels.

Thanks so much for your prayers! Until next time, keep praying and praising the Lord.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 24, 2008

We praise the Lord that Skaiste was in both morning & evening services today. She is showing more and more interest in spiritual things but still has not made a decision to trust in the Lord as her only Lord and Savior. Jurgita also returned to our services this morning. She claims to be a believer and knows quite a bit from the Bible, but has not been regularly involved in a local church. She is currently in a major family crisis and looking for help. Please PRAY for her and her family as she receives counsel from God's Word.

Tadas & Ruta are expecting their 3rd child in mid October. Ruta is having problems with pregnancy-related diabetes. Pray for them and the salvation of their two older boys.

Regina has had a lot of decisions to make lately, and most likely will move to live with and care for her parents in September. That may well mean that our church will "lose" her for a quite awhile.. Please do PRAY for her -- she has so much on her at this time!

This week a new porch was put on our house. The old one had to be removed in order to put new footings and floor for the future addition. It will be good to have that project completed this week.

Tacy has had a good week in Memphis with Bethany and her family. Bethany has been sick with toxemia for a few days which made her presence an added blessing to Bethany.

Mark was blessed to spend an evening with the Chapman family to celebrate his upcoming birthday, 25th. We enjoyed a nice meal together and played ball in the yard afterward.

Until next time--keep praying and praising the Lord.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 17, 2008

Thank you for your prayers this past week. Tacy had a good trip to Michigan from Lithuania on Tuesday and was even able to sleep some on two flights. She has adjusted well to the time changes and already had the opportunity to get a temporary crown on a broken tooth and to visit with her brother & his family who are also in Michigan at this time.

Mark has been adjusting to doing more for himself--preparing or warming up meals left by Tacy, washing & ironing clothes, watering plants, etc. It help him to realize what a good word choice God used in calling a wife a helpmeet.

We were happy to see Giedrius back in our morning services today as well as a former member who now lives and works in Spain. Skaiste is still having heart problems but was in attendance as well. Mark was able to preach on Wednesday evening and this evening on the spiritual gift of meekness which helps us to be considerate of the needs of others.

Mark, Eric, & Tadas were able to get some work done on the new pump house on the camp property along with a few other smaller jobs.

Regina was with us Wednesday evening but remained in the village with her parents and sister this weekend. She is feeling better physically but has the added responsibility of her family's care at this time. We praise the Lord for His faithful sustaining of this dear sister When ever she is around, she encourages our hearts by her testimony of how the Lord is caring for her and her family.

We had contact this past week with Lina, who was out for our reunion day, as well as, Petras who stopped by to say "hi" but could not stay long. Please remember to pray with us for these and others contacts who need the Lord.

Also, keep praying for Ingrida and Jurate and their children. They both need to get regular spiritual teaching, preaching and encouragement.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 10, 2008

We praise the Lord for a good day with God's people in our services. Skaiste, was present again despite suffering from a high pulse rate and feeling weak. Zilvinas, Jurgita, Arturas, Ruta & Ruta were also visiting. Pray that the gospel will soon find its way into the good soil of these people's hearts.

Mark was able to preach on Wednesday evening and Sunday evening on the faith that is produced in our lives as we faithfully yield to and obey the Holy Spirit. How we pray that our people will become people of great faith.

Mark & Eric had the opportunity to visit with JURATE, mother of 6, this week but there seems to be no signs of repentance from her wayward ways. Please keep praying for her and her children.

REGINA has been unable to attend services for the past few weeks due to Dr. appointments and caring for the needs of her elderly and sickly parents. Her recent procedures have done little to help her and she is scheduled to see a neurologist this week. Her mother is due to be released from the hospital this week, too. Regina is often feeling near the edge of the number of trials she is able to bear, but finds God's grace to still be very sufficient.

GIEDRIUS, saved at camp, has been unable to come to services due to a leg injury. Pray that he will complete a discipleship lesson that has been sent to him.

Friday, our daughter, Bethany, delivered by C-section our third GRANDSON, Jason Isaiah Henry. He came into this world weighing 9.5 pounds and was 20.5 inches long. He has a good pair of lungs which we can attest to from hearing him complaining about his new environment over the telephone. How we praise the Lord for His presence with our children and grandsons.

Tuesday morning Tacy is scheduled to fly to the States for 23 days. She has appointments with her ophthalmologist and dentist and will spend a week helping our daughter while getting acquainted with Isaiah. Your prayers for her safety would be much appreciated.

Thanks again for your faithfulness in praying for us & ours.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - August 3, 2008

It's hard to believe that we are already beginning the eighth month of 2008. Time sure goes by quickly. This week seems to have sped by except for a few tasks that seemed to take longer than we liked.

We praise the Lord for Skaiste continuing to attend our services and for three visitors that were present this evening. Mark was able to teach/preach about the characteristic of goodness that is a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Oh that we would hunger to be good as our Lord is good.

We praise the Lord for His provision from our garden this year. Tacy has already been able to put up strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, beets, pickles, onions and peas. We've enjoyed these things fresh as well. The green beans and cucumbers are coming in well now. Carrots and corn will be ready later this month. The apple trees are loaded with fruit and much has already fallen to the ground.

Regina's mother was taken to the hospital early this week with some liver problems. She is doing better now but still hospitalized. Regina's alternative treatments took a turn for the worse this week. Pray that she will know God's wisdom in whether or not to proceed with further treatments. In addition to these problems her apartment was partially flooded with water from the apartment above. Pray that she will continue to avail herself of God's grace during these days.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - July 27, 2008

This was a week of catching up on many things that had to be put off until after family camp, as well as getting things wrapped up and put away. We were able to move at a slower pace too, which was good as daily high temperatures rose to the low 80's.

Mark preached Wednesday evening and this evening on "Gentleness, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Skaiste was again in our morning services. Please keep praying for her. Giedrius was not in any service today please pray that he will see the need to keep coming and that his family will not prevent this from happening.

Regina has been visiting medical practitioner recently who seems to be helping her. She has travel about two hours and stay for three procedure over three days and then return after two days for three more procedures. On her two days without procedures she is helping her ailing & aging parents in her home village. Though her schedule has been crazy she continues to rely on God's strength with very positive attitude and praise for her Lord and His Word. Please continue to pray that these procedures will be of good benefit to her general health and that her parents will respond to the gospel.. We were able to provide transportation for her one evening last week.

Thanks again for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - July 20, 2008

Thanks for praying for our 9th annual Church Camp! We had 17 people, plus another 5 who came for Friday only. The weather was quite good most of the week after a very rainy Monday. We waited until Tuesday to set up camp.

Our theme was "God is changing me". Mark was the evening speaker, and spoke in first person as Simon Peter. He shared the things God used in his life to change him from a sinful fisherman into a useful servant of Christ. Most everyone enjoyed those messages, and probably remembered more than usual because of their format.

Eric taught the Word in the morning sessions. His topic was the two things that prevent the changes of salvation. He named them "monsters" -- the monsters of ignorance and unbelief. He used the overhead projector using drawings that helped each to remember the lessons

Tacy was in charge of cooking duties with Mark helping prepare breakfast. Others helped throughout the day as they were needed. Tacy was also in charge of the handcrafts, which everyone enjoyed.

It was a special blessing to serve together with the Chapman family and our church members to make the week very successful.

On Friday evening when opportunity was given to testify, 15 year old Giedrus told everyone that (1) he knew Jesus died in the place of sinners, (2) that he himself is a sinner, and (3) that he is trusting Christ to save him. PRAISE THE LORD! That night around the camp fire, one of our church members asked him if he was saying he had trusted Christ that week while at camp, and he said, "Yes." This morning Giedrius came to the morning church services. He still hasn't said anything to his parents. "But," he said, "they told me when I came home that I seemed like a different person!" PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM. His grandmother, Birute (Bih-ROO-tay) is our church's charter member. His parents were both at the Saturday Campers' Reunion meeting a week or so ago. He attended camp 6 years ago and made a profession of faith then, but now says that he was too young then and didn't fully understand, but, he said, he "did believe" earlier, though his understanding was limited. Now begins the training of this new disciple... Please PRAY for Giedrius and us!

