From the Superintendent's DESK

Wayne Butler of Port Angeles, Washington, and Jeff Downey of Van Buren, Arkansas, with his son, Ethan, are visiting our churches in Romania on behalf of the Portland headquarters. They arrived in Arad on Thursday evening, September 28, and quickly made their way to the Sanpetru-German church where a service was in progress.

During the meeting, Brother Ethan had an opportunity to share his testimony and told how the Lord has blessed him. Then Brother Jeff gave a message from Philippians 1 and 3, encouraging the saints to keep pressing toward the mark and allowing God to complete the work He began in them. Brother Wayne also gave a message. Taking his text from John 5, about the man Jesus healed at the pool of Bethesda, he exhorted all to take their cares to the Lord in faith. A great time of prayer followed each message.

Keeping up the busy pace, the next evening the team went to Comlosu Mic for a combined service with the Teremia Mica congregation. Then on Saturday, they participated in a service at Timisoara, and on Sunday, October 1, they went to services at Gottlob and Zadareni. All of these locations are in the Western region of the Romania work where Ted Bora is the District Superintendent, and he has accompanied the three, interpreting for them. As the trip progresses, our team hopes to visit churches in all four areas where our Romania work is located.

The service at Gottlob was well-attended and featured several beautiful specials including from the orchestra, a children’s choir, and a mixed quartet. A time of prayer for the sick was conducted during the meeting, and toward the close, communion was taken. Afterward, Brother Jeff reported that the Spirit of the Lord was present in a mighty way throughout the proceedings.

At Zadareni, the headquarters for the Western Romania work, where Brother Ted is the pastor, a wonderful service closed with a blessed time of prayer around the altars.

On Monday morning, the team traveled to the Romania youth camp site at Valea Lui Liman before continuing to Capu Dealului in the Southern region of our work for an evening service. A new church is under construction here and nearing completion. The team was pleased with the progress made since the last visit in February. Also impressive was the beautifully designed exterior and the spaciousness of the sanctuary.   

For the remainder of this week, the team is scheduled to continue in southern Romania, accompanied by Mara Negrila who leads the work in this region. Pray for the Lord’s traveling mercies and blessings on all the services.