September Events

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One month ago, I arrived in Romania. It is truly wonderful to be here again. I have become aware of just how much I missed being here. I don't think I've eaten anything that I haven't loved, and I am constantly having to pause when walking to take in all the sights of God's marvelous creation. I am also seeing how church members have grown in their leadership and unity and am looking for ways to work alongside them as we together make Christlike disciples.

Here are a few highlights from this first month in Romania:

Life’s Happenings
Arrival in Romania & First Week in Romania. Even though it had been over five years since I was last in Romania, it feels like I've been away for only a few weeks. What were my first impressions after returning to Romania? Click here to read about my first week in Romania.

A few days after my arrival, a group of 12 American college students arrived. They are studying here in Sighişoara for the semester through the Romanian Studies Program. (This is how I first came to Romania in 2001.) I get to interact with the students often. In fact, this past weekend I traveled to them on their first excursion in Romania — to Bran Castle and to the city of Braşov. On the way, we saw a Romanian “sheep festival.” We stopped and bought some cheese to eat with our picnic lunch.

Photos: Click here to view photos I’ve taken this month.

Book Reviews: One of my book reviews has been published in Engage Magazine this month. (In August another one was published.)


Ministry Highlights
Learning the Language. My primary responsibility until Christmas is to become more fluent in Romanian. I will have class every weekday, so I can improve my language skills, especially conversation and grammar. (Click here to continue reading.)

Building Relationships. During these first few months I’m in Romania, I am intentionally connecting with Romanians, especially the leaders of our three churches. Later I will be working alongside them and training them for ministry. As I begin my ministry in Romania, I want to observe what they are already doing and listen to how they want me to help them. Then I can work with them to prioritize our objectives and begin developing the discipleship ministries in our churches. Next week, I will be going with all of the Romanian church leaders to Macedonia for the annual Southeastern Europe Nazarene field conference. This will be a wonderful atmosphere to connect with them.

Culture Corner
The Real Dracula. Did you know a 15th-century Romanian prince was named Dracula? Click here to read about Transylvania’s most famous resident.

Made in Romania. It is not everyday that we stop to recognize some of the contributions Romanians have given to the world. Click here to read about some of the most notable discoveries and inventions made by Romanians over the centuries.

New Money. In July 2005, Romania adjusted their currency by dropping four zeros from their money. It’s taken a little time to get used to the new money. Click here to continue reading.

Joining the Mission
Praises & Prayer Requests. Thank you for your commitment to praying for me while I’m in Romania. Click here to view specific praises and prayer requests.

Financial Update. Thanks to God’s faithfulness and generous donors like you, I have met my goal of $25,000 for the first 2 years of ministry in Romania through donations and pledges. Click here to read more.

Exploring our Mission. I have begun a series of blog posts about what it means for the Church to be involved in mission. The first three parts are available online.

Part I: Understanding our Mission
Part II: The Mission of God
Part III: The Goal of Mission

Sending Mail
I love to receive mail. Click here to learn where to send mail.

Want to learn more?
Stay connected throughout the month at www.jepjon.com, with pictures, stories, and more.