Everyone was present today who usually is, plus Sandra (16), a camper (unsaved), Zilvinas (50's) and Skaiste (60's). Mark preached his final message as Simon Peter. Please do PRAY for the salvation of SANDRA and SKAISTE, as well as ZILVINAS. and everyone who is still unsaved after hearing the Word, since faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

Thank you again for your prayers. We hope to get rested up a little this week.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - July 13, 2008

This week was spent, for the most part, finishing up preparations for our family camp. Shopping, preparing messages, mowing grass, getting buildings and grounds ready were a few of the tasks accomplished. It looks like we'll have between 20 and 24 for camp.

Please do PRAY for us all this week for:
(1) submission to the Spirit of God,
(2) open hearts that will result in salvation for the unsaved and growth for the believers,
(3) good weather as many of will be in tents, and
(4) health and safety for all involved.
(5) we'd rely on the Lord for sweet servants' hearts,
(6) that while "doing our jobs" we'd never forget the souls we're called to influence, and
(7) that we'd all have the physical strength and emotional fortitude for each opportunity God sends our way -- from games to cooking, from running errands to counseling, from pushing kids on the swings to preaching, from leading the singing to washing dishes, from taking a hike to saying a "word fitly spoken" for someone's edification.

Mark preached Wednesday evening and this evening on characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit. We rejoice that Skaiste, Birute's neighbor, continues to attend morning services. Mark gave her a copy of the Bible we use for her use at home until she is able to get one bound in leather for herself. She seems very interested in God's Word. Pray that she will soon open up her heart to the gospel and trust in Jesus Christ as her only Lord and Savior.

We had a big blessing this week in hearing from some friends whom we had lead to the Lord in 1978 when starting the church In Monticello, Iowa. We had not had contact with them for many years. We were thrilled to hear that they are still faithfully serving the Lord and that their children are also serving the Lord through their local churches.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - July 6, 2008

We had a very busy week making final preparations for our camp reunion on Saturday. Much of the work was difficult physical work, but we rejoice that we had the Lord's help and presence throughout all the preparations.

We had a good turnout of 38 people with 10 family units being represented not counting our own church members. The fellowship was sweet and it was good to see and hear from some that we hadn't seen in years. Mark was able to preach in the afternoon about the parable of the lost sons. We believe that God's Spirit was doing a work in several hearts but no decisions were made of which we are aware. Two families and one man returned from our American Culture day last summer and seemed to feel right at home. If nothing more the reunion allowed our people to build more spiritual bridges to these people for whom Christ died. Please be praying for all those who attended that the Holy Spirit will bring back to their minds the Spiritual truths that they heard and respond to them as God wills. It appears that 6 of these folks will be returning for part or all of our family camp! Praise the Lord! Thank you for praying!

Wednesday evening and Sunday evening, Mark continued his series on the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit--joy and peace. These messages are good in that they allow us to examine our own lives to see if we are allowing these characteristics to be seen in our lives. We praise the Lord for the positive reception of God's Word by our people.

Also, this week our new well was finally hooked up to the house and we are enjoying the fresh water from our 200 ft. deep well.

Mark's father was moved from the hospital to the nursing facility that is a part of their retirement complex. Praise the Lord for good progress in his recovery.

This week we will be making final preparations for our family camp. Pray that some who are still undecided would make the final decision to be with us for the whole or even part of that week which begins a week from tomorrow, Monday.

Thanks again for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 29, 2008

This week, Mark was able to complete sealing and painting the last two thirds of our multi-purpose "barn" in preparation for the "Reunion" on this coming Saturday and Family Camp later in July. Please be much in prayer for both these events. Pray that those who need to be here most will be able to come with hungry hearts to hear and obey God's Word.

Mark preached Wednesday evening about one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit--LOVE. Sunday morning he concluded his series on our ministry of reconciliation. Skaiste, Birute's neighbor was out again this morning as were Jurate and 3 of her girls.

We were able to visit Ingrida and her children on Friday and had a good time of fellowship with each other and in God's Word. It was so good to see the change in Ingrida's spirit as well as her attentiveness to God's Word. Keep praying for this dear sister. She plans to come on Saturday and her children may be able to be with us for family camp.

Mark's dad continues to improve following his quadruple bypass surgery on Friday. He will be hospitalized for about a week and then spend about 2 weeks in the nursing unit of their retirement community before returning home to their apartment. Thank you so much for your notes of encouragement and prayers.

Please pray for us that we will have the needed strength for all the activities that lie before us during the next 3 weeks. There is still much preparation to be completed.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 22, 2008

This has been a very busy week here in getting more things done around the camp property. With the return of rain there was need to do much mowing. Mark was able to get one section of the multi-purpose barn floor sealed and painted in addition to getting other odds and ends done. Much remains to be accomplished. Tacy spent a day and a half cleaning, sorting, and preparing craft materials for camp. Soon she will begin preparing food for camp and filling our freezer.

Mark preached Wednesday evening on the fruit of the Spirit and today he preached morning and evening about the results of seeking to reconcile people to Christ in God's way.

Birute's neighbor, SKAISTE, attended this morning for the first time. Birute was so pleased, and so was our church family. Eric was able to speak with Skaiste for some time after the service, sharing the gospel with her. However, it is all new to her, and she understands very little yet. She is planning to attend more services in the future. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will quickly open her understanding of the gospel. She seems to be searching for truth. Cathy Chapman's back was doing better and she was able to be out this morning for the first time in four weeks. However, ERIC has been sick much of the week as well as others in their family. Pray that they will all soon be returned to good health.

We were also pleased to have STASYS return this morning. He spends much of his time in another town in the north of the country where his married daughter and family live.

Sad to say JURATE and her children were NOT present in services today.

We rejoice that RUTA was released from the hospital on Wednesday, tired but no longer ill. Praise the Lord!

REGINA spent the week in the village with her parents and rejoiced in having many opportunities to witness to them. Please continue to pray for their salvation. Please pray also for our ROMA (GYPSY) FOLKS. Each week at least one or two come.

Thank you again for your continued prayers for us and our people.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 15, 2008

"HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!" to all you dads that read today's tidbits. Mark had the opportunity to talk to his dad and mom yesterday using the internet. It was mom's birthday and the day before Father's Day so we were able to have a nice chat greeting them both at one time.

Yesterday ended three weeks of drought. We had a good 8+ hours of gentle rain that was able to slowly penetrate the very dry ground. More rain is forecast for Tuesday. Praise the Lord!

Sickness kept 4 Chapmans and the Guze family out of church services today. However, the Lord sent 7 Romas and Jurate and 4 of her children to be with us. Eric taught the gospel from John 3 in the Sunday School hour and Mark preached about the need of unsaved people being reconciled to God and the need of believers showing godly characteristics during times of suffering in order that unbelievers may see the glory of God showing through their lives; the unbelievers, thereby, desiring reconciliation to God. Pray that all of us here would take of God's grace so that His glory may be seen in us and that our message of reconciliation would have a greater impact.

Please pray for Ruta and the baby she is carrying as she is hospitalized with an unknown infection.

More projects were able to get done at the camp property in preparation for July 5-19 despite the riding mower breaking down for half of a day and the need to get the new pump house covered in the midst of Saturday morning's rain. We have less than three weeks to get everything ready for the camp reunion and our family camp. Please keep praying as we make preparations, physically and spiritually. We have heard from two others who are planning to come for the reunion day.

We received word from Ingrida that she would like us to visit her the week of June 24. She seems to be satisfied in trusting in the Lord to meet her need for a job. She is learning to pay off her debts and rejoice is small progress in doing so (paying off ~US$10 at a time). This has been a big battle for her as she's gone in debt to "improve" her standard of living.

Regina has had a cancerous spot near her eye for several years. This week, the doctor told her she can't find it at all! Praise the Lord! Regina's MS struggles and heartaches for her unsaved and aging parents continue.

We also received word that some men are hoping to come over and help build the addition to our house in late August or early September. If there are others who would like to help in this please let us know so we can keep you informed as plans progress.

Thanks again for your prayers!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - June 8, 2008

This has been our second dry week in a row in Lithuania. The grass is starting to brown and our road into the camp property is very dusty. But how we praise the Lord for the showers of blessing that we received from His hand this week.

