Harlan Lee, Director of Romania Work, recently returned with a good report after a two-week visit to our congregations in Romania. He arrived in Bucharest on Monday, February 9, and was welcomed by Gheorghe Macovei and Ted Bora, the Eastern and Western District Superintendents respectively. They became his traveling companions, joined a week later by Ryan Erdmann of Portland, Oregon.

On Tuesday, the team traveled north to Pascani, a town of about 35,000 surrounded by small villages. We have three churches here, anchored by the congregation in Bosteni, and this is where they held the first service. A good number of people attended and were engaged throughout the three-hour meeting, praying intensely at every opportunity. For the message, Brother Harlan exhorted them from Jude 3 to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Afterward, many prayed at the altars and then twenty-five were anointed and prayed over for healing. The next service was held in Humulesti on Thursday evening. There were fifty in attendance who were encouraged by two exhortations highlighting the words of Jesus, “Ye must be born again,” from John 3:7.

Friday’s activities included a visit to the home of Nicolae and Alina, who have twelve children. The couple ministers to many in their small village, and five joined them for fellowship, including a message on “The Sower and the Seed.” In the evening, the team went to Vanatori Neamt, where the congregation, though poor in worldly goods, is rich in faith. A sweet service was enjoyed by all, after which many went forward to receive prayer for healing. Before leaving the area, the visitors went to the home of the pastor whose wife, Maria, is battling cancer. They anointed and prayed for her with assurances that the saints in the United States would pray also.

Over the weekend, the team traveled to four church locations in the eastern region of our work. On Saturday, they attended services in Coroteni and Ramnicu Sarat. These were small rural gatherings among faithful saints. For the Sunday services, they went to Bucharest in the morning. The sanctuary overflowed with people, including several visitors, and the Lord made His presence known. In the evening, they went to Butimanu where they enjoyed good music and fellowship. This relatively new group was very engaged in hearing the Word and in praying together afterward.

Brother Ryan joined the travelers on Monday, February 16, as they began visits to churches in the southern region of our work. The first service was held in Capu Dealului where the building is under construction and nearly completed. There were so many visitors in attendance that regular attendees gave up their chairs and stood in the back as the service progressed. Two messages were given. The first was taken from Revelation 22:17 and emphasized that “The Whosoever Will May Come.” The second message was from Genesis 1:1-2 on God’s ability to take a life in turmoil and make something wonderful of it. At the close, everyone joined in prayer and then many went forward to receive prayer for healing. 

The next services were held in Radovan on Wednesday, in Gavanesti on Thursday, and in Margaritesti on Friday. At every location the congregational singing was heartfelt and there was a good response to the exhortations from God’s Word. Following the service in Radovan, a father brought his young son for prayer. The boy had set several fires, which caused damage. Since being prayed for, the child has stopped his destructive behavior and is doing better in school as well. In Gavenesti, several in need of salvation were in attendance and it was clear that the Lord was speaking to their hearts. In Margaratesti, the small group of faithful saints rallied around the call to prayer, pouring out their hearts to the Lord.

The village of Ghindeni was visited next on Saturday. Though there is not an Apostolic Faith church here, the process of locating land or a building has begun. In the meantime, the mayor provided free access to the community center for a service. He made the building available last year as well, and during that service, four received salvation. They have been attending a local church ever since. This year, the audience was full. Both Brother Harlan and Brother Ryan gave messages. They were able to introduce our organization and share that we have stood for the truth for 120 years. At the close, there was a good response to the invitation to pray.

The last day of the trip was Sunday, February 22. For the morning service, the team went to Motatei Sat where they enjoyed four messages interspersed with music specials provided by a young ladies’ ensemble. In the evening, they went to Craiova where the congregation is scheduled to begin a campaign of “Prevailing Prayer” meetings soon. Two messages were given, with the last being from Acts 1 and 2. It focused on the need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a wonderful response followed. Brother Harlan said he looks forward in the near future, should the Lord tarry, to hearing of many who have received this important gift.

The visiting team of ministers returned home on Tuesday, February 24, encouraged by the faith and steadfast zeal for the Gospel they encountered during this trip to Romania.