Highlights from November

November 2009

After three months in Romania, I am still enjoying the newness of being here, yet at the same time, it feels like I've always been here because life seems "normal."

The end of October and the first part of November were very busy. In the past week, however, things have slowed down a little, which is allowing me to feel more settled in my apartment and start following a schedule again.


Ministry Highlights

• District Assembly – Church leaders met in early November for the annual assembly of the Romania district. Click here to read the highlights.
• Romanian Churches Pray for the Persecuted. I was asked to preach in the Sighișoara and Țigmandru churches on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Click here to read about how we connected with persecuted Christians.
• A Day in Bucharest. My ministry role is to develop discipleship ministries and Christian lay leadership training for all the Churches of the Nazarene in Romania. Earlier this month, I traveled to Bucharest to spend time with the missionaries there, giving shape to the ministry I've been given the responsibility to oversee in Romania. Click here to read about the highlights of my day in Bucharest.
  
• Romanian Language. Before arriving in Romania, I requested that the first few months be spent primarily focusing on learning the language. Being able to minister in a culture is dependent upon being able to understand and speak the language. Although I'm still far from being fluent, I have learned much this semester. I still have three more weeks until breaking for Christmas, in which time I hope to cram as much Romanian language as possible into my brain. Once I assume additional responsibilities in January, I hope to continue taking classes, but less frequently than I am now.
  

Life's Happenings

• Trip to Bulgaria. I joined the 12 American students and 3 other volunteers on a weekend trip to Bulgaria. We visited Balcick and Razgrad. Click here to read more.
• Thanksgiving in Romania – On Friday evening, nearly 50 of us gathered for Thanksgiving dinner. Click here to read more.
  
• Pictures. I apologize for not including pictures in last month's e-newsletter. This month I have lots of pictures. Click here for pictures from October and November.
  

Join the Mission
Ways to Partner in mission

• Connect – Throughout December, look for updates at my blog (jepjon.blogspot.com) with glimpses into life in Romania during the holidays.
  
• Pray – Please join me in praying for the Church of the Nazarene in Romania. Click here to pray for specific requests.
  
• Give – If you or your business wants to give a year-end tax-deductible contribution, please consider giving to support me or a ministry in Romania.
  
• Engage – Have you ever had to plan a missions service or led a missions group but didn’t know what to emphasize? Click here for recent articles that will make your missions meaningful and not just entertaining. Learn how to turn "charitable donations" into gifts that really make a difference and find out reasons why every Christian should participate in missions.
  

Blessings to you during this Advent season, as we await the coming of our Lord.

Jonathan