Mark had the blessing of preaching Wednesday evening and this morning to hungry hearts that desire to see God's glory shine through their lives--especially as they go through times of temptation and suffering.

We had the blessing of hearing our people testify of the work that the Word of God is doing in their lives, causing them to be more trusting in a holy, loving God.

We had the blessing of hearing a SMS message that Regina received from Ingrida telling of God's working in her life.

We had the blessing of seeing the work on "the Barn" and pump house completed, and were blessed to work with Tadas & Eric in getting things sorted out of the main part of the barn and moved into the two reconstructed store rooms. Also, we started installing shelves in one of the store rooms.

We had the blessing of being reunited with our former landlady, Danute. We haven't seen each other for a couple of years. We plan to visit her in the near future as our schedules permit.

We enjoyed the blessing of entertaining the Chapman children for about 5 hours on Friday and giving Eric & Cathy a break--some couple time.

We enjoyed the blessing of dining at Tadas' and Ruta's home and being able to counsel them concerning parenting skills. Ruta prepared a supper of cold beet/cucumber soup and boiled potatoes, which was delicious but is not usually a favorite of visiting American guests. We have grown to enjoy it very much.

Thank You, Lord, for the showers of blessings that you send our way and the faithful prayers of your people.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

PS: Please be praying for Jurate (you-RAH-tey) this week that she will stick to our agreement and save out money from her monthly welfare payment so that she and her children will come to church next Sunday.

TOLOSA TIDBITS – June 1, 2008

This week we were able to get into our more normal routine. Settling back in always takes 1-2 weeks.

Work on the multi-purpose barn is nearly completed. It looks so different with green roofing and the two small rooms of either side of the entrance being about three feet taller. The old barn truly has a new look to it, especially from the front.

We were able to begin some planning for our camper’s reunion day which will be July 5. We, also, started some planning for our family camp, July 14-19. Please keep both of these activities in your prayers. Invitations are starting to go out.

We were able to get a good look at Tadas’ written testimony that we hope to soon have printed in tract form, “An Open Letter to Youth.” It is already being distributed with invitations to our reunion & family camp. We believe that this could have a good impact on young people who are truly seeking for the true meaning to life, who see no hope in the way things are now.

Mark preached Wednesday evening about the influence of the unclean spirit toward immorality. This morning Mark began a message on our ministry of reconciliation and how we will be more effective in our witness when we witness in times of suffering—when we really don’t feel like it. This is true because people will see that we are more concerned for them than we are for ourselves.

Mark & Eric had a good visit with Jurate K. She and her children moved from Jonava last year to place where transportation is difficult to get for coming to services. We encouraged her to consider a plan by which she can come on Sunday afternoons and then we will provide transportation home. She and her children now want to return and also come to family camp. Pray for this one who has been drifting in the wrong direction for over a year.

Today we celebrated our 38^th wedding anniversary. Praise the Lord for allowing us to serve Him together all these years.

Thank you again for your interest & prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 25, 2008

We returned to immigration on Monday and Tacy went before a police magistrate for losing her visa. They let her off with just a warning instead of a $100- $250 fine. It was a little intimidating needless to say. However, we were informed that we both would be able to pick up our new 5-year visa/residency permit cards on Friday--AND WE DID. PRAISE THE LORD! It is marvelous to see our Lord's intervening hand at work in our lives.

These have been busy days, getting caught up on lawn mowing, getting the garden planted, and getting many things back in order. The yard was pretty much a mess when we got home with building materials, old wood, etc. scattered about. Its better now and we can use the clothes line again.

It has been a rough adjustment to the time change for Tacy. For a couple of days she actually felt sick on and off but has slept much better the last few nights. It's been a easier than normal adjustment for Mark.

Mark preached Wednesday night on how the Lord calls believers to repent of sin in their lives and this evening he preached about God's use of our suffering to reconcile others to God. Tadas taught Sunday School and Eric preached in the morning service. We had some Roma teens visit in the service this morning. Following the evening service we enjoyed a fellowship supper before heading for our individual homes.

Good progress was made on the new roof for our multi-purpose barn last week and it should be finished in the next day or two.

Tadas had a car accident this week which has disabled his car. Stasys & Tadas' son Danielius were, also, in the car. Praise the Lord, no one was injured.

Ruta was sick today with flu symptoms and Cathy Chapman was home with back pain. Otherwise, our normal group was all present.

Some have written concerning camperships. With inflation and the weak dollar taken into account, It now costs us about $40 per person or $160 for a family of 4 for a week of camp. If you would like to help please send your gifts to our mission for "TOLOSA - "Special Projects Fund."

Until next time--Keep PRAYING and PRAISING the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 18, 2008

The early part of the week we finished preparing and packing for our return journey to Lithuania. During these preparations we were unable to find Tacy's Lithuania residency permit / visa card. We had no idea what would happen but surrendered it to the Lord and asked several folk to pray with us about the situation. When we arrived in Amsterdam we were required to go through passport control there and instead of when we arrived in Lithuania. Therefore, our residency permits/visa cards were not requested nor required to enter Lithuania. Praise the Lord for that change that has been made since Lithuania is part of the European Union free travel zone. Friday we went to immigration and reported the loss and Tacy has to get a replacement card to turn in, so that she can get her new 5-year card. This process will take about 2 weeks. Pray that it all goes smoothly so that everything is in order by the June 10 deadline.

It has been a big joy to be reunited with the Chapmans and our Lithuanian church family. Today, Mark preached in both the morning and evening services about the need of repentance. There were no visitors but our regulars were all present. Regina shared a testimony of how Habbakuk 3:17-19 has been a source of encouragement for her recently, as well as a special song on the Neeley Team CD that was sent to her. How we praise the Lord for His Word and Godly music that ministers to our spirits.

It has also been good to see the improvements that are being made on the camp property. As we mentioned before, the footings and concrete floor are poured for the planned addition to our little house; the new pump house is up but still needs to be finished; and presently a crew in working to replace the roof on our multi-purpose barn. It will be real busy around here throughout the summer and fall months if the funds all come in to complete these projects.

High prices have been quite noticeable the last few times we have returned to Lithuania. The price of gas for our car is running $1.71/liter or $6.65/gallon, but is higher for cars that require higher octane or diesel. We, also, noticed that food prices have risen a good deal. Praise the Lord that He supplies our needs.

Until next time--keep praying and praising the Lord!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 12, 2008

The early part of our week was spent getting things back in order following the wedding. We have many fond memories of those days of celebrating.

Tacy's laser eye surgery to stop leakage went well though it took 31 "hits" to complete the job. It was tiring for Tacy but she is doing very well. She will be returning in August for her next appointment as well as the birth of our next grandson. Thank you much for your prayers and concern.

We enjoyed an evening with our pastor and his family at our home. We are really going to miss them and our home church.

We were able to spend Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon in South Bend, visiting Mark's parents and presenting our ministry in their church. Earlier in the week Dad had been experiencing symptoms of dehydration which were quickly rectified with 2 I V's of fluid. Mom has pneumonia which is being treated with strong doses of antibiotics. They were both doing much better when we left them on Sunday afternoon.

We are scheduled to leave on Wednesday afternoon from Grand Rapids, MI for Lithuania. We are looking forward to being reunited with all our loved ones there. Please pray for us.

Now for news from the field:

The Lord gave Eric an opportunity to testify of Christ to one of the workers pouring concrete at the Camp property, getting to share more fully with him what the Bible teaches about sin and salvation. Interestingly enough, in the past couple of weeks he's done more to show he's indeed uncomfortable with his sin -- not cursing as much, turning down his music, not bragging as much about unrighteous things. Please continue to pray for these three guys -- about ages 40, 35 and 17--Sergejus, Vitalis, and Edvinas.

Eric also met Lukas "coincidentally" this week and got to talk with him a bit but he's harder to the gospel now than before, but the hidden work of God in convicting no doubt continues.

Regina (MS) has been staying at with Chapmans part of last week, and will at least some of this week. Tadas & Ruta and boys are in Norway (returning Tuesday).

Stasys's mother was scheduled for knee replacement surgery today, and he's to go to the cancer clinic on Thursday.

