I want to return to the topic of Romania and the church there. I am always delighted by the communication as they struggle with English. All I can say is that they are doing a whole lot better than I am with Romanian. The heart of these people is so great. They work and sacrifice for their church the way many of our members did in decades past. These precious souls are still less than 20 years past communism under a very hard and strict dictator. They are poor, simple folk who would gladly sacrifice their last skinny rooster to flavor a broth for a visiting pastor. I know from experience. This year I will be working with a different pastor in the main series of meetings, but it looks like I will also be doing another series (one in the afternoon and one in the evening) with the pastor I have worked with the past two visits. Let me share the two most recent communications with the new pastor. His name is Emanuel.
Jan. 9, 2007
Hi Marvin:
I’ve spoke with Vali (senior pastor) about this project and we are agree that this period is good for evanghelisation. On 7th day of april we have Easter here, ortodox one. And the period is very good, we think (13-28 april). About evening off, we think that is better to have just one (may be Thursday) for no losing contact with people.
About visiting Florian’s father church, we spoke with him and it’s oky.
We bought chairs for church and inside is almost ready. Outside we still working but it isn’t going well. I will send you pictures soon.
Here you will find few pictures with Maldaieni church. It’s from inside and outsite also.
Inside is almost ready. But outside we have to still working. The biggest problem for now is funds to get ready. We think that if you will came here with some help from differents sponsors for that, we will loan/borrow money to finish the work. The brothers from here want very much to do that and they wait for an answer from you about that.
Next month (February) we will have a health program in Maladaieni to prepare people for evangelization. May God bless this opportunity.
May God bless you and your family and see you soon.
Emanuel
Florian is the pastor I have worked with the past two series. He is now in a nearby district where his parents live. His parents are both Orthodox and they disowned him when he became a Seventh-day Adventist, but he has been able to renew their relationship. I visited in his parents’ home two years ago and his father and I became quite close. He told Florian that the only time he would come to his church was if I was preaching. We are praying that I will be able to do an entire series there this year at the same time as Maldaeni. They are about 40 km apart. It would be a wonderful thing if this man could truly accept Christ as his Savior and join the church. I know his wife would come with him. Please pray for this. Now allow him to share it in his own words.
Hellooooooooooo Napa:
Today I’ve heard the good news: my colleague, Emanuel Untesu, told me that you’ll be back (Your governor’s saying). May I do some plans to enjoy with you in my family and/or in my church(es)? Will you have time? I know a person who is waiting for you, also: this is my father. I’m not sure if he is so much interested in religion, but to see you again and discuss with you. Anyway, he declared that he will go to the AdventistChurch only when you will come (!?). Who knows...? But the most desirous is, of course, Sebi. You know all of us are glad to see you again, because you became our friend.
Usually in that period of time is a kindly whether, our springtime. It will be warmer, but anyhow, don’t forget the leather hat that distinguishes you as a genuine American! (Do you remember the shout of that noisy man on the street in Alexandria?)
I am glad for your willingness to visit my father and my home church. I will announce him. The gladness will be greater if you are willing to preach in one of my actual churches also. I mean to have another evangelist meeting in a day, in addition to Maldaeni. What do you say? Would this be tiresome for you? Are you feeling too old?
Blessings, Florian
There was more, but that is the best of it. I love these men and their members. Let’s help them all we can.
