Harlan Lee, Director of Romania Work, and John Baros, pastor in Medford, Oregon, have returned with a good report after visiting branch churches in Romania for nearly three weeks.

They arrived in Arad on Thursday evening, October 2, to begin their visits in the western region of the work. They were met by Ted Bora and Gheorghe Macovei, the Western and Eastern District Superintendents respectively, who would accompany them throughout the trip.

Western Region

Shortly after arriving, they joined a service in progress at the Sanpetru-German location. The congregation, which had been singing for thirty minutes, gave a warm welcome to the visitors. Then a sweet time of fellowship was enjoyed, during which Brother Harlan and Brother John each shared greetings and brief exhortations from Scripture.

The next evening, the four attended a service at Comlosul Mic. Brother John said this is a cozy church, and throughout the meeting, there was a warm atmosphere. On Saturday, the team visited branch churches at Bulgarus and Teremia Mica. The Spirit of the Lord was powerfully present in all the services, and Brother Harlan said there was a sincere response to every altar call. 

For the Sunday services, the team went to Gottlob in the morning and Zadareni, the western headquarters, in the evening. As this part of the trip concluded, Brother John noted how hospitably they had been received. He said, “The saints on the west side of Romania have been so kind. After nearly every service, they invited us into their homes and prepared wonderful three or four-course meals for us.”

Northern Region

The second portion of the trip took the team of four to the area surrounding Pascani in the northern region of the work. They participated in a church service at Bosteni on Tuesday, October 7. Though many from this location are currently working outside the country, there were forty in attendance. The next evening, they went to Humulesti for a service in which seventy-five were present. Then on Thursday, they joined sixty for a meeting in Vanatori Neamt. During these services, the saints were encouraged from God’s Word on the topics of “David and Goliath,” “Creation,” “The Prodigal Son,” and “Ye Must Be Born Again.” Each message was followed by earnest prayer around the altars. As the team left the Pascani area, Brother Harlan marveled at how many had received Christ into their hearts since 2012 when the work in this region began.

Eastern Region

On Friday, October 10, the missionaries attended a service at Ramnicu Sarat in the eastern region of the work, and on the next day at Coroteni. Attendance was good at both locations, and the congregations were very engaged. For the Sunday services, the team went to Bucharest in the morning and Butimanu in the evening. The messages from Jude 3 on “Earnestly Contending for the Faith” and from Matthew 7:13-14 on “The Narrow Way” were well received. There was sweet fellowship at all four locations.

Southern Region

The week of October 13, the team participated in services in the southern region of the work, going to Oltenia, Gavanesti, Mihaita, Capu Dealului, Radovan, and Margaritesti. Then on Saturday, they went to Ghindeni for a service. Of the sixty-five who attended, more than half were visitors. Brother Harlan gave a message from Jude 3, introducing the Apostolic Faith work and motto. He also highlighted the logo, “Jesus, the Light of the World,” and shared some of his family’s testimony. Then, Brother John brought a message from Acts 16 on the Philippian jailer’s conversion. During the service, many tears were shed, and afterward, three went forward and prayed to receive salvation.

For the Sunday services, the team went to Motatei Sat in the morning where they were received warmly and enjoyed a sweet service. In the evening, they went to Craiova, for a service that included five baby dedications. It was led by Mara Negrila, who is the pastor and Southern Romania District Superintendent. There were many visitors, and at the close, a husband and wife tearfully prayed, giving their hearts to the Lord.

Conclusion

Brother Harlan reported that in every service, he and Brother John extended greetings from the Portland headquarters and their own locations. He said that in return, “The saints always give assurance of their continual prayers for us and this worldwide work, and they are so appreciative of our prayers.”