Please continue to pray for Ingrida and her three kids in the village about 1.5 hours away. She seems to be backsliding.

Tolosa's cottage bathroom floor is done. The foundation and slab are poured for an addition to the cottage, and the foundations are in for re-constructing the storage rooms attached to "The Barn", our meeting place on the property. Work is progressing on the pump house for the well drilled last year. We plan to replace the roof of the barn soon.

With grateful hearts for all your prayers,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - May 5, 2008

Our last two weeks have been filled with preparations for our daughter's wedding and the celebration of her marriage this past weekend. How grateful we are for God's grace as we have gone through the process and we believe that the Lord was glorified throughout the days leading up to the wedding and through the wedding itself. It was truly a blessed time of fellowship with family and friends.

Mark had the privilege the previous Sunday to once again teach the senior adult Sunday School class. It is always a blessing to teach that class.

We have been blessed with two special gifts of $1,000 each to help with the building of the addition to our small house on the camp/discipleship property in Lithuania. One of the givers was a high school senior. How we stand in amazement as we watch the Lord continue to supply all our needs.

Now for an update from Lithuania:

Birute loaned Skaiste a Bible and continues to talk with her. God is no doubt preparing the ground of her heart. Birute, also, hopes to share with Skaiste sermon notes on the power of God.

Eric got to talk with Giedrius some more about the Gospel -- that justification is by grace through faith without works until after salvation. Please pray for Giedrius to accept the Truth (Jesus).

Regina's multiple sclerosis symptoms continue to worsen and she's had something like panic attacks at night. She is always in the church services and always praising God, but it's a hard time for her.

Stasys' 17-year-old daughter was released from the hospital her nausea was due to migrane headaches. Please do pray for him and his family.

The foundation footers were poured for the addition to our small house . Hopefully they'll pour the concrete floor this coming week. Probably we won't do any more on the addition for a while due to finances. Tadas had a good opportunity to share the Gospel with one of the workers when they traveled together to get building materials. Please PRAY for VYTALIS, SERGEJUS and EDVINAS to get saved.

Eric was able to witness for Christ to one of the night watchmen at the Culture Hall where we meet. He (Algis) continues to be impressed with God's people and -- I hope -- with their God, but he cannot envision himself breaking with the traditions of his Roman Catholic background.

Please pray for Cathy Chapman who pulled her back again yesterday reaching for something in the kitchen.

Lord willing, Tadas, Ruta and sons will travel for a 1-week trip to visit fellow-Lithuanian believers in Norway. This will be their first flight ever and probably their first trip out of their country. Please pray that all goes well and that they will be a blessing to the folks they're going to see.

With the wedding behind us we are now focused on making final preparations for our return to Lithuania. We are scheduled to leave on May 14th. Please be in prayer for us as we prepare and travel. Also, please remember to pray for Tacy as she has laser surgery on her eye Wednesday afternoon, May 7.

Our next Tidbits will probably come from Lithuania on May 18th. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 21, 2008

Our week was filled with wedding preparations, doctor appointments and a special visit with friends from our high school days.

Please pray that we will get everything done in a timely manner and that we will enter the wedding celebration completely prepared and refreshed enough to enjoy it and bring glory to our Lord.

Tacy's eye exam showed some leakage which will need to treated with laser surgery on May 7. We would appreciate your prayers for her and the doctor on that day.

Sunday, we enjoyed a blessed day of worship & fellowship with our church family. Mark had the blessing of teaching a lesson on prayer to our senior adults Sunday School class.

Now for a report from the field:

Eric had the opportunity to visit Birute's husband, Jonas. Birute has been witnessing to a neighbor for some time in her quiet, simple way. (Birute told me today that she told her that as for literature she needs the Bible and as for what to do, she needs to first of all trust Christ and be born again.) Birute said this neighbor is planning to invite him to come talk with her more. Please pray with Eric as he follows up on these opportunities.

Stasys was again in services Sunday, as well as Zilvinas. Also, five Gypsy (Roma) folks came. One family invited us to visit them again. Stasys is not well -- to go to the cancer hospital May 15th. Also, Friday his 18-year old daughter was admitted to the hospital in another city when she was on a school field trip. She may have some kind of infection or virus. Please pray for all these.

Thank you for your continued prayers!!!

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 14, 2008

Our week quickly passed as we kept busy with wedding preparations, painting a bedroom and bathroom, and getting our tax returns filed.

We had a blessed Saturday and Sunday fellowshipping with friends and a supporting church in the greater Detroit area. Sunday was filled with speaking in Sunday School and church services, meals with beloved church members/friends, and meeting with the missions committee. Truly a blessed weekend of fellowship and sharing the goodness of Lord!

Now for Eric's update from Lithuania:

We are VERY grateful for the many who pray regularly and in the Spirit. Thank you!

We were pleased to see Stasys back in church today. He still has lots of problems (physical and otherwise), but did look a lot better today than before and participated well.

God is greatly testing Regina as she deals with Multiple Sclerosis. She's only been able to sleep about 20 hours in the last seven days. She's still trusting the Trustworthy One, but her body is weary.

God is doing a work in several hearts, for which we're thankful. One is Daiva, the former atheist who recently had cancer surgery. She's invited Regina to join her at a rehab sanatorium, and Regina thinks it would be a great witnessing opportunity. However, we don't know if Regina will be up to it physically.

Our charter member's husband, Jonas, will have eye surgery this Wednesday. He is not saved. Pray for God to use the circumstances for Jonas' salvation. Many have prayed for his salvation for many years.

This week God allowed us to finally get the building permit for the addition to our co-worker's, the Tolosas, cottage on the camp/discipleship property.

Until next time -- KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 6, 2008

Following the blessed missions conference at our home church we spent the rest of the week starting to get our house ready for the coming wedding celebration. There are many little jobs to get done before the big weekend both inside and outside our home.

Today we were able to report and fellowship with the supporting church located nearest our home. How good it was to see and fellowship with many friends who pray for us faithfully. We really love and appreciate our supporting churches such as this one. We were quite surprised when after Mark preached in the evening service that the church voted to double our support due to the inflation and devaluation of the dollar that is taking place in Lithuania. PRAISE THE LORD!

NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

Thank the Lord that ZILVINAS returned to church today. He's been absent a lot lately. Also, some Roma (gypsy) young ladies and a friend visited the evening service.

REGINA (MS) had a hard week, but was in good spirits today, testifying that after a 4-hour struggle with the Lord one night, she is at total rest in His will and she recognizes that her body is His property and He can do with it as He wishes.

Tadas asked for prayer for his father and a friend of his father -- both lost. Tadas gave the other man a New Testament this week and got to speak with him some.

The Chapman family had some good opportunities to pass out tracts this week -- in fact we need to get some more written/translated/printed. Tadas has written out his testimony, so we may use it. Interestingly enough, Tadas and Eric both spoke on the love of God today, and even used some of the same verses. God's Spirit worked among those in attendance.

Please pray for STASYS as he has multiple health problems and is struggling in many ways.

Eric were pleased to learn that a 16- and 17-year-old brother and sister were to be baptized today at another church in another city, and was able to give them Muller's Autobiography and some other literature. Pray for these young people as they grow in the Lord.

The plans are done for the addition to our "cottage" at the camp/discipleship property (building permit should be received tomorrow). Someone has been found to help build the pump house there, and Tadas and Eric are working on repairing the bathroom floor in our home.

Until next time KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - April 1, 2008

We had a good week last week getting caught up after our trip to Memphis. We had a good visit with our daughter, Tami, who was here for two days getting things arranged for her wedding next month and attending a shower in her honor in Grand Rapids. We are presently in the midst of our home church's missions conference. The conference is proving to be a big blessing to us and our church family.

Now for some news from the field from our coworker Eric:

"Sunday morning, God blessed by giving us an additional six unsaved folks to preach to. Tadas' parents came again this week, as well as his sister. They were accompanied by the mother, sister and 7 year old nephew of his sister's fiance. Tadas' lesson was great and to the point and Spirit-led. I preached on forgiveness, so the message dealt with justification by faith and forgiveness through the blood of Christ as well as with forgiveness between people. They all listened intently. For the second three it was probably the first time they ever heard the Gospel."

