September/October 2014

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And [Abraham] believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:5,6)

God revealed His plan to Abraham to make a great nation from his descendants. They would be innumerable, and God’s covenant would never end. Abraham believed the word of the Lord without hesitation, and God blessed him.

Building Progress

The biggest news to report since our last update is the addition of a "wood/storage shed" behind the building. Luke and Dave were able to connect the electric from the main building to the shed and the bathrooms in back. This provides lighting as well. Also the men from the church added a sidewalk from the front of the church to the buildings in the rear. We used the same vivid orange for the bathrooms and shed as the main building.

We are in the process of closing out our building project with the mayor’s office. Once that is completed we will schedule the dedication. We have received conflicting reports about whether we will need to pay tax on our property and building as a non-profit association. Pray that we receive an exemption.

Ministry News

In October Ruth and Kim resumed separate Sunday School classes. The Roma children sing together and then those ages 2-7 follow Ruth to her classroom. She has begun a new 7-week series on Creation. Each week they will learn what God created on a certain day and sing a song Ruth wrote to help them remember. They especially enjoy puppet Papagalul Petrutiu (Little Peter Parrot) who teaches the Bible verse (Gen. 1:1) and rewards them with a "love peck" on the neck. Ruth also teaches other basics (behavior, colors, numbers) since most of the children are behind even before they've started kindergarten. Averaging 10-20 children, the class is a challenge, but Ruth is enjoying it.

Attendance in the adult services has increased now that mushroom season is nearly over. We also resumed the teen night every other Friday, and we are averaging 10-12. Luke is encouraging the teens to stay for the adult service rather than leaving after the children's class, and several have begun doing so. We are praying that they will see their need for salvation while they are young so they will avoid the wrong path in life.

Political Change

Nov. 2 was Romania's presidential election, and a run-off will take place on Nov. 16. The past two years have been especially divisive between the current president and the prime minister and parliament, while corruption continues to be a significant drag on public resources. Many Romanians are resorting to leaving the country for work as wages continue to lag way behind the rest of Europe, while the cost of living rises. Please pray that the best candidate for Romania will be elected.

You are an integral part in this ministry. Thank you!

Dave, Ruth, Celeste, and Amber