Director of Romania Work, Harlan Lee, recently returned from a two-week trip to Romania where he visited our congregations in the Western and Southern regions of the country. For the first leg of the trip, he was joined by Wayne Butler, pastor at our church in Port Angeles, Washington. They arrived in Arad on Tuesday, September 29, and were met by Ted Bora, the Western Romania District Superintendent, who would be their interpreter.

The next evening, they attended a service in Sanpetru-German, where our first Romanian church was dedicated in 2002. During the testimonies, one brother who has attended from the beginning expressed appreciation for our unwavering commitment to preach God’s Word in its fullness. A sister testified that though she had not been taught about Jesus, she saw the words “Jesus the Light of the World” in a dream. Then she came to this church, and when she saw those same words on the logo, she prayed and surrendered her life to God. For the message, the congregation was encouraged from Malachi 3:16-17 to know that God takes note of believers when they gather. 

The team was joined on Thursday by Gheorghe Macovei, the Eastern Romania District Superintendent, and they went to Gottlob for a service. The congregation was blessed by choirs of all ages, including children. The visitors especially enjoyed songs in English, such as “Amazing Grace.” Brother Wayne gave the message, recounting from Joshua how God delivered Jericho into the hands of the Israelites. Then he noted that God still gives victory to those who follow His instructions.

The next evening, the team went to Comlosu Mic, where a small but faithful group worships. A message from 1 Thessalonians 1:3 acknowledged the congregation for their “work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope.” Then, a second message encouraged them from 2 Timoty 1:6 to “stir up the gift of God” within them. The service was followed by a good time of prayer and then fellowship over a meal.

On Saturday, October 3, a service in Teramia Mica was sprinkled throughout with beautiful music specials, blessing all in attendance.   

The Sunday morning service in Bulgarus began with a group of young adults leading the congregational singing. Then a children’s ensemble sang in English, “Jesus Loves Me.” As in previous services, Brother Harlan extended greetings from the Portland headquarters and American congregations. The messages inspired many to go forward at the close of the meeting to pray and be prayed over for healing.

In the evening, nearly ninety attended a service in Zadareni, the headquarters location for the Western region of our work. Here, many young people have received musical instruments provided by the Adams Music Foundation of our church in Roseburg, Oregon. Brother Harlan said these musicians have made great progress over this past year, and their music was a blessing throughout the service. An exhortation from Malachi 3:10 encouraged those gathered to give all to God who has promised to “pour you out a blessing” to overflowing. 

Brother Wayne returned home on Tuesday while the others went to the Craiova church, which anchors our work in the southern region of Romania. After the service, many were prayed for, including a five-year-old named Sofie who was born unable to hear.        

Two services took place on Wednesday. First, a full congregation in Mototei Sat was encouraged from 1 and 2 John to “walk in truth.” Then the saints in Bucharest were exhorted from Matthew 7:24-27 to build on the Rock, which is Jesus.

On Thursday, October 8, Toyin Emitola, who pastors in Peckham, England, joined the mission team in time for a service in Osica de Jos. Following Brother Harlan’s exhortation from Jude 3 to “earnestly contend for the faith,” he spoke on God’s love from John 3:16.     

The next day, a service took place in Margaritesti among another small but faithful group that faces many challenges within the community. These were encouraged to build their spiritual lives on a sure foundation.

An inaugural service took place at the church in Ghindeni on Saturday where the congregation is rapidly increasing. This past year alone, seven converts have joined their number. To accommodate the new growth, land was purchased in the spring, and an existing building was refurbished over a three-month period. Brother Harlan said the building is beautiful but there is still work to be done, including purchasing and installing a heating system. The saints are looking to the Lord to provide for this. As the meeting began, extra chairs and benches were brought in to accommodate all the attendees, and still several had to listen from outside. During the service, one received salvation and another was baptized in water.   

Two services were held on the final day of the trip, Sunday, October 11. The first was at Capu Dealului, where a new church is under construction and nearing completion. Both Brother Harlan and Brother Toyin shared messages of encouragement, and many prayed afterward. The second service was at Radovan, where there is a tight-knit group of about thirty. They enjoyed congregational singing and exhortations from God’s Word. Then, one woman was baptized in water, and afterward, her young-adult daughter prayed through to salvation. All agreed it was a wonderful conclusion to the trip.

Pray for the saints in Romania. Brother Harlan said they face many challenges but are resilient and full of faith, and he observed many victories among them.