"RUTA was also present Sunday morning, though still dealing with morning sickness."

"DAIVA's cancer surgery was FAR more successful than anyone expected, and she didn't lose a kidney, as they predicted. God is working in her heart. Regina went back to see her again this week. Still not trusting the Lord Jesus alone, but listening intently and grateful for the prayers of God's people."

"There is a "hot spot" of active MS (if one can say it that way) in REGINA's neck. Other "hot spots" where the nerve sheaths are damaged are apparently not active. She has been to see a new doctor and gotten some different advice and is generally doing well, at least spiritually."

Please keep praying for these and us.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 24, 2008

FURLOUGH NEWS:

We returned home on March 10 for one week and then traveled back south to Memphis Tennessee on the 17th to visit our daughter, Bethany and her family, while they were on spring break. We also were able to report of our ministry in two churches while there.

We returned to Michigan the evening of the 21st to be greeted by a snow storm as we crossed the border from Indiana into Michigan. We had to spend the night in a motel until the storm passed.

Our Resurrection Sunday began with a bang as we hit a deer on the way to a sunrise breakfast with our church family. Only the front right bumper and headlight area were damaged. Now begins the process of getting it repaired. We praise the Lord that the impact was not strong enough to engage the air bags. The rest of the day was one BIG BLESSING as we worshipped our Lord and fellowshiped together with our church family. Truly a blessed resurrection Sunday!

NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

TADAS reported that a family member that had been particularly caustic and domineering has begun to soften and be friendly to them. Please do pray for God's Spirit's good work in the hearts of the many relatives they have contact with. RUTA is still home with morning sickness, but the symptoms are lessening.

Today two young ROMA (gypsy) ladies visited on Palm Sunday and seemed to enjoy the messages.

INGRIDA did attend the church services last week with Regina in a city near Ingrida's village. Ingrida still has some "hurdles to jump" in her walk with the Lord before she will attend there -- or perhaps anywhere -- regularly. But it was a good visit.

On Resurrection Sunday, Tadas' parents both came to the AM service as well as Ingrida and her three children. May the signs of spiritual life soon show up in the lives of all who were present and who are still "lost in trespasses and sins." Thanks for PRAYING. Ruta is still home with morning sickness, but the symptoms are lessening.

REGINA had a MRI showed some sort of mass in her neck--something she's been mentioning to doctors for two years, but they've ignored her. In this case she even had to schedule and pay individually for a special MRI for a part of her body that the MS doctors said was unnecessary, but her suspicions were confirmed. She'll get the full report Wednesday. Thank you for PRAYING.

A close friend of Regina's, DAIVA, had very serious cancer surgery on Friday. Regina had a wonderful opportunity to explain the person and work of Christ to her again Thursday. We don't know for sure, but assume Daiva is still in ICU. Please pray for her soon salvation. She grew up in an atheistic home and only recently has admitted that God exists. Still a ways to saving faith, but God is working in her heart. Please do PRAY.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - March 10, 2008

We concluded our meetings in the mountains of western North Carolina last Sunday and traveled to Williamsburg, VA for a week of vacation. We enjoyed visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. What a blessing to be reminded of and review the founding of our nation and see God's hand in it. While enjoying a carriage ride, the driver was excited to meet someone who was from Lithuania. He knows a family and wants to minister to them in some way. We had some calendars, tracts and a gospel of Mark in our car which we retrieved and gave him to give to this family. Please pray that God will use these tools to draw these precious souls to the Lord. Today, we are reporting to two supporting churches, enjoying their encouragement and fellowship in central North Carolina.

Now for some news from Lithuania:

Eric had a couple of good opportunities for the gospel lately -- one with Robertas, a man he's known for over 14 years. Robertas is now separated from his wife and has been through a lot emotionally, so there was a good opportunity to befriend him and share the love of Christ with him. Eric's Lithuanian professor, who tutored him in Lithuanian, warmly received a copy of the Muller book. With tears in his eyes...He explained to his wife (who had not read the manuscript) how Muller had been a prodigal in Prussia, but then went on to live his life helping orphans in England. What an opening! Eric explained to him and his wife that the Lord Jesus can change anyone like that.

Please continue to PRAY for Gospel seeds sown in hearts -- for fruit that remains.

Tadas & Ruta have been on the receiving end of some verbal persecution as family members criticize them for choices they have made based on their faith in Christ, including homeschooling rather than sending their son to a secular school. The Lord is blessing them with a third child! Praise the Lord! They are getting some criticism from relatives that think "2 is plenty." Please PRAY for grace. They feel confident that their relatives will eventually trust Christ and are praying for their salvation.

INGRIDA faced some disappointments last week. Her teenage daughter was in the hospital with flu complications and hemoglobin problems (she's home now and improving). Also, she witnessed criminal activity at work several weeks ago, when some hooligans did quite a bit of damage to her employer's property while she was on duty (she did call the police). Soon after that she realized it was not God's will for her to work there anymore (where drunken outbursts occur) and resigned. She had to work after her resignation for some time, but finally worked her last day this week. She was heartbroken when the employer deducted about 7/10's of her income to cover damages the drunks did! But she seems to be taking her losses as God's will, and moving on in faith. Regina is visiting a local church with Ingrida today.

Tadas and Eric had a good visit with a backsliding member. It was a good visit. There may be some brokenness and willingness to change....Thanks for praying. Tadas also had a great opportunity with another member who is struggling. We'd appreciate your continued PRAYERS for both.

When Regina was ready to leave the village to come home, her sister said she wanted to go with her and visit our church this. Her sister has many spiritual/emotional needs, so it was good that she came. Regina is doing well spiritually and has seen some improvement in her MS symptoms lately. She is particularly praying for a friend, Daiva, who is lost and dying with cancer. PRAY that the Holy Spirit would use Regina as she proclaims Jesus Christ to Daiva.

WEEK Monika is Lukas' sister. Her conversations with Regina have been hopeful and we ask you to pray for her and mom, Daiva, who hasn't yet repented and trusted Christ.

Eric has been experiencing back trouble and would appreciate your prayers!

We would appreciate your prayers for us as we travel back to Reed City, MI starting tomorrow morning.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS – February 29, 2008

We are continuing to enjoy our reporting meeting here in North Carolina. We were able to report to two churches on the 17^th and two other churches on the 24^th. Sunday evening we were having supper at the local Wendy’s and met a pastor and his family. The pastor’s oldest son, 16 years old, was preaching at a local church and came in later and reported the good news that 4 young people had responded to his message and prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior. The son was still in awe at the response and humbled at how the Lord had used him. We had a wonderful time of rejoicing at how our Lord chooses to use such simple vessels of clay to do His work.

NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

INGRIDA visited a Baptist church nearer her village but we aren’t sure if she felt enough at home to return. Regina, who accompanied her, indicated that it was a good visit. Please pray with us that Ingrida will resolve to do right and attend church regularly and obediently follow the Lord.

TADAS had the opportunity to witness to his sister. Although she still wants to live her life on her terms, it seems that the Holy Spirit used some things that Tadas said to cause her to think more seriously. Pray her and others in Tadas’ and Ruta’s families to be saved.

BIRUTE, our oldest and only charter member, continues to minister to several ladies who live in her apartment building. She is gently and lovingly witnessing to them about what Christ has done for her.

What a blessing it is to hear about our church members faithfully ministering to others.

Until next time – KEEP PRAYING and PRAISING THE LORD!!!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - February 11, 2008

We had a good trip Friday and Saturday from our home in Michigan to Robbinsvile, North Carolina. Roads were good, we made good time and even got under clear skies before we stopped driving on Friday evening. We enjoyed beautiful clear skies both Saturday & Sunday and high temperatures in the 50's--like early spring. It remains sunny but cooler here today.

We had good services in two supporting churches yesterday. We were warmly received and once again enjoyed the fellowship with friends who intelligently spoke with us about our ministry. Since this is the area where our coworker, Eric Chapman, lived people were very interested to see the George Muller autobiography that he translated into Lithuanian. How blessed we are to have supporting churches that have such great interest in our work.

