Paul & Beth Kostner Newsletter (Winter 2025)

Dear Friends, Family and Former Team Members,

Well, it is the end of January and it seems like it was just last week that I was writing the Fall prayer letter—but that was way back in September...So, buckle up!

In November, we were asked to go to Europe to do set-ups for future teams. I did check the weather update (after all, we live in Florida...) and the temperatures were in the 70’s. However, once we arrived,  we realized that the weather was not going to cooperate with our clothing choices. It was COLD!

Our first stop was Albania. Our missionaries were familiar with Teen Missions as they hosted a Teen Missions team in 2005. Emir and Vita were such gracious hosts. Emir is a pastor and Vita does ministry in the only women’s prison in Albania. Both have a passion for evangelism. We visited Emir’s church and the site where they plan to run both a children’s camp and a camp for those with physical handicaps. We also visited the prison where Vita works. It is brand new, located on a hill overlooking a lake, and on the Macedonian border. This was my first visit to a prison, and I will admit that it was definitely not what I expected. Of course, there was security when entering the prison (we had to be “pre-approved” with copies of our passports being emailed before our visit). Vita leads a weekly Bible study at the prison and there were about 15 women who attended. I did a short message from the book of Philippians and then Vita spoke. Although not everyone there was a Christian, the ladies were so polite and attentive to the teaching of God’s Word. Some of their stories were heartbreaking, but it was such a blessing to see many of them seeking the Lord. After our prison visit, we visited another possible project site at a Christian youth camp. 

The next stop was Hungary. We stayed at a Christian retreat center that was at the site of a church. The pastor and his wife were amazing hosts (and she was a great cook!). We stayed in one of the cottages on the grounds. They plan to run a children’s ministry (like a VBS) and there are some work projects the team could be involved with. We also traveled about 1-1/2 hours to another village where we visited a Christian boarding school. This school was taken over by the communists when they were in power and now it is back in the hands of a church. The team will also be able to do various projects on the campus, along with a ministry with the local children. One of our last evenings, we traveled to Budapest to see some of the sights. I managed to “face plant” while walking. My face was bruised pretty badly. I did hit my front teeth and one continues to be sensitive (Our dentist thinks it will be OK, but will need to be monitored). I am thankful I didn’t lose any teeth, but please pray that it will fully heal.

Sweden was our next destination. Our first stop was the YWAM base that Teen Missions has sent many teams to. It is a large base with several buildings needing repairs. Covid really affected their ministry, but they are starting to finally see more interest in their ministry. It would be a great place to send a team. Way back in 1990-1991, Paul and I led a “Missionary To America” team. We had one member from Sweden and another from El Salvador—and they got married! Niina is now a college professor and her family spends their summer vacation at an “RV Camp” which would be a great site for a team—several possible work projects and many opportunities for children’s ministry. We had dinner with Niina and Jaime and three of their four children. What a blessing to “catch up”. We had a lot of laughs as we reminisced about our year together.

Our last stop was Germany. We visited a Christian camp that Teen Missions has worked with over the years, but it has been several since we have sent a team to that location. There are many projects needing to be done and the camp will have campers coming this summer, so the ministry opportunities abound.

We thoroughly enjoyed our three weeks in Europe, despite the cold. It was such a blessing to meet the missionaries who have vital ministries in meeting the spiritual needs of those in their sphere of influence. 

We had good Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with the kids. Danae was not able to come home for either holiday and she was missed. She was able to be here for Kenzie’s bridal shower (BJ’s fiancee) and then will come back for the wedding. 

FAMILY UPDATE

It is hard to believe that BJ is getting married on March 15th! Everything, except the last minute tasks, are done. It was a blessing to have Lindsay and Jaime here for Thanksgiving and Christmas along with the birthday dinners. Even though they only live an hour away, our busy lives get in the way. Danae is still working for the same company, but she is now working in the hospitality area. Right now, she is training her replacement who lives in Singapore. Colton has moved into Nam’s apartment and is getting settled in. Due to his work schedules, we don’t get to see him as much as we expected. He continues to work on his computer courses and will hopefully be finished in the next few months. 

And for the exciting news...Lord willing, we will be leading the Cambodia team this summer and we are so excited. Right now, we have 14 team members and three other leaders. Several more team members are “in process”. Our team will be working on the construction of a dormitory for our students in the Cambodia Bible school. We will also have opportunities to participate in the school’s Sunday school ministries. We cannot wait to return and see the staff and students (and the staff kids, of course). 

Many thanks to all of those who are faithful ministry partners with us with your prayers and finances. We have been on staff for almost 35 years and we still love what we do. We could not do it without you!

Paul and Beth