From the Superintendent's DESK

Nearly 150 campers woke up this morning to beautiful views and wonderful fellowship at the Valea Lui Liman campsite in Romania. The annual youth camp began there on Saturday, July 29, and is scheduled to continue through Saturday, August 5.

Representing the Portland headquarters, Harlan Lee of Roseburg, Oregon, arrived in Romania a few days before the youth camp on Thursday, July 27. He is accompanied by Joseph Buliga and Hunter Cripps, both of the Portland congregation. They were greeted by Ted Bora, the Western Romania District Superintendent, and shortly thereafter participated in a service at the Zadareni headquarters church where Brother Ted is the pastor.

The next day, they traveled to the youth camp to join others coming from the Republic of Benin and branch locations throughout Romania. These include Bucharest, Capu Dealului, Cosoveni, Craiova, Lovrin, Margaritesti, Motatei Sat, Sanpetru-German, and Teremia Mica. 

The introductory service was conducted by Gheorghe Macovei, the Eastern Romania District Superintendent. He welcomed everyone and led in singing several songs. Then a message was taken from 2 Kings 2:9, emphasizing that Elisha asked for and received a double portion of God’s Spirit. The listeners were encouraged to take advantage of the time at youth camp and seek God wholeheartedly. Several tarried in prayer afterward. 

The Sunday morning service began at 10:00 with a special song from the Capu Dealului group. Then Brother Joseph shared his testimony. This was followed by a combined choir from Teremia Mica and Capu Dealului singing “You Are the Most Wonderful God.” The message was given by Nicu Comenescu, the pastor at Capu Dealului. He spoke on staying true through the challenges of the last days.

Following a music special, Brother Harlan gave a second message from Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He noted the testimony of a woman present at the youth camp. He said that fifteen years ago, he and John Musgrave prayed for this woman following a cottage meeting in Ghindeni and she was wonderfully saved. He pointed out that she was lost, but God looked for her, found her, and has kept her these many years. Following the service, many tarried at the altars for over an hour.

Campers continued to arrive throughout the day, and all the seats were filled for the evening service. It began with a music special provided by a ladies’ ensemble from Bucharest. Then several short exhortations were shared, interspersed with songs and testimonies, including that of Brother Hunter. One testimony was from a young man who received salvation and healing on May 18 after prayer was requested for him in America. The service concluded with an exhortation from Mark 6:56-56, including, “As many as touched him were made whole.” Afterward, Brother Harlan reported that the altars filled with “several reaching out and touching Jesus.”

Let’s remember to pray for the attendees at this youth camp that many will touch Jesus and be made whole in both body and soul.