Now for some news from the field:

Recently, Regina has been getting wonderful news from Ingrida. It seems that the Holy Spirit is doing a real work in Ingrida's heart. She's really interested in attending church regularly and is going to start trying to attend the Baptist church in a city closer to her village. Please THANK God for progress made and continue to PRAY for Ingrida, and the church she plans to attend. After the mountain-top experiences, there are sure to be struggles. We credit much of this recent progress to the Regina's desire to pray fervently -- as her own physical health has deteriorated, she has started fasting and praying one day a week.

Also, please be praying for Eric as he tries to renew contact and minister to the ROMA (GYPSY) PEOPLE in the Jonava area. Pray that God will give much wisdom and discernment to Eric and others who try to show God's love and compassion to these needy people.

Until next time, KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

TOLOSA TIDBITS - February 5, 2008

The past two weekends, we had reporting meetings in two supporting churches. How we praise the Lord for the warm receptions we received in both churches as well as for the growth and blessings we saw in these churches. How blessed we are to have such a supportive team of churches. Mark's messages have been well received and the people have shown a genuine interest in our ministry.

On Friday, we will leave for 6-7 weeks in North Carolina, Virginia & Tennessee. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel.

Now some news from the field:

Giedrus, a student that Eric is help with practicing English, came and listened well on January 27. Praise the Lord, and please pray for him to soon begin to trust Christ alone for salvation from sin and its penalty.

Eric is in the process of getting the Autobiography of George Muller, which he translated, distributed to Lithuanian cultural centers throughout the world -- Lithuanian language libraries and ethnic meeting centers. He has a list of about 30 addresses and plans to write a letter to each one offering a free copy of the book. These are in the U.S., Russia, Latvia, Ireland, UK, etc. Please PRAY with us that many will respond and some will read the book and the Gospel presented therein and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

God continues to work, especially through trials. The most obvious trial this week is that Regina, who has multiple sclerosis is having new symptoms and has been severely tested lately, though PRAISE THE LORD, she's been trusting and growing through it all. She's trying to schedule another MRI, and has a doctor's apointment with a neurosurgeon. There is some suspicion that she has muscular atrophy or the nerve sheaths are disintegrating. She senses worse symptoms frequently (generally without them going away, i.e. the situation continues to get worse), but not all symptoms point to MS. She seems to be totally surrendered to the Lord and is learning to pray well and witness boldly. She was so happy that her sister, who has multiple problems, read the Muller book and "reported" to her unsaved mom on how God was working in Muller's life. Seems it piqued her mom's interest. We continue to pray for the salvation of this family (Regina's elderly father is almost entirely bed-ridden and still unwilling to hear any more about the Lord). Regina has been tenderly and boldly witnessing to a lady named Daiva, a former co-worker, who is an avowed atheist diagnosed with cancer and whose medical prognosis is not good. We'd all appreciate your prayers for Daiva's salvation.

As you recall, Ruta's dad passed away last December. Her mom came to stay a few days at Tadas' & Ruta's place, so was in church Wednesday & Sunday evenings. She is bitter toward God, but we're SO glad she's spending time so close to obedient children of the Lord. Please PRAY for her salvation. Tadas continues to be burdened for and pray regularly for his dad's salvation.

Until next time, keep praying and praising the Lord.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 24, 2008

We've been busy the past few weeks getting ready for our reporting meetings and Tacy has begun the big task of making a quilt for our daughter and her fiance. We had our first meeting this past weekend in Indiana. We were able to spend time with Mark's parents as well as Mark's brother's family. Mark was able to tell about our ministry in a new church Sunday morning. The pastor has invited us back to present our work more fully in the spring. In the evening, we gave our report to a supporting church and were warmly welcomed and treated royally. Praise the Lord for faithful supporters.

Now for some news from the field:
1) A group from the church were able to visit INGRIDA and her children and have a Bible study with the. INGRIDA is spiritually weak but has not returned to her former addiction. Regina was able to stay with her overnight and part of the next day trying to have more of a godly influence in her life. Keep praying with us for Ingrida that she will soon see her need for the regular teaching of God's Word in her life as well as the fellowship of believers.

2) Eric is experiencing good responses to the Autobiography of George Muller which he translated and published.

3) Eric had a good, long visit with a former camper who is under the power of sin and needs salvation. Please pray for this young man and other former campers that God's Spirit will do a great work in their hearts and that they will be willing to come to a reunion this summer.

4) The architect who is drawing up plans for the addition to our house on the camp/discipleship property has twice totally disregarded our desires for this addition. Eric & Tadas met with him this week and we hope some compromises were reached. Pray that the witness the architect received will begin to draw him to Christ and that the plans get finished so that they can be approved before spring.

This weekend, we travel to Illinois for another reporting meeting. Pray for safety.

May the Lord bless you as you bring these requests before His throne.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - January 8, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We truly wish you a new year filled with many rich blessing from our Lord!

Our Christmas and New Year's Day holidays were filled with many rich blessings as we were able to have our daughters, son-in-law, grandsons, and brother and family with us. It was a special blessing to meet our future son-in-law, Tim Entz, a Godly gentleman (farmer/cowboy) who simply desires to live such a life for the Lord that he leaves no doubt in the minds of others that he is a follower of Jesus Christ.

We also had the blessing of holiday phone calls with loved ones both here and in Lithuania. Mark had the privilege of preaching one Sunday morning in our home church, and the following Sunday afternoon in a nearby nursing home.

Now for some news from the field:

The Sunday before Christmas 5 visitors attended the Christmas program/service. It was the first time that one of them had ever heard a presentation of the gospel. As part of the program Tadas played a special on the piano--first time experience.

The Sunday before New Year's Day 2 young men attended a service for the first time. Praise the Lord for visitors that can followed up.

Most of the 9600 Scripture text calendars were distributed before the new year but there were still 700 left which were to be distributed last week. We originally planned on distributing only 5,600. It was a big job for our small group but praise the Lord for their diligence & faithfulness to the task. Now let's pray that the written Word will be well received into the hearts of the recipients.

The autobiography of George Muller that Eric translated into Lithuanian arrived from the printer last week. We are eagerly awaiting our copy.

Thanks for your patience in waiting for this update. We'll keep you up to date during this furlough as time allows.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 17, 2007

In addition to getting more settled in and Christmas preparations we were able to visit Mark's parents for a day in South Bend, IN. They are now settling into an apartment in a retirement community that provides many services to make their life easier. We were also able to visit with Mark's brother, sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law. We also enjoyed more fellowship with our church family on Wednesday and Sunday. We are looking forward to the arrival of our children & grandsons this coming weekend.

We received the GREAT NEWS this week that our 5-year VISAS have been approved and we have until June 10, 2008 to claim them. Thanks to all of you who have prayed with us concerning this.

NEWS FROM THE FIELD:

Five towns/villages got CALENDARS this week. The response so far has been very good, with some good opportunities to proclaim Christ to folks. Tadas, Ruta, Regina and Eric have been pleased with some of the questions they've been able to answer from the Scriptures. Please PRAY for this coming week's distributions in our own target city of Jonava and in several smaller villages in our "county" as well as in a bigger city a ways away in which there is no Biblical church.

Please do continue to PRAY for STASYS for physical health and for spiritual and emotional stability.

REGINA had some more MS symptoms, etc. that remind her of the frailty of life and her vulnerability. But God is giving her grace, and she's taking it, and being a big blessing by her help in distributing calendars. Praise the Lord!

With best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year, we remain

Yours with grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - December 2, 2007

PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE: We had to get a power of attorney this week to leave here so that our co-workers could take care of business matters in our absence. We also had to cancel our old airline reservations and make new reservations here because the airline here would not work together with our regular airline. It was a real last minute experience we don't want to have to repeat that. It ended up costing us an extra $400. Other more normal preparations were done as well.

CALENDAR/TRACT DISTRIBUTION: We were able to distribute 45-50 Scripture text calendars with tracts to neighbors and friends around our home and in Jonava. Most expressed great pleasure and thanks to us. Our church family begins distributing them in many towns starting this week. Pray for them as they take on this big job. Mark took one especially to our new friend, Petras (Peter), and visited with him for almost 2 hours. Petras is truly a lonely and confused man who needs our friendship and to find Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Please pray with us as seek to minister to him even through the mail during our furlough.

CHURCH MEETINGS: We had good services Wednesday evening and today. The emphasis of Mark's messages Wednesday & today was yield yourselves to God and His righteousness and don't yield to Satan's influence and sin. We are in control of deciding to whom we yield ourselves and therefore, must make the right decision in order to avoid being controlled by the power of sin. It was good to see a former camper in our morning services today. His name is Giedrus. He is studying English and will be meeting with Eric weekly to practice listening and speaking. Pray that these meetings will give Eric the opportunity to present the Gospel to this teen.

FURLOUGH: We are scheduled to leave Vilnius on Tuesday, 7:30 AM (12:30 AM EST) and to arrive in Grand Rapids, MI about 4:30 PM EST. Please pray for our journey before going to bed on Monday and Tuesday morning. We would appreciate it much. We are looking forward to seeing family, church family & many friends during the course of our furlough which will probably be a little longer than we first planned as our daughter's wedding will take place in Michigan on May 3. We are unsure when our phone will be connected so please be patient if you try to call or email us and don't get a response quickly.

Thank you so much for your prayers and interest in our ministry.

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 25, 2007

A SPECIAL VISIT: Our new work week began with a 60 mile trip north to visit our adopted daughter, Jurate, and her family. We had a blessed time of fellowship catching up on news and sharing with them some truths from God's Word. They are troubled by some trends toward worldliness that they are seeing in other churches and how some churches are willing to work together with these churches, allowing their members to be influenced by their worldliness. Please pray for Pastor Dalius & Jurate that they will be faithful to God's Word and take their stand for righteousness and purity.

LADIES CRAFT NIGHT: Seven ladies attended, two for the first time. Regina brought a good gospel devotional about Jesus being the only way to heaven. Pray for Regina & Ruta as they plan to continue this outreach while we are on furlough.

THANKSGIVING DAY: After a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner with the Chapman family We had a very nice afternoon of fellowship and playing games. We enjoyed leftovers from dinner for our supper, too. Yum, Yum! The following day we did some Christmas shopping through the Internet like so many other Americans do at the malls on the day after Thanksgiving.

ANOTHER VISIT: After much prayer, Mark, Eric & Tadas visited a member who is knowingly and willfully sinning. We had to inform her that if there is no evidence of repentance, the process of church discipline will continue until she repents or is removed from the church. Please DO PRAY for this situation.

TODAY: We rejoice that two Roma (gypsy) young adults attended our services. We were glad for the warm reception they received. We have not had any Romas attend in several months. Tadas taught a good lesson in Sunday School, Eric continued his series on the church covenant in the morning service, and Mark preached about how unclean spirits will encourage believers not to cooperate with God's plan for their lives and how we need to be cooperative with God by being attentive and obedient to the voice of God's Spirit in our lives.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 18, 2007

We have had a week of mixed emotions as we have experienced both joy and sadness in our lives and in the lives of our church family.

VISA APPLICATION: Early this week we took our request and necessary documents to the immigration department. After looking over all our documents, we were told by the official that they were in order and we just needed to fill in two more documents and pay the fee at the bank and bring back the receipt and all would be fine. We were amazed at how smoothly it went and how the documents were accepted with no changes being required. Praise the Lord! The 5 year visas should come through rather quickly we were told and even if they come through while we are in the States we have up to six months to pick them up. Please pray that everything proceeds smoothly and that there will be no complications, especially after we leave for our furlough.

RUTA'S FATHER passed away, Monday afternoon. Tadas had been able to share the gospel with him earlier but we do not know if he ever made a decision to trust Christ as his Savior. We went to the visitation on Wednesday and Thursday Mark & Eric attended the burial service following the Mass. It was very sad to watch the darkness of religious traditions and rote prayers. The lack of hope was very evident. How blessed we are as believers to have the blessed hope that comes only through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Following the post-burial dinner, Tadas was distributing Scripture calendars to those who were willing to receive them. Praise the Lord for his burden to reach his own people with the truth of God's Word. Please pray for Ruta, that the sadness of her loss would be limited and that she will allow God's work to be accomplished in her life at this time; that she would take freely of God's grace during these days.

SERVICES: Mark preached a message from the passage, "It is appointed unto man one to die," on Wednesday evening and this evening he preached about how demonic influence leads to an uncivilized or unstructured life. Tadas taught the Sunday School lesson this morning about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Eric preached concerning the spirit of a church covenant. Daiva & Monika have been attending Sunday evening services quite regularly, Please pray that they and their family will come to trust in Christ.

AN ENGAGEMENT: We are pleased to announce the engagement of our daughter Tami to Mr. Tim Entz of Whitewater, Kansas. They are planning a spring wedding. Tim is a farmer who loves our Lord and is active in his local church. Please continue to pray for them as they plan and prepare for their wedding. They will be spending some time with us over the Christmas holidays.

How grateful we are to the Lord that He is with us through all the joys and sorrows of this life. Without Him life would be so much more difficult to live. Praise the Lord for the hope that His presence gives.

Until next time--KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

TOLOSA TIDBITS - November 11, 2007

We had some good reminders this week that winter is right around the corner in this part of the world--that's right it snowed twice once about an inch and about two inches last night. The first snow melted before afternoon was over. Last night's snow lasted longer but is mostly gone now.

Mark preached Wednesday evening and this evening concerning the characteristic of uncleanness in unclean spirits. Mark is hoping to deal with seven more characteristics before we leave in December. In teaching these characteristics, he prays that our people will see how ungodly these characteristics are and that they will allow the Holy Spirit to have the influence in their lives and to avoid the influence unclean spirits wish to have in their lives.

We were very saddened to hear one of our members refuse to accept any blame for her present difficult circumstances. We have tried to help her see that her circumstances are a result of her own poor choices but she is resisting being humble and accepting the responsibility of her own actions. Please pray for her and another member who has shown little interest in spiritual things for the better part of this year. These lambs need our care but have lost interest in receiving the spiritual care they need.

We were able to get two documents in order this week for our visa request. Other documents are ready or almost ready and we hope to take in our request for a 5 year visa Monday or Tuesday of this week. We don't expect them to accept them the first time as that would be very rare. But we do hope to get any further instructions and get everything done by the end of November. Pray that we will have a favorable hearing.

Finally, we ask that you pray for Ruta and her family as Ruta's father seems to be near death, from cancer. He is doing very poorly and the cancer continues to spread. It is so hard to watch a loved one die, but especially when they have rejected the only hope of eternal life.

Thanks again for your prayers! UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING OUR LORD!

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

Tolosa Tidbits, November 4, 2007

Today was our church's "Day of Thanksgiving to God," It was a great blessing to hear our people giving thanks for special Scriptures God has used in their lives this year; for spiritual lesson learned; for growth taken place in their lives; and for physical blessings, too. Mark & Eric both brought messages today concerning things for which we should thank God and fruits of a thankful heart. We concluded our day with thanking the Lord around the Lord's table for the sacrifice of His body & blood. It has truly been a day of thanksgiving and blessing for our little flock.

Good progress was made this week on the Christmas tract. This week we hope to have the editing completed and in the printer's hands soon afterward. Pray that they will be ready for distribution in a timely manner. We hope to begin distributing them with the calendars starting November 26.

We are also thankful to our Lord that we were able to make some temporary repairs to our bathroom floor so that we can now use it until our furlough which begins in one month. Upon further investigation we realized that the damage was more extensive and that needed repairs would take several weeks. Therefore, permanent repairs will be made while we are on furlough.

Mark & Eric visited our member, Birute. Do pray for her -- it's possible another kidney stone attack is in-the-making; she is also diabetic; she was in church this AM, but not feeling well at all.

Please REMEMBER RUTA AND HER FATHER. It appears he is near death with cancer. They've had some good opportunities to show the love of Christ to him and to try to explain the Gospel. PRAY that he will trust Christ.

THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS & INTEREST in our ministry here in Lithuania.

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

 

TOLOSA TIDBITS, October 28, 2007

We've had a dry but often cloudy week here the last full week of October. It was a joy for Mark to once again have a prayer and planning time with Eric. It's always good to have someone else with which to share the burdens and joys of the ministry. There is much to be done these next 5 weeks before we return to the States for our 5 month furlough.

Wednesday, Mark began a series of messages on recognizing the devices of Satan as he seeks to oppress believers. He continued the introduction of this series this evening showing how Satan seeks to discredit the lives of believers. Praise the Lord for freedom in proclaiming His truth.

We had a good visit with Jurate this week admonishing her to be faithful in her Bible reading, memorization & prayer. She has slacked off, giving ground to Satan in her life, and needed the admonition. She took it well but is struggling to get back to the place she needs to be. We fear she is struggling with a divided heart. Please keep praying for her and her children.

Mark, Tadas & Eric spent an afternoon this week tearing out some flooring in our bathroom that was seriously waterlogged due to a leak under the bathtub and condensation from the toilet. So we are living without the use of indoor facilities until repairs can be made. Repairs are supposed to begin on Wednesday but we don't expect to be using the tub or indoor toilet for at least 2 weeks, probably longer. Praise the Lord we have outdoor facilities, running water in the kitchen and a camping toilet for nights!

Mark's Christmas tract begins the process of being translated, edited and prepared for printing this week. We plan to distribute them with the 5,600 Scripture calendars beginning in late November.

Continue to pray that we will be able to get all our documentation together in a timely fashion for making our application for our 5-year visas. We need to get this all done before we leave for our furlough.

UNTIL NEXT TIME KEEP PRAYING AND PRAISING THE LORD!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

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TOLOSA TIDBITS, October 21, 2007

We rejoice to have the Chapmans back from their 9 week furlough. They arrived back midday, Thursday, lacking only one suitcase that missed the transfer in Stockholm.

Services Wednesday and today were good. The Chapman family really help to fill up their side of our meeting room. We were very happy to see Asta, a former member and now a 20 year old university student in our services today. How we pray that many who attended earlier in their teens will realize their need of genuine faith in Christ. Daiva, Monika & Birute also returned to visit our evening service today. Mark preach Wednesday evening and this evening and led music in the Sunday school hour.

Tadas & Ruta got moved into their house this week and Mark helped with some last minute jobs. Following church Wednesday we went over with a tortas to celebrate their move.

The ladies meeting went well with 3 new ladies attending. They seem to be genuinely interested in having more meetings in the future. Regina did a good job with a gospel object lesson.

Our scheduled home Bible study with Jurate became more of a counseling session this week due to her receiving some bad news in the mail. Pray for her that she will respond to this trial correctly and learn the lessons God has for her to learn.

Please pray for Regina's physical & spiritual strength. Her MS seems to be flaring up and she is very concerned for her elderly father who is in very bad health. She has been doing a great job for us and her spirit has been very good in recent months.

The Lord bless you as you faithfully pray for us and obey Him!

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy Tolosa

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TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 14, 2007

In our services Wednesday and today, Mark preached on how we need to use our energy and time the way God desires if we are going to have the strength to do His will. Also, how God renews us day by day as we focus on God's goodness in our lives, trust in the promises of God's Word, remember God's mercies in our lives and live steadfast, unmovable, abounding lives of service to God & others. Today, we had several visitors: Dale with 3 children, Romas, Daiva, Monika & Birute. Some seem to be showing renewed interest in attending services regularly again. Pray that God will do the needed work in each of their hearts.

Mark spent several extra hours this week helping Tadas get the first floor flooring in his house. Much furniture was moved in Saturday, and they hope to move in Tuesday or Wednesday after a few more jobs get finished up. They are looking forward to getting settled in their new home despite some of the challenges it will pose for them.

Mark was able to speak with a straying church member one morning in from of the post office in Jonava. Mark has tried several times to see him at his home without success. Pray that this member will soon seek to be reconciled to the Lord and the church.

We have been taking advantage of breaks in rainy weather to get several outside jobs done in preparation for winter. We've been enjoying our wood stove heat as the weather gets cooler. We had a few nights with frost this week.

Tacy has been busy preparing for her second evangelistic ladies' craft night. Two packages of craft supplies arrived this week from our daughter and a niece. We know of at least 3 unsaved ladies that are planning to attend. Regina will be bringing a gospel presentation.

Ruta's father's surgery revealed cancer that is spreading to several parts of his body--a terminal case. This past week Ruta tried to witness to her Dad but he became angry. Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften his heart to listen to and respond positively to the gospel. This is a very difficult time for the whole family to watch a once very strong, healthy and vibrant man brought down by this dread disease. They all need much prayer. Ruta is strong but very concerned for her parents.

UNTIL NEXT TIME - KEEP PRAYING & PRAISING THE LORD!
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TOLOSA TIDBITS - October 7, 2007

Hard to believe that the first week of October is already history. The weeks just seem to come and go quicker than we realize.

We had blessed times of fellowship in our church services this week. Mark preached and taught about how we receive spiritual power from God as we live our lives yielded to our God-ordained authorities. He also started a message on how we received physical strength from the Lord by using our physical strength to do God's will. We were glad to see Dale & her son visiting on Wednesday and a struggling member and three of her children out today, AM & PM. We, also, were blessed to observe the Lord's Supper in our evening service.

The new Scripture calendars arrived this week. These will be distributed in November and December. Mark is working on a tract to be included with each calendar. The new calendars include our church name and schedule of services on each page-a very nice addition.

We had a beneficial home Bible Study with Jurate this week. Her children were gone so we were able to talk with her a little more candidly about some needs in her life.

We've been experiencing typical fall weather, cool & rainy, which has made it a challenge to get clothes dried and mowing done. We built our first fire of the season in our woodstove, too, this week.

Mark was able to help Tadas with some projects in their new house. This week we hope to get the flooring laid on the first floor and get things moved in.

Ruta's father is scheduled for kidney removal surgery this Thursday or Friday. He is unsaved and unwilling to listen to the Gospel. Please pray for his physical & spiritual needs.

Thanks again for your prayers.

With grateful hearts,

Mark & Tacy

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TOLOSA TIDBITS -September 30, 2007

GETAWAY: The weather was warmer than usual for the last week of September, so we took a two days off for R & R with Lithuanian friends along the Baltic Sea. The area we visited is much like northwest Michigan along Lake Michigan. We enjoyed a sunset cruise along the shoreline traveling toward Kaliningrad, a province of Russia. The sand dunes reminded us of "home." We also enjoyed exploring the sand dunes and other aspects of God's creation. After we enjoyed watchinmg the sun set into the Baltic Sea we turned around to see a full moon rising over the mainland and the Curonian Lagoon.

CHURCH SERVICES: Wednesday and today went well. We were glad to see Zilvinas return for the first time since his mother's death earlier this month. Mark preached concerning God's will for us to give honor to others so that He might give honor and more honor to us. The more we give, the more we receive.

HOME BIBLE STUDY: We had a Bible study with Jurate's family this week in their new place of residence. They now live 9 miles out of Jonava which makes it more difficult for them to attend services. This is the result of some bad choices. We learned today that INGRIDA and her children were planning to surprise us with a visit today but she got called in to work. Please keep praying for these two women and their children that the Lord would get a hold of their hearts and help them see the NEED for fellowship and faithful teaching from God's Word. There are many forces at work trying to keep them from doing right.

Mark was able to help Tadas some more this week, laying more flooring.

Thanks for your prayers!
With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy

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TOLOSA TIDBITS - September 23, 2007

WE PASSED! Yes, we passed the Lithuanian constitution test, which means we can now apply for our five-year residence permits (visas). Praise the Lord for the wisdom He gave us as we took the exam. It was a challenge.

In addition to our regular duties and church services this week, Mark help Tadas lay some laminated flooring in their new house. This was a first for Mark, but once we caught on to how to do it we made good progress until we started to go around things and had to take special measurements and make special cuts. The Lord helped us with wisdom beyond our experience.

Mark concluded his message series on witnessing Wednesday and began a series of messages on giving today. It was interesting to hear our people comment on how these basic truths are so important and how we need to remember to practice them.

Thanks so much for your continued interest, prayers, and encouragement.

With grateful hearts,
Mark & Tacy